Undergraduate
Majors Offered:
Embark on a journey with hands-on learning, supportive faculty, and opportunities that spark your passion.
The Undergraduate Program
Physics (Astrophysics) Major
The UCSC major in “physics (astrophysics)” is jointly administered by the Physics Department and Astronomy and Astrophysics Department. It combines a core physics major with advanced electives in astrophysics, an astrophysics laboratory course, and an optional senior thesis work on a topic in astrophysics. It is a rigorous program designed to prepare students for a broad range of technical careers or for entry into graduate or professional program.
Astrophysics Minor
For undergraduate students having a particular interest in the subject, a minor in astrophysics is offered. Most students who minor in astrophysics are majors in another area of the physical sciences, but it can be taken by any student who has a special interest in astronomy and astrophysics.
The minor in astronomy and astrophysics requires that students take the Physics 5 or 6 series (with associated laboratories), Physics 102, and a minimum of four additional 100-level courses listed here.
Advising
Contact
Department Office
Room 271 of the Interdisciplinary Sciences Building (ISB) on Science Hill
Christian Sanchez
(Undergraduate Student Adviser)
**Note**: Astronomy and Astrophysics undergraduate advising is administered via the Physics Department.
Voicemail: (831) 459-5683
Fax: (831) 459-1568
Physics Advising Email: physicsadvising@ucsc.edu
Advising
Make an appointment: Use our online appointment system to schedule a 20-min appointment to meet one-on-one with your advisor.
**NOTE**: Appointments are only available two weeks in advance. Each day a new set of appointment times becomes available and cancellations may be made at any time. If you are not able to attend your appointment, please cancel to allow that time slot to be used by your fellow students.
Come to drop-in advising: We host drop-in hours each Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday morning and afternoon in the Physics Department office, Interdisciplinary Sciences Building, Room 211. We also offer extended drop-in advising hours during the beginning of each quarter. Check our advising calendar for availability.