Physics Education

Physics education

Invest in our future. Enlighten the brilliant minds of the next generation. Improving the scientific preparation of prospective K–12 teachers is currently receiving a great deal of increased attention. Teacher preparation has been identified as a federal priority. The Department of Physics is pleased to respond to the mandate for improved science instruction from the scientific societies listed below and is taking an active role in improving the training of K–12 physics and science teachers.

  • American Institute of Physics
  • American Physical Society
  • American Association of Physics Teachers
  • American Astronomical Society
  • Acoustical Society of America
  • American Association of Physicists in Medicine
  • American Vacuum Society

To teach in a public school in Indiana, students will need to obtain Indiana State Licensure through the School of Education.

Recommended electives

  • W 200 (EDUC) Using Computers in Education
  • H 205 (EDUC) The Study of Education and Practice of Teaching
  • M 300 (EDUC) Teaching in a pluralistic Society
  • P 310 Environmental Physics
  • P 312 (EDUC) Learning Theory and Practice
  • P 313 (EDUC) Adolescents in a Learning Community
  • P 314 Introduction to Medical Physics
  • H 340 (EDUC) Education and American Culture
  • P 425 Introductory Biophysics
  • P 454 Modern Physics
  • P 460 Modern Optics

Advanced degrees

Hybrid Secondary Transition to Teaching (T2T) Program

The ST-to-T program is for those individuals who have already earned a baccalaureate degree in a subject area and who are interested in becoming secondary teachers in science or mathematics.

Community of Teachers Graduate Program

The CoT program is composed of both professional education courses and subject area requirements. Through a seminar and field experience, a portfolio is developed in which a student demonstrates his/her knowledge and experience in teaching the content area.

Physics M.A.T.

Admission to this program requires completion of at least eight hours of undergraduate physics courses. Requirements for the M.A.T. degree are selected to help prepare future teachers of high school physics, and to acquaint teachers in service with modern developments in physics.

Additional resources

American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT)

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Occupational Outlook Handbook