BA in Physics (Teacher Preparation)

Units required for Major: 86-87
Total units required for BA: 120

Program Description

The Science Subject Matter Program (SSMP), with emphases in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Physics, leads to a BA degree in the area of emphasis. It also meets the latest California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) subject-matter requirement to enter a teaching credential program in California. In order to obtain a California K-12 Teaching Credential, a program of professional education preparation (a teaching credential program) is required in addition to completing the SSMP. Completing the SSMP and teaching credential program allows graduates to teach all four sciences (biology, chemistry, geoscience, and physics) at the general/integrated 7th-12th grade science level, in addition to the student's area of concentration at the advanced high school level. A typical credential might read, for example, SCIENCE: Chemistry.

Physics is the most fundamental science and underlies our understanding of nearly all areas of science and technology. In a broad sense, physics is concerned with the study of energy, space, and matter, and with the interactions between matter and the laws that govern these interactions. More specifically, physicists study mechanics, heat, light, electric and magnetic fields, gravitation, relativity, atomic and nuclear physics, and condensed matter physics.

The BA degree is recommended for students who are interested in teaching Physics in high school or who want a liberal arts education with an emphasis in Physics. Physics majors are encouraged to take additional mathematics and to develop skills in the use of computers.

Currently there is a serious need in public school education for well-educated science teachers. Physics majors who have an interest in teaching should see the credential advisor in the Department (Dr. Vera Margoniner) to plan an academic program and to explore ways to get involved in teaching-related activities such as tutoring, grading, and working in the schools.

Currently there is a great need for K-12 teachers educated in science. Changes in State Board of Education Standards and increasing interest in Biological Sciences have created significant demands for students with this credential. Biological Sciences majors who have an interest in teaching should contact one of the credential advisors in the Biological Sciences Department, Melanie Loo.

Note: 

• It is also possible to obtain admission to the Professional Education Program by passing a series of subject-matter examinations specified by the CTC in lieu of this Science Subject Matter Program. For information about this option contact the Teacher Preparation Program Office, Eureka Hall 216, (916) 278-6403.
• Due to policy changes from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and the federal No Child Left Behind mandate, the Science Subject Matter program was under review at the time of this catalog printing and is subject to revision. As a result it is important to consult a credential advisor for current details.

Minimum Grade Requirement

A grade of at least a "C-" in all required Science Subject Matter Program courses is necessary in order to meet subject matter requirements for admission to a teaching credential program. If a grade of "C-" is not achieved in all SSMP courses, then the current CTC approved subject matter exam must be successfully passed in order to be eligible for admission to a teaching credential program (the current exam is the CSET, tests I, II, and III). 

Note: It is recommended that all coursework for the SSMP be completed before starting the Teacher Education Program. At least 15 units of the coursework or equivalent work experience must be current, i.e., completed within the past six years.

Program Requirements

¹

Course also satisfies General Education (GE)/Graduation Requirement.

²

See list below for a list of Department approved electives.

³

Majors must fulfill a minimum attendance requirement at Department Colloquia. Students should consult with the Department for details.

Elective List

⁴

If not used to satisfy other requirement of the degree (Example: PHYS 115 or PHYS 145 are required for the Bachelor of Science. If both are taken, one will count as an elective).

General Education Requirements¹

¹

To help you complete your degree in a timely manner and not take more units than absolutely necessary, there are ways to use single courses to meet more than one requirement (overlap). For further information, please visit the General Education page.

Note: There is no way to list all possible overlaps so please consult with a professional advisor. The Academic Advising Center can be visited online, by phone (916) 278-1000, or email.

²

Required in Major; also satisfies GE.

³

Department recommends PHYS 30 to meet Area A3.

Graduation Requirements¹

¹

To help you complete your degree in a timely manner and not take more units than absolutely necessary, there are ways to use single courses to meet more than one requirement (overlap). For further information, please visit the General Education page.

Note: There is no way to list all possible overlaps so please consult with a professional advisor. The Academic Advising Center can be visited online, by phone (916) 278-1000, or email.

²

If not satisfied before entering Sacramento State, it may be satisfied in General Education Area C2 (Humanities). "C- or better required." The alternative methods for satisfying the Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement are described here: https://www.csus.edu/college/arts-letters/world-languages-literatures/foreign-language-requirement.html 

The following roadmaps are sample planning resources. Please consult your academic advisor and Academic Catalog for graduation requirements as you develop your individualized academic plan.

Physics (Teacher Preparation), BA: 4-Year Roadmap

Physics (Teacher Preparation), BA: 2-Year Roadmap

^1.

Any course not completed in the first semester should be taken in the second or a later semester.

^2.

Please see General Education/Graduation Requirement course options.

^3.

Please see an academic advisor for elective options.

Career Options: Physicists, Astronomers, Atmospheric and Space Scientists, Nuclear Technicians, Data Scientists, Computer Programmers, Software Developers