Master of Science in Physics with an Emphasis in Teaching

The masters in physics with an emphasis in teaching is designed for graduate students preparing to teach in secondary schools or in community colleges, among other venues. It includes a small, carefully designed component in psychology and education, and requires a supervised teaching experience. This program is requires a thesis project based on experience in the classroom or studying the nature of teaching and learning. Students interested in this program should contact the current advisor, Prof. Tim Slater.

1. Plan of Study
   

   Each student must submit a Program of Study to the Graduate School for approval.
   

2. Courses
   
   • 18 hours of PHYS/ASTR credit at 5000 level
   • 12 hours at 4000 or 5000 level from psychology and education
   • 6 hours of master's thesis research in physics or astronomy education
3. Thesis
   

   An original research paper must be prepared under the direction of a faculty advisor and orally defended before a committee of graduate faculty.

4. Application Procedure
   

   The GRE-General is required unless you already have a MS degree. The GRE-Physics is optional.
   
   Students generally enroll in 3 to 9 graduate credit hours each fall, spring, and summer semester. Nine is what is required to be full-time and to receive financial aid. The specific classes you will take are to be decided every semester between you and your faculty advisor based on what courses happen to be available. Every semester, at least two courses are available, sometimes more. The plan is to take 6 science courses and 4 education courses, in addition to 6-credits of MS thesis.

Program Flyer