Bachelor of Science in Physics

In the CU Denver Physics Department, our faculty are deeply committed to hands-on learning, blending real-world applications into teaching and research. By integrating physics into everyday scenarios, you gain a robust, practical understanding of the subject, preparing you for diverse and exciting career opportunities.  

The department’s focus on your undergraduate education ensures an exceptional experience. Because we do not offer graduate-level degrees, our undergraduates benefit from unique advantages, such as early and unrestricted access to laboratory course credits. This means no competition with graduate students during registration, allowing physics majors to progress more efficiently through their studies. 
 
The results speak for themselves: 95% of our physics majors successfully graduate, a testament to the department’s commitment to their success. Our Professional Development Seminars further prepare you for life after graduation, equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your chosen fields. 
 
CU Denver’s Physics Department also reflects the diversity and modernity of today’s student. Forty percent of our physics majors identify as female, double the national average of 20%. Additionally, the department welcomes a broad array of students, including Hispanic students and military veterans, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all. 
 
Outside the classroom, you will thrive in a vibrant and active physics community. Our student-led Physics Club  welcomes you into a space for collaboration, exploration, and the pursuit of shared interests, enriching the academic experience and building lasting connections. 
 
With experienced faculty, a supportive environment, and a forward-thinking approach to education, the Department of Physics at CU Denver is uniquely positioned to prepare you for success in a world shaped by physics. Whether you pursue careers in science, industry, or beyond, you will graduate ready to make an impact. 

Careers with your Physics degree

A major in physics is one of the few academic paths that equips you for a wide array of professions, including roles such as computer analyst, engineer, technical writer, industrial marketer, doctor, or lawyer. 

• Electrical Engineer 
• Mechanical Engineer 
• Technical Writer 
• Science Teacher 
• Forensic Scientist 
• Professor 
• Data and Research Analysts 
• Web Developer 
• Systems Analyst 
• Meteorologist 
• Application Developer 
• Data Scientist 

Companies some of our graduates have joined

• Syntax 
• Lucid Motors 
• Summit Engineering 
• University of Colorado Denver
• Lockheed Martin
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory
• US Army
• University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
• National Institute of Standards and Technology
• Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
• Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
• Raytheon

The realm of physics has expanded over the years into the other sciences giving rise to areas such as biophysics, astrophysics, geophysics, psychophysics, chemical physics, mathematical physics, etc. Each of these areas has its individual frontier of basic research, while traditional physics has continued to pursue its own fundamental questions. 

Majoring in Physics: 47+ hours 

The Physics program is designed with a “spiral curriculum” approach, ensuring you build a strong foundation while revisiting and deepening your understanding of core concepts throughout your academic journey.  Topics Include: 

• Fundamental physics and mathematics 
• Mechanics, 
• Electricity and Mmgnetism,  
• Thermodynamics,
• Quantum mechanics 
• Vibrations and Waves 
• Thermal Physics 

What sets physics apart is our commitment to breadth.

This approach addresses a common question from prospective students—how much lab work they will get to do—by integrating experiential learning across the curriculum, ensuring graduates are not only knowledgeable but also skilled in applying their learning in real-world contexts. 

CU Denver Core: 34-40 Hours 

You’ll be educated in

• English and mathematics
• international and cultural diversity perspectives
• arts and humanities
• behavioral, physical, and social sciences

College of Liberal Arts and Science Graduation Requirements 

These courses give you a better understanding of the issues and skills you need to succeed.

Topics include:  

• Logic, Language, and Scientific Reasoning 
• Psychology 
• Writing for the Sciences 
• Public Health

Double Majors 

You, like many of our students, may be interested in a double major. Common combinations include: 

Bachelor of Science - Data Science 
Bachelor of Science – Computer Science 

Minor in Physics, Astrophysics, or Biophysics 

Non-Physics majors can add a minor in Physics, Astrophysics, or Biophysics to your degree by completing at least 18 hours of specified coursework. Topics include: 

• General and Applied Physics 
• Extragalactic Astrophysics 
• Cosmology 
• Mechanics 
• Electrodynamics 
• Statistical Physics 
• Quantum physics 

You will need to see your CLAS advisor to declare this minor. 

