This program allows you to earn a Master of Teaching (MT) degree from the Curry School of Education. If you complete all requirements, you will be eligible for licensure with endorsement in Physics Education.
Teacher education policies and procedures are outlined in the Teacher Education Student Handbook.
Prerequisites and Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet several requirements.
1. Possess a B.A. or B.S. degree in physics or a minimum of 32 semester hours of physics coursework covering classical mechanics, electricity & magnetism, heat & thermodynamics, relativity, waves and optics, atomic and nuclear physics, and quantum physics.
2. Have 23 hours of supporting coursework with at least one course in each of the following: biology, earth & space science, chemistry, and mathematics (through differential equations). Ideally, science courses should include labs.
3. Meet general studies requirements: 12 hours mathematics and science, 6 hours in English/composition/literature, 6 hours of historical studies across American history and world history or western civilization, as well as courses representing the humanities and the social sciences.
4. Complete the online application for admission and submit supporting materials, including official transcripts and test scores by February 15. (NOTE: applicants may upload unofficial transcripts with applications, but will need to provide official transcripts before they can matriculate.) Test scores include GREs that meet targets--at or above 450/150 (verbal), 530/145 (quantitative), 4.0 (analytical writing). Applicants must also submit test scores on ONE of the following:
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SATs taken prior to 4/1/95—score of 1000, with at least 450 verbal and 510 math; if taken after 4/1/95—score of 1100, with at least 530 verbal, 530 math , OR
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ACTs: taken prior to 4/1/95—score of 1100, with at least 450 verbal, 510 math; if taken after 4/1/95—composite score of 24, with at least 22 math, 46 English Plus Reading score, OR
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PRAXIS I: 178 math, 178 reading, 175 writing or 532 composite score, OR
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VCLA: Reading and Writing as an optional assessment for the PRAXIS I reading and writing tests-- writing subtest of 235, reading subtest of 235, composite score of 470--in combination with qualifying math scores from SATs and ACTs.
Application Due Date
Degree Requirements
All Master of Teaching students are required to complete 5 credits in the Curry Participant Pool in each year of their program.
Students must complete coursework, practica, and assessments required for licensure by the dates listed in the Course Outline below.
Prospective Physics teachers must also complete the following:
1. a B.A. or B.S. degree in Physics, with courses covering classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, heat & thermodynamics, waves, optics, atomic & nuclear physics, quantum physics, and relativity in either of the following core sequences:
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OPTION 1: (a) Courses PHYS 1610, PHYS 1620, PHYS 2610, PHYS 2620 (16 hrs.); (b) lab courses PHYS 2630 and PHYS 2640 (6 hrs.), and (c) three additional courses (9 hrs.) which include PHYS 2660 and your choice 3000-level physics courses, or
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OPTION 2: (a) Courses PHYS 2310, PHYS 2320, PHYS 2620 (12 hrs.), (b) lab courses PHYS 2630, PHYS 2640 (4 hrs.) or PHYS 2010, PHYS 2020 (4 hrs.), and (c) coursework that includes PHYS 2660 and any 3000-level physics courses (12 credits).
2. at least 20 credits in supporting coursework, including one course each in Biology, Chemistry, Earth/Space Science, Mathematics (through introductory differential equations);
3. at least one History of Science Course (HIEU 3322 recommended) if not part of one's undergraduate curriculum;
4. lab sections offered in conjunction with with science courses in which you enroll; and
5. at least 30 credits at the 5000 level or above, which do not include Teaching Associateship credits. Recommended graduate courses are EDIS 7850, EDLF 5050, EDLF 5450, EDLF 5640, EDLF 5860, EDLF 5500, and EDLF 7280.
Note: Only a two-course deficiency in the major or supporting courses may be completed after the teaching associate semester.
Funding Opportunities
In addition to federal loans, grants, scholarships and work study, possible sources of funding include Curry Foundation Scholarships. Foundation awards are made mid-year; several are earmarked for TED students. Check with the Office of Financial Aid for other funding sources, including the federal TEACH grant.
