This dual degree program, allowing completion of both degrees and teacher certification requirements in approximately 5 years, is available to undergraduates majoring in physics who have completed at least 30 hours of academic credit (including MATH 2211 and PHYS 2211K) and who have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3. Students may apply to the option at any time after completing 30 hours but prior to completing 90 hours of undergraduate coursework. Applicants are applying for early acceptance into the College of Education and Human Development’s MAT program and therefore must submit the following documentation in addition to meeting the GPA requirement:
- Complete the BS/MAT pre-application form. This will be kept on file in the Department of Physics & Astronomy and in the Office of Academic Assistance in the College of Arts & Sciences.
- 2-3 letters of recommendation: (a) one academic or professional letter; (b) one letter from someone who can evaluate the applicant’s personal qualifications, experience, and background in light of potential to work successfully with adolescents; (c) one letter from a current work supervisor, if applicable
- Documentation of previous work experience (résumé or curriculum vitae)
- Personal statement of goals and/or reasons for teaching
- Successful interview with appropriate program faculty in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and in the College of Education and Human Development
Final acceptance into the M.A.T. portion of the program will be contingent upon the following:
- Maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher;
- Completion of 90 hours towards the B.S. degree in Physics (including Phys 7460 and Phys 7850);
- Submission of acceptable GRE scores;
- Filing an application to the M.A.T. program by the appropriate deadline.
Acceptance into the Teacher Education track is contingent upon acceptance into the M.A.T. portion, completion of 24 hours in physics, and passing or exempting the GACE Basic Skills test.
Students in this program will select one of the B.S. concentrations listed above. The curriculum allows students to satisfy the content requirement of the M.A.T. program by enrolling in the 7000-level counterparts of the core physics courses (PHYS 7850 for PHYS 3850 , Phys 7460] for PHYS 3401 , Phys 7600] for PHYS 4600 , and Phys 7700] for PHYS 4700 ). In addition, to meet the M.A.T. and teacher certification requirements, students will enroll in EXC 4020 and 6 hours of graduate-level courses required for the M.A.T. in satisfying 9 hours of elective credits towards the B.S. in Physics.
Normally, students in their 4th year are enrolled in both the B.S. and the M.A.T. programs and will receive the B.S after the 4th year. In the 5th year, students will take professional education courses (24 hours) and will focus on the student teaching requirements.
For more information on this program’s curriculum, please contact the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The M.A.T. requirements for Science Education are described more fully in the College of Education and Human Development section of the Graduate Catalog.
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