2013-2014 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Master of Education Advanced Content Specialization in Physics
The M.Ed. Advanced Content Specialization degree with a Concentration in Physics is offered by the College of Education in cooperation with the Department of Physics. The purpose of the degree is to provide high school and middle school teachers with opportunities to expand their knowledge in the area of physics pedagogy and deepen their understanding of the subject.
Admission
Admission to the M.Ed. program requires teaching certification with either a major or a minor in physics, or a major in chemistry, mathematics, or integrated science. A demonstrated proficiency of physics at the one-year introductory level (PHY 220/221 or PHY 230/231 or equivalent) is required. Students must submit three letters of recommendation, transcripts of all previous coursework and copies of teaching certificates. Students must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. For additional details, see the College of Education section of this catalog.
Curriculum Overview
The program requires completion of 33 graduate credits, 18 credits in education and 15 in physics. The specific degree requirements can be found in the Graduate Program section of the College of Education section in this catalog.
Upon admission to the program, the students will meet with a College of Education advisor and an advisor from the Department of Physics who will evaluate all previous coursework taken in physics. A curricular plan reflecting the students needs, interests, and goals will be agreed upon. Each student must complete a minimum of 15 credits from the following list of approved courses. At least 12 credits (normally four courses) must be taken at the 600 level.
- PHY 555 - Physics Content Enhancement Credits: 3
- PHY 601 - Physics by Inquiry I Credits: 3
- PHY 605 - General Astronomy Credits: 3
- PHY 610 - Measurement and Instrumentation in the Physics Lab Credits: 3
- PHY 620 - Methods and Materials for Physics Demonstrations Credits: 3
- PHY 630 - Teaching Conceptual Physics Credits: 3
- PHY 650 - Software and Interactive Physics Credits: 3
- PHY 660 - Readings in Physics Education Research Credits: 3
- PHY 670 - Modern Physics with Computer Visualization Credits: 3
- PHY 680 - Special Topics in Physics Credits: 1 to 4