3 US physics universities leading the way in education

There are hundreds of possible science degrees you can choose from at university. But if you’re good with numbers and understand scientific theories, then a physics degree is the path for you.

Physics may seem like it’s all about complex equations and abstract theories, but it’s so much more than that. It’s really about figuring out how the world works, tackling complex problems (like energy generation), and pushing progress forward. The skills you gain from your studies, from quantitative analysis to problem-solving, are highly valued across industries, including engineering, medicine and finance. Plus, physics is the driving force behind many technologies we rely on today.

And the rewards? A fulfilling career, a chance to impact the world, and competitive pay — in the US, physicists earn an annual salary of US$129,850. Here are three universities with world-class physics departments, recognised for preparing students to excel as professionals and innovators in the field:

CU Denver’s Bachelor of Science in Physics and minors in Physics, Biophysics, and Astrophysics equip students with problem-solving and communication skills to drive progress. Source: University of Colorado Denver

University of Colorado Denver

Located in downtown Denver, the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) is a melting pot of learning and exploration, with 13,968 students (half of which are students of colour) bringing global perspectives to campus. And it doesn’t hurt that the university offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and the city skyline.

Strolling through campus, students can take in the architectural charm of the Tivoli Student Union and Ninth Street Historic Park. A stone’s throw away, Denver’s top attractions await, from major league sports arenas and world-class dining to the Colorado Convention Centre and the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Whether you’re catching a Rockies game or a Nuggets basketball match, there’s no shortage of excitement, just steps from campus.

This city is the perfect base for students of a highly respected comprehensive R1 research university. CU Denver and its partner CU Anschutz medical campus lead the nation in research activity, advancing solutions to critical global issues. The Department of Physics, in particular, enriches our understanding of how the world works by incorporating physics in every aspect of life. It prioritises applied research opportunities for undergraduates, integrating real-world applications into both classroom learning and research projects.

The Quantum Information Technology Graduate Certificate, offered in collaboration with the Electrical Engineering Department, provides advanced training in quantum information technology and quantum computing. Students engage in practical work involving optics, photonics, and quantum measurement using advanced tools like a 4 Kelvin cryostat. Meanwhile, the 4+1 track allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree in physics and a Master of Integrated Sciences within five years.

From day one, physics majors here engage with faculty members in laboratories and research projects, a benefit unique to CU Denver’s undergraduate-focused programme. Its hands-on approach, supported by connections to industry and research centres, positions students for success in further academic pursuits or careers as analysts, engineers, writers, marketers, doctors, and lawyers.

To learn physics better, get substantive applied research experiences, and prepare for an amazing array of careers, apply to CU Denver’s Department of Physics today.

UC Davis’s undergraduate physics training prepares students for careers in various fields, including geology, law, and finance. Source: University of California, Davis

University of California, Davis

Ever wanted to go to a college with its own vineyard? Or how about an arboretum? At UC Davis, you get all that and so much more. Located in Davis, California’s college town, students enjoy easy access to a charming downtown filled with shops, restaurants, movie theatres, and art galleries. Pair them with an award-winning farmer’s market and stunning bike trails, and you’ve got the recipe for an unforgettable college experience.

The academics at UC Davis are just as impressive. At the Department of Physics and Astronomy, students delve into the mysteries of the universe, supported by state-of-the-art research facilities and faculty and lecturers who have won Distinguished Teaching awards. They make joining the undergraduate and graduate programmes more than worthwhile.

For example, undergraduates have the Physics 9H series, which offers small, focused classes where you learn about important physics topics early in your studies. Graduate students get an even more expansive education. The department offers programmes in string theory, quantum computing, and cosmology alongside interdisciplinary research in photonics and planet formation. They prepare graduates for postdoctoral roles or high-impact positions in industry, making UC Davis an ideal choice for those pursuing excellence in physics.

Inclusivity is important to the department too. Physics majors bond through the physics club, complete with its own space for meet-ups in the physics building. On top of that, as an APS Bridge Programme member, the department aims to make physics more accessible for everyone, especially students from underrepresented groups.

Physics majors will conduct hands-on experiments to study key topics like classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics. Source: University of Arizona

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona aims to inspire the lives of Wildcats while tackling some of the biggest challenges the state and the world face today, and it does so in a setting fitting for its ambition. Located in Tucson, Arizona’s second-largest city, the university is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges, hiking trails, delicious food, festivals, and museums that will keep international students busy.

And that’s just the beginning. At the University of Arizona, innovation and progress never stop. Join its College of Science and you’ll discover this is especially true. It houses 14 departments, one of which is the Department of Physics. 

It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programmes, including the BS in Physics and BS in Applied Physics. Interdisciplinary programmes and centres in astrophysics and astrobiology are available as well. Students can take on hands-on research with expert faculty, exploring topics shaping today’s scientific frontiers, from Astrophysics and Cosmology to Biological and Nuclear Physics.

The university ranks #3 in the nation by the National Science Foundation for public university research spending in the Physical Sciences, so you can trust that you’re learning from the brightest minds.

As a graduate, you’ll emerge with a foundation in physics and calculus, supported by hands-on lab experience and research work. They prepare you for careers in finance, law, economics, and more.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International.