The Option in Professional Physics encompasses two patterns, Advanced Study and Applied Physics. The Advanced Study is designed to prepare students for graduate study or for professional careers in government or industry. The Applied Physics is intended to prepare students for careers in technical fields such as optics, electronics, data science, or materials science.

The Option in General Physics also includes two patterns, Insturctional Physics and Interdisciplinary Physics. The Instructional Physics pattern is designed to prepare students for teaching secondary school physics with additional subject matter breadth across all sciences. This option fulfills all requirements for the Single Subject Teaching Credential in Science with a Concentration in Physics and a supplementary authorization in a second science. The Interdisciplinary Physics pattern is designed for students who are interested in physics-related interdisciplinary fields (such as biophysics, geophysics, atmospheric sciences, physical oceanography, health physics, or environmental science) or are double majoring in both physics and engineering, mathematics, chemistry, computer science, music, or history.

The physics minor greatly strengthens the preparation of students majoring in mathematics, engineering, computer science, chemistry, geosciences, biology, and other fields of science or technology. It is particularly important for students who intend to pursue graduate studies in physical chemistry, geophysics, biophysics, or medical physics.