Physics, BSEd
The Physics (BSEd) program prepares you for a career in secondary education. Shippensburg University is a great place to study to become a teacher because its secondary education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. It also has the only public elementary lab school in the state.
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What Will I Learn?
Core physics courses set the groundwork for studying all areas of physical science, based on a deeper understanding of classical and modern physics. You will learn several forms of analysis in classical mechanics, electrodynamics and quantum physics that are meant to teach you the interconnected nature of all scientific disciplines and their interrelationships based on a common language of mathematics.
Core courses in education address the history of education in the United States, special education and accommodations, reading strategies, education law and science-specific pedagogy for secondary (grades 7-12) classrooms.
What are the requirements for this degree?
In this program, you will complete the requirements for the physics major while taking education courses required for certification.
What Types of Careers Could I Get With This Degree?
This program prepares you to teach physics in grades 7-12 in Pennsylvania as well as in more than 40 other states with reciprocal agreements. However, physics students are superb problem solvers, with skills adaptable to many diverse areas. But if physics is your passion, you may be employed by industry in technical areas of microelectronics or micromachining (or, increasingly, nanotechnology). You may work in computer applications or data processing for industry, government, or university settings. You may be part of a research and development team in an industrial or government laboratory.
What Career Outcomes Do Alumni Have With This Degree?
What Kinds of Experiences Could I Have?
You are invited to participate in the Physics Club, an undergraduate society of physics students sharing activities and outings related to physics. This can include joining the national Society of Physics Students and perhaps nomination to Sigma Pi Sigma, the national Physics Honor Society, attending regional and national meetings of physics professional societies or visiting nearby national laboratories. There are opportunities for research in the department or collaboratively with faculty from other science departments. You can attend informal seminars and seminar courses on varying topics of interest, from string theory to a fractal view of reality, and discuss your views.
As you prepare to become a teacher, you will participate in hands-on learning experiences such as:
- Observation of classes in middle schools and high schools
- Observations of physically challenged and exceptional learners
- Student teaching placements