This major in the Physics Department  leads to New York state certification to teach physics 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 

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 MAT 425, MCS 186 and any PHY course except PHY 340
• Related Areas of Science and Math GPA
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5 in BIO 201, 202 or CHE 221, 222; GLY 261, 262; GLY 261, 262; MAT 135, 236, 237
• Professional Preparation GPA
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 in AED 391, 442, 443, 444, 445; ESL 406; HLH 199; LIT 449; PSY 101, 232; SPE 275
• Courses Applied to Program Standard GPA
  • 30 credits in MAT 425, MCS 186; any PHY course except PHY 340
• Courses Applied to Related Areas of Science and Math GPA
  • 24 credits in BIO 201, 202; CHE 221, 222; GLY 261, 262; MAT 135, 236, 237
• Courses Applied to Professional Preparation GPA
  • 41 credits in AED 391, 442, 443, 444, 445; ESL 406; HLH 199; LIT 449; PSY 101, 232; SPE 275

Career Potential

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

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 related areas, and a grade point average of 3.0 in the professional core courses.