Physics Teaching - BS
About This Degree
Physics is the study of matter and energy and their interactions.
Students study both the theory of physics and experiment using those theories as a guide.
The Physics Department is home to an active, national-award-winning chapter of the Society of Physics Students. Its students and faculty have also been recipients of prestigious national awards, including a Rhodes Scholar, Goldwater Scholars, and more.
What You Will Learn
Physics teaching majors take classes in thermal physics, intermediate modern physics, wave phenomena, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics, as well as teaching courses.
Education Component
In order to obtain a secondary teaching license for grades 6-12, students must complete the 35-credit Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP), which includes one semester of student teaching in a public school. This program is administered by USU’s School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. Student must apply to the School of TEAL the semester before taking STEP courses. This is usually the fall of their junior year. Students learn subject content through the Physics Department and spend the last year or two studying education techniques through the STEP program.
Students in the physics teaching program are required to select an approved teaching minor in order to expand their career options.
Career And Outcomes
Career Opportunities
Students who graduate in physics teaching are qualified to teach physics in middle schools or high schools.
Job Outlook
USU Locations
LOGAN CAMPUS
Admission
Admission Requirements
In addition to Utah State University’s admissions requirements, the physics teaching program has additional requirements:
- First-Year students: First-Year students admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to this major.
- Transfer students: Transfer students from other institutions need a 2.2 total GPA for admission to this major. Students transferring from other USU majors need a total GPA of 2.0 for admission to this major.
- STEP Requirements: In order to be accepted into STEP, students must go through an application process, which includes the following:
- Complete 60 semester credits with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Complete certain core courses (see department for more information)
- Complete a speech and hearing test
- Pass the Teacher Education Writing Exam
- Provide an unofficial copy of your transcript
- Pass a criminal background check (this should be done one semester before submitting the application)
International students have additional admissions requirements.
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Cost and Aid
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How to Apply
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