National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Accredited
Enrollment in all teacher education programs follows the guidelines for "Admission to Teacher Education Programs" found in the catalog. Applicants who do not yet meet all admissions criteria should consult with the department.
This master of science in physics education is designed for individuals who did not attain certification as part of their undergraduate curriculum. After completion of 200 clock hours of instruction, including 40 hours of field study, candidates may qualify for a NYSED transitional B certificate allowing them to teach in New York State.
1. A bachelor’s degree in physics or a related area from an accredited four-year institution with a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) or approval of the department chair.
2. A minimum of 18 credit hours (total) in two sciences other than physics (may be completed during the program if not completed by the time of admission).
3. One year of college study or two years of high school study of a language other than English (may be completed during the program if not completed by the time of admission).
4. Passing scores on two New York State examinations: the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST) and the Physics Content Specialty Test (CST). (These exams may be taken after admission to the program but must be passed before a teaching position is accepted).
5. A written personal statement.
6. Three letters of reference.
7. An interview may be required.
(Note: These admission requirements are mandated in the Transitional B certification regulations.)
Exceptional Education and Educational Foundations 6 cr
SPF 529 Adolescent Psychology
Select one course from the following:
EXE 500 Individuals with Special Needs
EXE 577 Teaching Individuals with Exceptionalities in the Regular Classroom
Literacy 6 cr
EDU 417 Adolescent Literacy
Select one course from the following:
EDU 416 Teaching Literacy in Middle and Secondary Schools
EDU 609 Improving Reading in the Content Areas
Physics Content with Model Pedagogy 18 cr
PHY 510 Physics for High School Teachers: Content and Pedagogy (6)
PHY 620 Powerful Ideas and Quantitative Modeling: Force, Motion, and Energy (6)
PHY 622 Powerful Ideas and Quantitative Modeling: Electricity and Magnetism (6)
Electives 6 cr
PHY 518 Wave Phenomena and Optics
PHY 520 Modern Physics
PHY 525 Nuclear and Particle Physics
PHY 616 Advanced Dynamics
PHY 618 Advanced Electricity and Magnetism I
SCI 527 Current Topics in Science
SCI 632 Curricular Trends in Science Teaching in the Secondary School
SCI 664 Teaching Science with Media
SCI 685 Evaluation in Science Education
Or other courses by advisement.
Seminar 3 cr
PHY 500 Physics Education Research Seminar
Mentored Physics Teaching 3 cr
PHY 502 Initial Teaching Experience for Alternative Certification
Master’s Project 3 cr
PHY 690 Master’s Project
Other Science Courses 18 cr
18 credits spread over two other sciences. These may be undergraduate courses.
Total Required Credit Hours 45 credits
All courses are 3 credit hours unless otherwise indicated.
