Physics (MS) Teaching Emphasis

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Pass along your curiosity of the universe

We need more passionate STEM educators. You can help fill this gap. Our fully online, non-thesis program gives you the tools and knowledge to succeed in the classroom. Improve your teaching skills through our pedagogical, scientific and mathematical courses designed for physics educators. Enrollment in our program will enable you to join a community of Texas educators and share teaching ideas and strategies. Our master’s degree also enables you to teach dual enrollment at community colleges. The opportunities to spread curiosity, innovation and STEM education to future generations are ever-expanding.

Where It Is Offered Commerce, Online

Duration

2 years

Foreign Language

No foreign language credits required

Delivery 100% Online, Online

Total Credit Hours

36 hours

Thesis Requirements

No thesis required

Professor actively engaged in a conversation with a student.

Physics (MS) Teaching :: 1.03 SEE YOURSELF SUCCEED

SEE YOURSELF SUCCEED as a physics educator

Career Readiness

The College of Science and Engineering is a gateway to in-demand STEM careers projected to make up a significant portion of the U.S. and global economy.

Student working on math on a dry erase board.

Innovation and Discovery

Take on our mission to build a better Texas that is eager to compete in an interconnected world with creativity, ethical leadership and imagination. We don’t just discover the future, we make it.

Instructor giving a presentation to the class.

Accomplished Faculty

Shape an innovative framework with an award-winning faculty including four Regents Professors, a highly selective honor for exemplary contributions to their university, community and the State of Texas.

Students viewing stars with giant telescope.

Hands-on Research

Our faculty will help you tackle complex challenges and discover solutions with hands-on research in various fields.

Physics (MS) Teaching :: 1.06 PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

A master’s degree in physics with a teaching emphasis will offer you the opportunity to:

Expand your knowledge of physics and earn the credentials to teach at a community college
Pass along knowledge to future students by engaging in specialized classes on education theory and practice
Utilize well equipped instructional and research laboratories and telescopes located at A&M-Commerce

Physics (MS) Teaching :: 1.07 Careers

Careers

Increase your value in education by earning a Master’s Degree in Physics with Teaching Emphasis from A&M-Commerce

Career Possibilities and Current Median Salaries

High School Physics Teacher – $60,320, 8% projected job growth through 2026

High School Teachers

$60,320

Middle School Teachers

$58,600

US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2018

Physics (MS) Teaching :: 1.08 INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Internship opportunities

Internship experience provides the foundation employers are often looking for. Although not required for your degree, internships are an important part of your education experience. These are just a few of the companies that partner with Career Development and offer opportunities for A&M-Commerce physics students.

Physics (MS) Teaching :: 1.11 WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

What You Will Learn

Our program introduces modern theories of physics and astronomy to STEM educators. You’ll learn how to take these theories and apply them to the high school classroom. Work with faculty who specialize in physics education research as you explore courses in classical mechanics, astronomy and astrophysics. Our goal is to equip you with the tools needed to introduce modern physics theories and concepts (post-1865). The world of physics is ever-expanding. New discoveries point us towards more questions and problems to solve. Stay current in physics research through exploring our master’s degree program.

Courses to Prepare You for Your Career

Core courses include quantum universe for educators, physics mathematical methods for educators and thermodynamics for educators.

Physics (MS) Teaching :: 1.12 FEATURED COURSES

Featured Courses

The Quantum Universe for Educators PHY 526

In this course, you will learn about the uncertainty principle, wave-particle duality and wave mechanics, as well as applications to atomic physics, nuclear physics, semiconductors and lasers; how quantum mechanics has shaped the modern world. The impact of quantum mechanics in our culture; its uses and misuses.

Thermodynamics for Educators PHY 535

You will learn the principles and applications of statistical thermodynamics, thermal and general interactions of macroscopic systems and parameter measurement, as well as the basic description of statistical mechanics and kinetic theory.

Astronomy and Astrophysics for Educators PHY 561

You will cover topics in solar system dynamics, stellar structure and evolution, galactic evolution and dynamics and cosmology and make use of projects based on citizen science initiatives such as the Zooniverse that opened up astronomical research participation to the public.

View Full Curriculum In The University Catalog

View Teaching Certification Details

Physics (MS) Teaching :: 1.04 Student Profiles

Student Profiles

This program has greatly improved my mathematical and conceptual understanding of physics. The classwork challenges me every week and gives me the confidence to challenge my students similarly.

Josh Proctor

Not only have I extended my knowledge, but my classroom has benefited too. I feel more equipped and confident to teach physics at a higher level and answer any questions students present to me.

Jennifer Oramous

The professors work hard to ensure we understand the content. These classes not only challenge us to learn higher levels of physics but also teach us ways of incorporating these concepts into the high school classroom.

Stephanie Strike

Graduate Program Costs

Program Costs

As of Fall 2019, tuition and fees for a graduate student taking 9 credit hours through our 1 Year Optional Rate Plan is $3,288.98 for a Texas resident and $7,086.98 for a non-Texas resident. However, rates do change based on the number of credit hours taken, payment plan used and other factors.

Tuition Estimator

Financial Aid

Scholarships

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS International/Domestic Tabs

Admission Requirements

Physics (MS) Teaching :: Admissions Requirements

Domestic Student Required Documents

Application Packet Submission Deadline

Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Physics (MS) Teaching :: Admissions Requirements, International

International Student Required Documents

Apply Texas application
$75 (USD) application fee
All official transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree, including all transcripts used towards bachelor’s degree
- Any master’s degree transcript(s) with graduate coursework (if applicable)
- A copy of the provisional certificate or diploma
Scores
One of the following
- Official General Test GRE scores
- A completed bachelor’s degree from a U.S. regionally accredited university with a 3.00 GPA overall or higher
- A completed master’s degree from a U.S. regionally accredited university with a 3.00 GPA overall or higher

Application Packet Submission Deadlines

Applications (including all required documents and for programs that are not fully online) have the following deadlines:

Fall admission consideration: June 1

Spring admission consideration: October 15

Summer admission consideration: March 15

Department of Physics and Astronomy :: Contact

Contact Us

Department of Physics and Astronomy
903.886.5488
903.886.5480
[email protected]

P.O. Box 3011
Commerce, TX 75429-3011

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