Secondary Physics (BS Ed)

Degree and Certification

This degree is a bachelor of science in education in secondary education with an emphasis in physics.

Additionally, upon successfully completing the initial teacher-certification process, the state grants you certification in secondary physics (grades 9 through 12).

Program of Study

This program encompasses three sequential phases of study:

Early Level

Course Work

The majority of your time in Early Level is spent completing your general-education requirements. Additionally, you start physics content courses.

Course work focuses on facilitating learning at all levels of development. Consideration is given to the influences of cultural, political, historical and economic factors on students, teachers and schools.

Field Experiences

Field experiences in Early LeveI include:

  • Sixteen hours in a classroom environment tutoring and working with students in small groups under teacher supervision.
  • Twenty hours in a service-learning environment serving in community organizations (e.g., Big Brothers Big Sisters, Granny’s House).

Mid-Level

You must apply for admittance into Mid-Level in the spring of your sophomore year. For more information about the application process, please consult your adviser.

Course work

Course work consists of learning the methods of teaching physics. This includes understanding the nature of science, strategies for assessing science learning and pathways for developing into a physics teacher.

Field Experiences:

You will spend approximately 24 hours per semester in classrooms working with physics students and teachers. As you gain experience in schools and familiarity with local classrooms, you will work with individual students, small groups and eventually lead whole class instruction.

Advanced Level

You will be assigned to a high school physics classroom for a 16-week, full-time internship under the mentorship of an experienced high school physics teacher. During this internship, you will work with your mentor to plan, implement and assess instruction and management of physics classes.