This major in the Physics Department  leads to New York state certification to teach both physics and mathematics in grades 7-12.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Apply the core principles of physics, including principles from classical mechanics, electromagnetic theory, thermodynamics, optics, electronics, quantum mechanics, and special relativity.
2. Use mathematical techniques from calculus, differential equations, and applied mathematical methods.
3. Understand and articulate the knowledge and practices of contemporary science. They interrelate and interpret important concepts, ideas, and applications in their fields of licensure.
4. Understand how students learn and develop scientific knowledge. Preservice teachers use scientific inquiry to develop this knowledge for all students.
5. Plan for engaging all students in science learning by setting appropriate goals that are consistent with knowledge of how students learn science and are aligned with state and national standards. The plans reflect the nature and social context of science, inquiry, and appropriate safety considerations.
6. Design and select learning activities, instructional settings, and resources--including science-specific technology, to achieve those goals; and they plan fair and equitable assessment strategies to evaluate if the learning goals are met.
7. Demonstrate and maintain chemical safety, safety procedures, and the ethical treatment of living organisms needed in the P-12 science classroom appropriate to their area of licensure.
8. Provide evidence to show that P-12 students' understanding of major science concepts, principles, theories, and laws have changed as a result of instruction by the candidate and that student knowledge is at a level of understanding beyond memorization. Candidates provide evidence for the diversity of students they teach.
9. Develop knowledge and understanding of the ever-changing knowledge base of both content, and science pedagogy, including approaches for addressing inequities and inclusion for all students in science. They identify with and conduct themselves as part of the science education community.

Program Standard Grade Point Average Requirement

The major GPA is calculated by all courses identified in the college catalog as required for the major. In addition, this program has an established program standard GPA which may be used to determine progress in the program.

• Program Standard GPA
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5 in PHY 150, 155, 201, 202, 203, 357, 410, 420, 425, 450, or 300:599
• Program Standard GPA in Mathematics
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5 in MAT 135, 224, 236, 237, 272, 370, 375, 425, or 446
• Professional Preparation GPA
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 in AED 391, 392, 443, 444, or

ESL 406, or
HLH 199, or
LIT 449, or
PSY 101, 232, or
SPE 275

• Courses Applied to Program Standard GPA in Physics
  • 30 credits in PHY 150, 201, 202, 203, 357, 410, 420, 425, 450, or PHY 300:599
• Courses Applied to Program Standard GPA in Mathematics

30 credits in MAT 135, 224, 236, 237, 272, 370, 375, 425, or 446

• Courses Applied to Professional Preparation GPA

27 credits in AED 391, 392, 443, 444, or

ESL 406, or
HLH 199, or
LIT 449, or
PSY 101, 232, or
SPE 275

Career Potential

• Physics (7-12) and Mathematics (7-12) teacher
• Technical specialist
• Graduate study in higher education

Acceptance to the Program

Students will be accepted to the program after 45 credit hours have been completed. At that time students must have an overall grade point average of 2.5, a grade point average of 2.5 in physics and in mathematics, and an overall grade point average of 3.0 in the professional core courses.

Mathematics Department Course Retake Policy

• For the purpose of this policy, "course" refers to any course offered by the Mathematics Department that is used to satisfy the requirements of any major or minor offered by the department [MAT], [AEM], [APM].
• A student may repeat a course to replace a failing grade, grade of X (withdrawal from course) or to improve the student's grade point average when the first enrollment resulted in a passing grade.
• A student may enroll in a course twice. A third or subsequent enrollment in that course shall be with the approval and by action of the Mathematics Department only. Such approval shall be given on a case by case basis and is not guaranteed. However, unless exceptional circumstances justify otherwise, a student shall not be allowed a third or subsequent enrollment in the same course if their total number of retakes in courses required for the major or minor is four or more. All retakes of the same course count towards this four-course threshold
• Students who are unable to earn the required grade after their allowable attempts will be blocked from further registration in the course. As such, if this course is required for the major/minor, the student will not be able to complete their program of study and will need to pursue a different major or minor.
• Courses that are dropped during the add/drop period (the first week of classes) do not count as enrollments in this retake policy.