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California Lutheran University

California , California ,United States

BS in Physics

The physics curriculum at California Lutheran University addresses the question of how and why things work, from the forces which govern subatomic particles to the large-scale phenomena which shape our universe as a whole. The fundamental nature of physics accounts for its relevance not only in engineering and technology but also in the life and earth sciences. The various introductory courses offered by the Physics Department are thus tailored to meet the different needs of physics majors, students in other sciences and liberal arts students, in particular future teachers. The physics faculty members use a blend of interactive lectures, illustrative demonstrations and hands-on laboratory exercises to enhance students’ comprehension of the material.

Cal Lutheran offers both the bachelor of science and bachelor of arts in physics, as well as a physics minor. The B.S. the program is well suited for students interested in graduate studies in physics or engineering or in careers in industry. The B.A. is a more liberal physics degree, where students can explore the relationship of physics with another field of interest.  The minor strengthens the training of students majoring in other fields by providing high-level technological knowledge and enhanced problem-solving skills.

Beginning physics students gain a strong background in classical physics, modern physics and applied mathematics. Upper division courses focus on both theoretical topics and experimental techniques. These small upper division classes, together with close supervision by the faculty, provide a uniquely personalized learning experience for the students. Students develop employer-valued work-ready skills in areas such as electronics, optics and Matlab programming.

Physics students are encouraged to become actively involved in undergraduate research. In collaboration with Physics Department faculty, Cal Lutheran students develop next generation detectors and perform data analysis for experiments conducted at the CERN laboratory, use data obtained from telescopes throughout the world to improve models of massive stars and develop and assess models of superconducting compounds using the department's high-performance computing resources. Physics majors also participate in summer undergraduate research programs at other universities and national laboratories as well as internships with local industries.

Cal Lutheran Physics graduates have a strong record in obtaining employment after graduation and, for those who opt to continue studies in graduate school, are accepted into strong physics and engineering programs at universities throughout the nation.

Intakes

  • Jan
  • May
  • Oct

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Application Process

Visa Process
30 Days

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

  • If you have declared a major, get a part-time job on or off campus that relates to your career field or that will help you to develop essential skills. Take assessments using our online system called FOCUS.
  • Visit faculty during office hours. Get to know as many faculty members as possible. This will come in very handy your senior year when you need letters of recommendation.
  • Make a commitment to spend time on career development. Set aside time each week.
  • Join at least one club or participate in a career related activity.
  • Volunteer at an organization related to your interests (volunteer work can go on a resume).
  • Connect assignments, papers, speeches and projects to your career interests (what interests you most?)
  • Visit Career Services for assistance in developing a resume. Begin building your resume now. Update it at the end of every semester, do not try and remember everything you have done!
  • Attend the Career & Intern Expo to get a job or internship. (50-80 employers attend each year)
  • Get a summer job or internship in your field.
  • Attend Career Services Workshops. Gather insight and advice on topics such as researching a career, resume writing, interviews, salary negotiations, and applying for grad school, law school, or med school.
  • Register a profile on CLUPostings.com and schedule an appointment with a career counselor. Meeting with a counselor and submitting your resume will put you on file with the Career Center, so we can keep an eye out for relevant opportunities.

PSW Opportunity

Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.

Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).

STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.

Contact our PSA counselor for more information

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Conversational and academic proficiency of English is an integral part of studying at Cal Lutheran. . International students are required to provide proof of English proficiency in one of the following ways: 

  • Minimum Duolingo English Test score of 110
  • Minimum TOEFL score of 213 computer-based;  550 paper-based; or 79 internet-based
  • Minimum IELTS score: 6.5
  • Minimum Pearsons (PTE Academic) score: 58
  • Completion of ELS 112
  • Completion of first-year English (college level) with a grade of "C" or better at an accredited community college or university