UC's with good Physics departments?

[MillerGenuine]

I'm currently a student at a community college pursuing a degree in physics. I am winding down and starting to get ready to transfer out to a 4 year to take upper division classes. Does anyone know the schools with the best physics departments? I live in southern cali so to be specific I am wondering which UC('s) have the best departments? Or maybe even some small local private schools that have excellent departments.
Thanks.

 

[scotto3394]

Not going to claim I'm particularly informed, but just from rankings and word of mouth I'd say UC Berkeley has an excellent physics department. I also heard that UCSB is pretty good as well.

 

[Pengwuino]

UCSD has a great department along with UCSB and UCSC and Berkeley. All great schools.

 

[DDTea]

Have you considered Cal Tech? They have some pretty exciting stuff going on there.

 

[hadsed]

Have you considered Cal Tech? They have some pretty exciting stuff going on there.

I don't think I know too many physics majors who haven't 'considered' Caltech. The only thing about that is.. well, heh, it's Caltech.

 

[hitmeoff]

Im suprised no one has mentioned UCLA

 

[Kevin_Axion]

I don't think UCLA is as reputable for Physics.

 

[Vanadium 50]

UCLA has graduated a number of well-known physicists, including Mike Zeller (Yale), Harry Thacker (Virginia), and George Hou (Taiwan). Probably all the UC's but Merced are in the Top 50 or so.