Admission to the University of California, San Diego

Students who are interested in pursuing a major within the Department of Physics must first be admitted to the University of California, San Diego. Prospective students who are interested in applying to the University of California, San Diego should read the information below and should also visit the UC San Diego Admissions website to review eligibility and admission requirements. All questions related to university admission should be directed to UC San Diego Admissions.

Incoming Fall 2026 admits who want to declare Physics as their major can do so through the Major/Minor Tool after enrolling in their first Fall 2026 course.
 

 

Incoming FA26 Freshman Admit Information

Because the New Triton Advising (NTA) Site is currently down, our welcome info. will temporarily posted here. Please wait until the NTA is back up in order to submit questions to the Physics Department. 

Welcome to the Physics program at UC San Diego! We’re excited to have you join our community and are here to support you as you begin your undergraduate journey.

To get started, please complete the steps outlined below no later than July 1:

Step 1: Review the Major Requirements & Major Regulations

  • Notice the lower division MATH (18, 20A-B-C-D-E) and PHYS (41, 2CL-2DL, 4A-B-C-D-E) courses that are part of the major. Notice the regulations on grading options for courses applying to the major. 

  • PHYS 2 series lecture courses (PHYS 2A-2B-2C-2D) do not satisfy major requirements.

  • MATH 10 series lecture courses (MATH 10A-B-C) do not satisfy major requirements.

  • Honors MATH (31AH-BH-CH) automatically applies in place of MATH 18, 20C, 20E, respectively.  

Step 2: Based on your Math Placement, you are required to select and follow either the standard academic plan or an alternate plan. Keep in mind:

  • If you will have MATH 20A completed by the end of Fall of year 1, you can select and follow the standard plan or an alternate plan.

  • If you will not have MATH 20A completed by the end of Fall of year 1, you must select and follow an alternate plan.

  • It's essential to follow the provided plan and adhere to the enrollment guidance we send before each registration period.

  • When looking at the plan, you may notice that you are eligible for one/more math courses earlier than when they are listed. Feel free to complete your required lower-division math ahead of schedule (department approval is not required for this). 

  • Most physics courses are offered only once a year, making it impossible to take them in a term other than when they are listed on the plan. The Department COMMENTS below the qtr-by-qtr section of the plan will spell out which major requirements you can move on the plan.

  • If there are any changes to course offerings and/or prerequisites in the future, we will contact you with updated guidance.

  • If you foresee challenges following one of the department's plans, please immediately contact PHYSICS for advice and assistance.

Step 3: Read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Incoming Freshman Admits in the Physics Department Handbook

Step 4: Mark Your Calendar for the Incoming Physics Major Orientation

  • Date: Monday, September 21
  • Time: 9:00–11:00 AM
  • Location: TBA

Step 5: Learn about Advising in Physics

We’re thrilled to welcome you to the Physics program and look forward to supporting you throughout your time at UC San Diego. To stay informed, please regularly check the VAC and your UCSD email.

Wishing you a smooth and rewarding academic journey!