Add a Masters in Integrated Sciences to your Bachelor degree in as little as one extra year (4+1) 

Save time and tuition while expanding your career opportunities at the same time by enrolling in the Bachelors  in Physics + the Masters of Intergrated Sciences program.   By gaining a Masters in Integrated Sciences, you’ll be able to take courses from a variety of areas in mathematics, while also still taking courses in Physics.  

Benefits include 

More career opportunities. Some career paths require that job candidates hold advanced degrees. Completing the BA/BS + MA/MS program allows you to apply for higher level positions more quickly, providing an advantage in a competitive job market.  

Saves time. Combining the Bachelors and Masters programs allow you to complete your undergraduate and graduate studies quickly, typically within five years instead of six or more. 

Cost. A shorter timeline to Masters of Integrated Sciences completion means less tuition, fees, and related educational expenses. 

Teaching assistantships.The Department may offer you, as a qualified MA student, research, or teaching assistantships. Combining the BA and MA degrees may allow you to access these opportunities. 

Faculty. Combining the BA and MA degrees allows you to continue to take courses at the graduate level from the same familiar, award-winning, and caring faculty members. 

Learn more about the CU Denver Master of Science in Integrated Sciences 

A. Core Physics Principals and Essential Mathematical Skills: Students will be able understand fundamental laws of physics and a strong mathematical foundation to apply the laws to solve standard problems in physics. Specifically, students will be able to: 

1. Use the principles of core areas of physics, including classical mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical physics, and quantum mechanics to solve standard physics problems at a level compatible with admission to graduate programs in physics. 
2. Analyze and interpret qualitative results, both in the core areas of physics and in complex problems that cross multiple discipline areas. 
3. Apply physical laws to solve new problems. 

B. Modeling and Analysis skills: Students will be able to model a problem and evaluate it. Specifically, students will be able to: 

1. Apply theoretical and computational models to formulate and solve problems in areas outside of the physics core. 
2. Design experiments to test new ideas. 
3. Obtain and analyze data from theoretical models and experiments. 
4. Evaluate the theoretical and experimental results to make sure that they are consistent with existing physical principles. 

C. Communication Skills: Students will be able to convey their knowledge and findings effectively and efficiently either individually or in groups to wide varieties of audiences. Specifically, students will be able to: 

1. Write solution of problems systematically with appropriate mathematical details so that their peers can follow through the steps.  
2. Write appropriate scientific reports on their research and findings. 
3. Design and prepare posters and slides appropriate for academics as well as to layperson audiences. 

Tuition

The cost of tuition for the Bachelor of Science (BA) in Political Science is different for in-state and out-of-state students. See the link for the current table of rates.

Residents of Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) states may qualify for reduced tuition rates. The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program requires students to maintain current residency in WICHE state until degree completion. 

Learn about the WUE program 

Scholarships

Each year, CU Denver undergraduate students are awarded over $30 million in scholarships from institutional, local, state, and national sources. Learn more, and apply here. 

Other opportunities

Many departments have paid positions (both in the work-study program and outside of it) which may include jobs as graders, teaching assistants, and learning assistants. Please expect to have to apply. Learn more here.

Admission Requirements 

If you are an incoming freshman to CU Denver (in-state, out-of-state, and international applicants), you can apply through either the Common Application or the Milo Application. Transfer students will need to submit the Milo Application.  

Incoming first-year students 

CU Denver requires that students complete the Colorado Higher Education Admission Requirements (HEAR). You will not have to meet all Minimum Academic Preparation Standards (MAPS) for admission, but you will need to complete CU Denver coursework by graduation. 

Transfer Students 

We have strong connections with other four-year and community colleges. If you have completed more than 24 hours of transferable coursework, you will be evaluated for admission on the basis of your college GPA without regard to your high school performance. If you have fewer than 24 hours, you will be evaluated based on both your high school and college GPAs. For more information and to plan your transfer, see transfer admissions in the admissions office. 

International Students 

You will need to begin your application through the Office of International Affairs. They will help you manage your application process. 

Apply to CU Denver

Application deadlines

Spring

Domestic Application: January 1 
International Applications: Priority is September 15, and Final is October 15

Summer

Domestic Applications: May 15 
International Applications: Priority is January 15, and Final is March 15 

Fall

Domestic Applications: August 1
International Applications: Priority is March 15, and Final is May 15