Teaching - Science, Physics Emphasis
Further your understanding of physics and earn your license to teach science and physics to grades 4-12.
Combine Your Passions for Science, Physics, and Education
Rooted in exploration, experimentation, and discovery, our renowned physics teaching program includes opportunities to use state-of-the-art instrumentation, conduct research alongside faculty, and hear from experts in the field — all while learning how to best teach science classes, especially physics, to grades 4-12.
Through projects, labs and fieldwork, you'll gain the knowledge, tools, and techniques needed to develop curious, successful students. The opportunity to assist teachers in their classrooms throughout your four years — as well as student teach for a full semester — will help you to build your leadership skills, identify your preferred teaching style and discover how to best meet the needs of your learners.
Graduates leave ready to teach science — and inspire others. Your future students could have a hand in developing methods and tools that diagnose and cure disease, managing traffic flow in large cities, predicting geological phenomena such as earthquakes or developing cleaner fuels for automobiles. When you combine physics research, laboratory experiments and a UW-Eau Claire teaching certification, you graduate with a promising future. And you'll help future generations do the same.
Program Details
Licensure Information
Completion of teacher preparation programs at UW-Eau Claire meets licensure requirements in Wisconsin. Our programs may not meet requirements in other states. It is very important that individuals seeking licensure in another state obtain the most recent certification/licensure information directly from the state in which they seek employment. Find contact information on each state licensure office here.
Licensure requirements can change at any time. UW-Eau Claire’s Teacher Education Program Office ensures that our programs meet the requirements for licensure in Wisconsin. If you seek licensure in another state, be aware that their requirements could change at any time.
The United States Department of Education requires institutions to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure concerning whether each program meets state educational requirements for initial licensure or certification. Please note:
- Obtaining a Wisconsin Teaching License PRIOR to applying for a teaching license in another state is usually helpful and strongly recommended.
- "Meets requirements" means that a student is eligible for a license with stipulations, typically for 1-3 years, in that state. The stipulations are likely to be specific testing requirements and/or competency through a course or examination. In some instances, additional stipulations might be added.
- Licensure grade levels vary from state to state. Students who are eligible for a specific grade range in Wisconsin may be licensed for a narrower grade range in another state. Each state determines grade ranges for licensing differently.
- State licensure requirements may change at any time. Licensure questions should be referred to the Teacher Education Program Office (tep@uwec.edu).
The requirements of this program meet requirements in the following states or territories:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, American Samoa
The requirements of this program do not meet licensure in the following states or territories:
Alaska, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, Washington, D.C., Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
While at UWEC, you'll have direct access to outstanding academic facilities, such as an optics research lab, the Materials Science and Engineering Center, an electron microscopy lab, an electronics lab, a machine shop, the Blugold Center for High Performance Computing, and the Hobbs Observatory. There, you can use state-of-the-art technology such as a 24-inch reflecting telescope, an atomic force microscope, a scanning tunneling electron microscope, and an X-ray diffractometer.
The Physics and Astronomy Department at UW-Eau Claire offers countless opportunities to learn beyond the classroom, including the chance to conduct groundbreaking research. Alongside dedicated faculty members, your work could lead to publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at regional or national conferences.
To help you explore career opportunities and make valuable connections, we host an annual Education Job Fair, an on-campus career fair specific for those looking to enter the field of education. This event is an excellent opportunity to make connections and submit your resume for current and future job openings.
Through observations, teacher assisting, and a full semester of student teaching in your own classroom, you'll work toward building your resume — and your skillset. Alongside physics experts and exceptional teachers, you'll learn best practices in leading a successful classroom. You'll also work collaboratively with peers who, like you, are interested in science and helping educate the next generation.
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Where can the teaching - science, physics emphasis program lead me after graduation?
Graduates of the teaching - science, physics emphasis bachelor's degree program leave well prepared to ignite the curiosity of young people and ready to explore some of the deepest questions of the universe. Upon completion of the program, you will be certified to teach any science course in grades 4-12 in a regular education setting, including biology, chemistry, earth/space science and general science. You will also have special expertise and in-depth knowledge of physics specifically.
Recent Graduates
Physics Teacher
Hartford Union High School
Wisconsin
Math/Physics Teacher
Cadott Community Schools
Wisconsin
Physics Teacher
Palm Beach County
Florida
With a teaching - science, physics emphasis bachelor's degree, you will become a confident instructor with the tools to teach science to a variety of ages. In addition to a rigorous curriculum, a semester of student teaching provides real-world learning and opportunities to make valuable professional connections.
Here are a few courses in Teaching - Science, Physics Emphasis at UW-Eau Claire.
PHYS 231
University Physics I
Physics for science and engineering students, including the study of mechanics, simple harmonic motion, and wave motion.
PHYS 315
The Mysterious Universe
A view of the world as revealed by contemporary physical thought. Topics include size and origin of universe, ultimate nature of matter; modern ideas of space, time and energy; possibilities of extraterrestrial life; and values and limitations of science.
PHYS 340
Optics
Lecture and laboratory work cover geometrical and physical optics, image formation, optical instruments, interference, diffraction, polarization, and modern topics including lasers.
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