UC Riverside

In Particle Physics, the Standard Model has had remarkable success at describing the experimentally observed interactions between the fundamental particles. In 2012, the LHC discovered a particle at 125 GeV which is consistent with the Higgs Boson. With this discovery the Standard Model appears to be complete. However with the experimental evidence for Dark Matter and Neutrino Mass, one is given pause to think there is physics beyond the Standard Model. By introducing extensions to the Standard Model, one is able to build upon previous triumphs while giving possible solutions to currently open and unexplained phenomena. Within this dissertation a specific class of extensions, the gauged $U(1)$, will be explored with the various consequences highlighted. Of particular interest is the Gauged $U(1)_{B-L}$, where Barionic and Leptonic number are charges. Through the careful introduction of new particles these classes of models seek to explain the outstanding Dark Matter and Neutrino masses phenomena along with their possible connections. A general look at the $U(1)$ extensions are considered as well, where the flexibility of this model class is demonstrated. This includes previously understood processes, flavor changing neutral currents, as well as novel solutions to experimental data such as the once "observed" 750 GeV excess.