Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin [Archived Catalog]

Physics with Teaching Certification (B.S.)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Programs

Program: B.S. Physics Teaching
Department of Physics
College of Arts and Sciences

Kettler Hall 126B ~ 260-481-6306 ~ ipfw.edu/physics/


The student learning outcomes for the degree are as follows:

  • Will reason about physically significant problems conceptually and mathematically
  • Will solve complex physical problems using sophisticated mathematical techniques
  • Will interpret mathematical solutions conceptually and physically
  • Will use computation and computer modeling to investigate physical phenomena and solve physical problems
  • Will communicate in appropriate scientific media and forms
  • Will be aware of effective teaching techniques for physics
  • Will be aware of appropriate physics laboratory methods 

This program helps you prepare for teaching physics in the high schools and science in the middle schools. You may also be interested in physical science teaching certification (listed separately in this Bulletin).

You should work closely with your academic advisor to ensure completion of general-education requirements for teacher certification. You must have a GPA of 3.00 or higher in your major and the professional-education course area with an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher. Each required course must be completed with a grade of C- or better.

The College of Education and Public Policy requires that you first complete EDUC F200/EDUC M101, and EDUC W200 before you are permitted to take Block 1 courses. Prior to your junior year, you must successfully complete the Pearson Basic Skills test or approved alternative (see your advisor for a list of approved alternatives) before admission to Block 1 courses. The Pearson Content Area Exam in physics must be completed before the student-teaching semester.

If you wish to transfer to physics teaching from another degree program, you must have an average of C or better in all physics and mathematics courses you have completed, and not more than one grade below C in those courses.

To earn the B.S. with a major in physics teaching, you must fulfill the requirements of IPFW (see Part 8 ) and the College of Arts and Sciences (see Part 4 ) in addition to the following requirements:

IPFW General Education Requirements Credits: 33


College of Arts and Sciences Requirements


English Writing and Speaking


  • See Arts and Sciences Part A for Speaking requirement 

Professional Education Program Requirements


Prior to your junior year, the Department of Educational Studies requires that you successfully complete EDUC F200, EDUC W200, and EDUC K306 and the Pearson Core Academic Subject Assessment (CASA) or approved alternative before admission to the professional education program. You must also establish a minimum 2.70 GPA in your content (major) courses and a 2.70 cumulative GPA for admission to this program. The Pearson CORE content exam must be taken before the student teaching semester. You must apply for student teaching one year in advance of the semester you plan to student teach. You must also pass the Pearson pedagogy exam for Secondary Education, pass the CORE content exam, and achieve a 3.00 GPA in your major and overall to obtain the teaching license. For more information on these and other reqirements, please contact the College of Education and Public Policy, EPIC Office, in Neff Hall 243, 260-481-6449.

Student Teaching


  • EDUC M480 - Student Teaching in the Secondary School  Credits:  12
  • EDUC M401 - Laboratory/Field Experience  Credits: 0

or if completing a special education-mild intervention dual license:

  • EDUC M480 - Student Teaching in the Secondary School  Credits:  9
  • EDUC M401 - Laboratory/Field Experience  Credits: 0
  • EDUC M470 - Special Education Practicum  Credits: 3

or if completing an English as a new language dual license:

  • EDUC M480 - Student Teaching in the Secondary School  Credits:  9
  • EDUC M401 - Laboratory/Field Experience  Credits: 0
  • LING L470 - Teaching English as a New Language Practicum  Credits: 3

Total Credits: 133


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Programs