Undergraduate Programs

Physics is the study of how nature works, from the unimaginably small world of sub-atomic particles to the marvelously huge world of galaxies and black holes. It is a basic science that can and must have an important impact on the problems facing modern society. Physicists help attack these problems directly through research and indirectly through teaching, both at the secondary and the university levels.

Either a major or a minor in secondary education physics can lead to state certification to teach high school physics. See the advising office in the College of Education and Human Development for details.

The secondary education (SED) physics major is for students who want to teach physics at the junior or senior high school level. The primary aims of this major are to provide students with a thorough background in the methods and applications of general physics, an understanding of how the present view of the natural universe has evolved, and the training required to be an effective teacher.

Refer to the College of Education and Human Development section of the Undergraduate catalog for additional curriculum requirements for this program. Students should meet with the undergraduate advisor to plan a course of study as soon as possible.

The Department recommends SED Physics majors to be proficient in a computer programming language before graduation.

Students who have chosen the Secondary Education Physics major will satisfy the Baccalaureate Writing Requirement by successfully completing ED 3950 School and Society.

Secondary Education students receive their degrees from the College of Education and Human Development but must choose a major and a minor from the College of Arts & Sciences. These students should see an advisor in Education as soon as possible to plan their course of study.