Physics (B.S.)/Science Education (M.A.T.)
Undergraduate students in the Bachelor of Science with a major in Physics can apply to the M.A.T. in Science Education if they meet the following requirements.
- Students must participate in pre-advising sessions with faculty in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
- Students must have completed at least 30 hours of academic credit (including MATH 2211 and PHYS 2211K).
- Students must 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 M.A.T. Science Education program and therefore must submit the following documentation in addition to meeting the GPA requirement.
- Complete the B.S./M.A.T. application form. This will be kept on file in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and in the Office of Academic Assistance in the College of Arts and 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 (resume or curriculum vitae).
- Personal statement of goals and/or reasons for teaching.
- Successful interview of appropriate faculty in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Department of Middle-Secondary and Instructional Technology.
- Formal 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 passing scores on the GACE Basic Skills Assessment or demonstrate an exemption upon application to the program. The current options for satisfying the Basic Skills Assessment, including the exemptions, are outlined at www.gapsc.com/documentation/basicskillsinfo.asp. Under "Basic Skills Testing," go to "Options to Satisfy the Basic Skills Requirement".
- 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.
Program Academic Regulations
The department may specify additional requirements.
The M.A.T. program is a carefully sequenced program. Students who do not follow the prescribed program sequence will be withdrawn from the program and may reapply to enter the next program cycle.
Exit requirements for this program are:
- Completion of all program coursework with a grade point average of no less than 3.00,
- Successful completion of the teaching internships with a grade of "B" or better, and
- Successful presentation of a professional portfolio.
Students in this program will be prepared to teach in broad field science or in one of the science specialties of biology, chemistry, earth/space science and physics in grades 6-12. The student's advisory committee will approve the student's planned program of study for either the broad field science preparation or preparation in one of the specialties of biology, chemistry, earth/space science and physics after a transcript analysis of previous work and consultation with the student.
Students in this program will be eligible to be recommended for Georgia initial certification after earning passing scores on the GACE Basic Skills Assessment and GACE Content Assessments for licensure in Science or in their specialty area and successfully completing:
- All content courses recommended for the students by MSIT and Arts and Sciences faculty upon the students' admission to the program;
- Students must complete EXC 4020 Characteristics and Instructional Strategies for Students with Disabilities (3) or its equivalent to be eligible for recommendation for certification in addition to the program of study requirements;
- EPY 7080 The Psychology of Learning and Learners (3)
- EDCI 6600 Introduction to Secondary Teaching (3)
- EDCI 7660 Practicum I (3)
- EDCI 7670 Practicum II (3)
- EDCI 7680 Practicum III (3)
- EDSC 6550 Principles of Science Instruction (3)
- EDSC 7550 Theory and Pedagogy of Science Instruction (3)
- Successful presentation of a professional portfolio.
Program Degree Requirements
Master of Arts in Teaching in Science Education
- A. Professional Studies (12)
- Select one (3):
- EPRS 7900 Methods of Research in Education (3)
- EPRS 7910 Action Research (3)
- Select one (3):
- EPSF 7100 Critical Pedagogy (3)
- EPSF 7110 Multicultural Education (3)
- EPSF 7120 Social and Cultural Foundations of Education (3)
- Required (3):
- EPY 7080 The Psychology of Learning and Learners (3)
- Select One (3):
- EDSC 8430 The Nature of Science (3)
- IT 7360 Integrating Technology in School-Based Learning Environments (3)
- TSLE 7440 Methods and Materials for Bilingual/English as a Second Language Teacher (3)
- B. Teaching Field/Major (24)
- Required (9):
- EDCI 6600 Introduction to Secondary Teaching (3)
- EDSC 6550 Principles of Science Instruction (3)
- EDSC 7550 Theory and Pedagogy of Science Instruction (3)
- Select Advanced Studies (15): In consultation with their advisory committee, the students select coursework numbered 6000 or higher related to science education. The coursework should lead to the development of an understanding of the history, philosophy, conceptual underpinnings, and applications of science education.
Students in this program will be prepared to teach in broad field science or in one of the science specialties of biology, chemistry, earth/space science and physics in grades 6-12. The student's advisory committee will approve the student's planned program of study for either the broad field science preparation or preparation inn on one of the specialties of biology, chemistry, earth/space science and physics after a transcript analysis of previous work and consultation with the student.
- C. Internship (9)
- Required (9):
- EDCI 7660 Practicum I (3)
- EDCI 7670 Practicum II (3)
- EDCI 7680 Practicum III (3)
Program total: minimum of 45 semester hours