Typical Length of Study
2 Years. If you wish to accelerate the program, meet with your advisor as soon as possible to see if you can complete requirements in 1 1/2 years.
Semester of Entry:
Fall
Full or Part Time:
Full-time.
Course Overview
Use the sample course outline below to map your coursework in Curry and to determine which semesters you can enroll in Arts and Sciences courses required for your major and licensure.
First Year
Fall Semester:
___EDLF 5011: Adolescent Learning & Development (3 cr.)
___EDIS 3882: Field Experience (1 cr.)
___EDIS 5020: Instruction & Assessment (3 cr.)
___EDIS 3450: Teaching with Technology (2 cr.) math/science section--fall or spring semester
___EDIS 4885: Field Experience (1 cr.)
___EDIS 5050: Teaching Science in Secondary Schools I (3 cr.)
___EDIS 5710: Content Area Reading (3 cr.)--fall or spring semester
___By December 1, submit the Teaching Associateship Application (a form on which you request a student teaching placement) to the Office of Teacher Education.
Spring Semester:
___EDIS 5000: Exceptional Learner (3 cr.)--spring or summer session
___EDIS 5030: Curriculum & Management (3 cr.)
___EDIS 3882: Field Experience (1 cr.)
___EDIS 4885: Field Experience (1 cr.)
___EDIS 5051:Teaching Science in Secondary School II (3 credits)
___Complete the online module Child Abuse and Neglect: Recognizing, Reporting, and Responding for Educators. Print out the certificate of completion and make one copy for the Office of Teacher Education. Keep the original for your personal records.
___By April 15, complete 5 credits in the Curry Participant Pool.
___By May 1, take and pass the reading and writing portions of the Virginia Communication & Literacy Assessment (VCLA). Print a copy of your scores for your personal records. You will need this document when you apply for licensure at the end of the program.
Summer Session (if accelerating the program):
___Register for coursework on the Summer Session website.
___EDIS 7991: Field Project (3 cr.)--a portion of the course will be completed in the fall.
___EDIS 7100: Contemporary Issues (3 cr.)
Second Year
Fall Semester (Only the classes below can be taken during the semester.)
___By August 1, take and pass the Praxis II Content Exam offered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). Print a copy of your test results for your personal records.
___If graduating in December, apply for graduation no later than October 1. On the Curry form, be sure to list primary and secondary endorsements (if relevant). Take your application to Curry's Office of Admission (106 Bavaro Hall). Use a paperclip to attach copies of required licensure materials (e.g., test scores, College Verification Form, Request for Initial Licensure). Licensure documents can be found in on the VDOE website under "Application for a Virginia License". Make sure the address you list on licensure materials is the one where you will be receiving mail between December and February.
___If planning to enroll as a part-time (fewer than 12 cr.) during the spring, complete a Change of Status form and submit it to the Teacher Education Office by October 15.
___EDIS 5875: Seminar: Teaching Associateship – Science (3 cr.)
___EDIS 5885: Teaching Associateship – Science (12 cr.)
Spring Semester:
___If graduating in May, apply for graduation no later than February 1. On the Curry form, be sure to list primary and secondary endorsements (if relevant). Take your application to Curry's Office of Admission (106 Bavaro Hall). Use a paperclip to attach copies of required licensure materials (e.g., test scores, College Verification Form, Request for Initial Licensure). Licensure documents can be found on the VDOE website under "Application for a Virginia License". Make sure the address you list on licensure materials is the one where you will be receiving mail between May and August.
___By April 15, complete 5 credits (3 credits if graduating in December) in the Curry Participant Pool.
___EDIS 7991: Field Project (3 cr.)
___EDIS 7100: Contemporary Educational Issues (3 cr.)
___Other coursework needed for degree/licensure
Sample Jobs After Graduation
Secondary (grades 6-12) Physics Teacher
Contacts