Our department offers several programs leading to the B.S. and B.A. degrees in physics. The philosophy of our degree programs is to train students not only to acquire the knowledge of Physics but to learn how to solve new problems and to participate in the creation of new knowledge. <br><br>The extensive course offerings and modern facilities within the Department of Physics & Astronomy, coupled with close, personal counseling by faculty advisers, provide students with a physics program that is characterized by its breadth and flexibility. Students are also encouraged to participate in undergraduate research during their stay at UCR. The hands-on experience gained from this can be invaluable for their future careers. In 2009, 57% of graduates participated in research with our faculty.<br>The BA degree is a flexible degree with the balance of a liberal arts degree and rigor to make students competitive for graduate school in astronomy, physics, or engineering and unique preparation for professional school admission and careers (i.e., patent law, high technology business, science education, science/defense/energy policy). The BA requires 70 units of lower division (27 Physics, 15 Chemistry, 24 Math, 4 Computer Science), and a minimum of 41 units of upper division Physics, totaling 111 units in the major and 68 units of breadth, totaling 179 units. The differences between the BA and BS degree requirements are that the BA degree replaces 16 units of upper division physics with 28 units of additional breadth requirements (8 humanities, 4 social sciences, 16 foreign language).<br>The sample schedule below is shown with 199 units including 5 general electives. Note that you must complete a minimum of 180 units to be eligible for graduation. Students who wish to take more than 216 units must receive permission from the associate dean. Travel Abroad may be easily accommodated in Spring of Year 3.