Physics Education

Degree: B.S.E.

Why Study This Program?

Introduce the next generation of students to the mathematical study that attempts to understand the physical universe through Millersville University's Physics Education program. This rigorous secondary education program is designed to develop your expertise in both physics and education to ensure that you are equipped to become an outstanding teacher for 7th to 12th grade students. The physics department will expand your knowledge of the sciences while you simultaneously gain practical skills through the educational foundations department.

Due to a consistently high number of undergraduate physics students, MU offers an exceptionally wide variety of upper level and special topics courses. All physics lectures, recitations and laboratories are taught by experienced faculty, all of whom hold doctorate degrees. As a member of the Physics Education program, you will be assigned a faculty member within the department who will advise you in terms of course work, research projects, graduate school selection and careers.

MU's Secondary Education program maintains partnerships with liberal arts departments to provide education courses, field experiences and co-advisors for future teachers interested in teaching 7th to 12th grade students. By successfully completing this program, you will earn a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) degree with a certification in Secondary Physics Education and be prepared for Pennsylvania licensure exams.

Millersville University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and approved by the American Association of University Women.

What Will You Learn?

The coursework and experiences contained within the Physics Education program reflect a collaborative curriculum which combines your interests in physics and teaching.

Your course of study will address fundamental questions about the nature of matter and energy and the forces by which objects interact. Beginning with these basic principles and simple models, you will learn to build descriptions of atoms, organic material, stars and the origin of the universe. This knowledge of physical principles will then be applied to solve practical problems in areas such as product development, process control and instrumentation. Meanwhile, extensive coursework in professional education will help you to build expertise in educational concepts and confidence in the classroom.

All MU education programs involve a Foundations Block which explores modern teaching and the psychology of teaching, Professional Blocks which focus on instructional technology and positive learning environments, and a semester of student teaching.