Physics, BA / Physics Education Adolescence, EdM / Chemistry Education, CAS

More emphasis has been placed on STEM subjects in schools by families and administrators alike. Obtain dual skills in physics and chemistry and become a highly sought after expert in STEM.

G. Ekin Atilla-Gokcumen, with the department of chemistry, is photographed in her research lab with students in September 2023 in the Natural Sciences Complex. A recent study from the lab revealed the mechanism behind an explosive form of cell death known as necroptosis and how to minimize it. Photographer: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki.

Infuse Inspiration into Your Lessons

The UB Teach physics-chemistry education program is an accelerated five-year combined degree, offering a physics BA, physics education EdM, and chemistry education CAS. It provides in-depth content expertise in both physics and chemistry while preparing you to teach these subjects. You will study in the Departments of Physics and Learning and Instruction, gaining specialized knowledge and learning effective teaching methods for grades 5 to 12.

Students enrolled in this program will:

  • Study fundamental laws of physics and their application to natural phenomena.
  • Develop laboratory skills through experiments, measuring techniques and data analysis.
  • Participate in intensive clinical education experiences in diverse Western New York schools.
  • Gain expertise and confidence to implement evidence-based practices and co-teach with an expert teacher during a one-year residency.
Tim Thomay, with physics, works with a student in his lab in Fronczak Hall in November 2023. Photographer: Douglas Levere.

Program Overview

Academic credential granted Bachelor of Arts (BA), Master of Education (EdM) and Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS)
Certification option Successful completion of program leads to an institutional recommendation for New York State (NYS) initial and professional certification in physics education, and initial certification in chemistry
Grade levels 7 to 12 with 5 to 6 extension
Credits required for completion 160
Time to completion 5 years
Course delivery On campus, online
Experiential contact hours
  • Clinical experiences embedded in undergraduate and graduate coursework
  • A full one-year teaching residency in the final year of the program
Application deadline Early action: Nov. 15
Scholarship consideration: Dec. 8
Regular decision: Feb. 1

Students can continue to submit an application for fall consideration until capacity is reached.
Important Fall Dates

See dates for open house, orientation, test submissions, tuition deposit deadlines and more.

  Important fall dates for incoming freshman

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