Skip to main content
    Back to Programs
    University of California-Berkeley

    Physics

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Berkeley, USMAIn-person9 months
    STEM-OPT
    $60,140.00
    Tuition
    over 9mo
    35
    Credits
    $155.00
    App fee

    Physics at University of California-Berkeley is a 35-credit, 9-month, in-person MA program based in Berkeley, US. Tuition is $60,140 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    Requires two semesters of academic residence, specific core physics courses (Physics 209, 211, 221A-221B or equivalents), 16 elective units, and passing the comprehensive examination via preliminary exams. Total of 35 units of upper-division and graduate work in physics or related fields with at least 24 units from 200-level courses at Berkeley.

    Focus: coursework
    US News #4 (2026) | US News #5 (2026)

    Your fit

    Match

    Pro users see a 0 to 100 match score personalized to their academic profile, plus a per-component breakdown (major, GPA, tests, work experience, and more).

    Admissions

    Pro

    Unlock full admissions requirements

    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

    Sign up for 7-day free trial

    Deadlines

    Pro

    Exact application deadlines for each term (Fall, Spring, Summer, Rolling), with priority and final dates where the program distinguishes them.

    Sign up for 7-day free trial

    Standardized tests

    Pro

    Which tests are required, optional, or waived (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo), minimum scores including separate verbal / quant sections, and program codes for score reporting.

    Sign up for 7-day free trial

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    36 months OPT (US)

    $21,600.00
    Annual living cost

    Application Checklist

    Sign in to track what you need to submit for this program.

    Sign in
    See admits on GradCafe
    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Physics at University of California-Berkeley cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Physics at University of California-Berkeley is $60,140 across 35 required credits.
    Is Physics at University of California-Berkeley online or in-person?
    Physics at University of California-Berkeley is offered in-person.
    How long does Physics at University of California-Berkeley take to complete?
    Physics at University of California-Berkeley is structured around 9 months and 35 credits.
    What GPA is required for Physics at University of California-Berkeley?
    Per the program's published guidance: minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale
    Is Physics at University of California-Berkeley STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Physics at University of California-Berkeley is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.