Physics is the science we use to explore the deepest workings of the universe. By becoming a high school physics teacher, you can incite curiosity and a passion for knowledge in generations of students. Create a welcoming, exciting classroom 鈥 the kind you always looked forward to in school 鈥 with the Secondary Education BSE in Physics program at the University of Central Missouri.
Your Secondary Education BSE in Physics is part of UCM's Science Education program, which is accredited by the National Association of Science Teachers (NSTA).
You鈥檒l train in our science education labs, designed specifically with pre-service teachers鈥 needs in mind and get extensive field experience using leading educational techniques and tools. Walk into your own classroom ready to open minds to the wonders of the natural world.
A college education that puts you first
UCM鈥檚 student-centered learning, small class sizes and one-on-one faculty mentorship bring out your best while providing academic and career support when you need it. By collaborating with other future physics teachers while you work through courses or fieldwork challenges, you鈥檒l build connections that will last a lifetime.
Certification
After completing this degree, you will be eligible to apply for educator certification in grades 9-12 Physics, as well as unified science certification through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
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NSTA-accredited degree program
150+ years of teacher training
Hands-on learning
10:1 typical student-to-faculty ratio
Over 100 hours of classroom experience
Affordable, high-quality education
Your physics teacher training at the University of Central Missouri will give you a solid grounding in the content area 鈥 and tools to communicate it effectively. Learn how to choose your teaching methods and adapt them to an array of student needs. Plus, you鈥檒l gain insight into the adolescent mind with courses in development and psychology.
UCM鈥檚 Secondary Education BSE program will teach you how to design 鈥渕inds-on, hands-on鈥 curricula to fully engage your future students. You鈥檒l be able to guide them as they explore scientific phenomena, collect and analyze data, use modeling to solve math problems and conduct and present experiments.
Our future physics teachers begin their four-year bachelor鈥檚 degree program studying a wide array of topics to ensure a well-rounded undergraduate education. You鈥檒l gradually focus on physics and educational theory and application. As you progress through the program, you鈥檒l spend an increasing amount of time putting your training into practice in local classrooms.
Your classes may include:
Putting educational theory and technique into practice is crucial to a physics teacher鈥檚 success. Engage with local classrooms for more than 100 hours even before you spend a full semester student teaching in your senior year. By the time you walk into your own classroom as a new high school physics teacher, you鈥檒l be confident in your methods and knowledge.
Future high school physics teachers have many opportunities for experiential learning and professional development during their time at UCM.
With a Secondary Education BSE in Physics from UCM, you鈥檒l be eligible to apply to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for educator certification in grades 9鈥12 physics and unified science. Once you have your certification, you can teach high school physics in any public school in Missouri.
Being a high school physics teacher is a fulfilling, stable career, and many of our graduates choose that position long term. If you decide to increase your job opportunities or teach at a college or university level, you can pursue an advanced degree in education, such as UCM鈥檚 Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). With our long history of teacher training and fully accredited Education programs, UCM is an ideal place to return for grad school.
Demand for high school physics teachers
Use our interactive tool below to see salaries, projected job growth, regional data and more insights for physics teachers. Missouri is experiencing the same shortage of skilled physics teachers that鈥檚 nationwide, so many school systems are actively seeking new job applicants.
Invest wisely in your future by pursuing your BSE in Physics at the University of Central Missouri. Our commitment to high-quality education at affordable rates means you can step into your new career as a high school physics teacher with confidence, not excessive debt.
Our program tuition costs are lower than many in Missouri. In addition, we provide numerous ways to finance your Physics Teacher degree. Making a modest investment in your education today can pay for itself with plenty of job opportunities when you graduate and a stable life-long career as a physics teacher.
In addition to university-wide grants, loans and scholarships, you may be eligible for these awards dedicated to future physics teachers:
A BSE in Physics fully qualifies you to be a high school physics teacher. If you decide to pursue additional job opportunities or teach in higher education, you can earn an advanced degree from UCM:
The University of Central Missouri offers multiple science concentrations in the Secondary Education BSE program, as well as undergraduate degrees in similar fields that may interest you:
You will use the knowledge and skills obtained in this program to:
UCM is the longest continuously CAEP accredited public institution in Missouri
UCM鈥檚 Science Education programs are recognized by National Association of Science Teachers (NSTA)
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