Physics, BA / Physics Education, EdM
Use your curiosity about the mysteries of the universe to ignite a career in physics education. Transform the future of the next generation to push the boundaries of what is possible.
String Together Theory and Practice
The UB Teach physics education program is a five-year, accelerated combined degree program where you can earn a BA in physics and an EdM in physics education. It provides in-depth content expertise while preparing you to teach Physics for grades 5 to 12. You will study in both the Department of Physics and the Department of Learning and Instruction.
Students enrolled in this program will:
- Gain a deep understanding of the universe, from sub-atomic particles to cosmic expansion, and its impact on our understanding of nature.
- Enhance laboratory skills with experiments demonstrating key phenomena, measuring techniques and data analysis.
- Engage in intensive clinical education experiences in diverse Western New York schools.
- Develop expertise to implement evidence-based practices and co-teach with an expert teacher during a one-year residency.
Program Overview
| Academic credential granted | Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Master of Education (EdM) |
|---|---|
| Certification option | Successful completion of program leads to an institutional recommendation for New York State (NYS) initial and professional certification in physics education |
| Grade levels | 7 to 12 with 5 to 6 extension |
| Credits required for completion | 156 |
| Time to completion | 5 years |
| Course delivery | On campus, online |
| Experiential contact hours |
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| 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.
Coursework Note
This is a sample course schedule. These courses are subject to change. As a student in the UB Teach program, you must work closely with your advisor before registering for classes.
Physics BA Courses
- CEP 400 Educational Psychology
- CHE 101 General Chemistry 1
- CHE 102 General Chemistry 2
- CHE 113 General Chemistry Lab
- CHE 114 General Chemistry II Lab
- ELP 405 Sociology of Education
- LAI 350 Introduction to Education
- LAI 414 Adolescent Writing across Curriculum
- LAI 474 Teaching the Exceptional Learner
- MTH 141 College Calculus I
- MTH 142 College Calculus II
- MTH 241 College Calculus III
- MTH 306 Intro to Differential Equations
- PHY 107 General Physics I
- PHY 108 General Physics II
- PHY 158 General Physics II Lab
- PHY 207 General Physics 3
- PHY 208 General Physics 4
- PHY 257 General Physics 3 Lab
- PHY 307 Modern Physics Lab
- PHY 401 Quantum Mechanics
- 3 credits of PHY electives
- 3 credits of upper division PHY electives
Progression to Graduate Coursework
You will not apply separately to graduate study; instead, there are a series of progression points that you must meet.
Advancement to the graduate portion of the program requires that you:
- maintain a 3.0 GPA
- earn a “C” grade or higher in content courses (courses in the major)
- earn a “B-” or better in all education and graduate-level coursework
Physics Education EdM Courses
- LAI 531 Science Curricula: Current Approaches
- LAI 533 Science Instruction Topics
- LAI 534 Measurement and Evaluation in Science Instruction
- LAI 552 Middle Childhood/ Adolescent Literacy Methods
- LAI 595 Supervised Teaching 2
- LAI 603 Developing Curricula for Emerging Adolescents
- LAI 619 Teaching Science in Grades 5-12
- LAI 667 Field Experience
- LAI 668 Supervised Teaching 1
- LAI 674 Seminar in Teaching
- LAI 698 Instructional Strategies in Secondary Schools
- LAI 700 Capstone
- 9 credits of 500-level PHY or Graduate Science Pedagogy
- Physics teacher
- Research
- Government labs
- Systems analyst