Subject Matter Program (Physics)

The Science Subject Matter Program in physics is designed to meet the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) subject matter requirement for students to enter a California Single Subject teaching credential program. Meeting the subject matter requirement is a credential program admission requirement, and can be met either through a subject matter program (such as those described below) or by taking a state approved content exam (currently the California Subject Exam for Teachers, the CSET). In order to meet the subject matter obtain a California K-12 Teaching Credential, a program requirement, all courses must be completed with a grade of "C-" or better.  In order to teach public school in California, you must also complete a teaching credential program.

Subject matter programs are not degrees or concentrations; instead they are a series of courses that allow a student to meet the requirements for admission to a teaching credential program. Students must also complete a BA or BS degree (with any major) to fulfill the credential requirements.

Science majors who intend to pursue a teaching credential should see a faculty advisor or the department chair in the department of their academic major. It is recommended that they do so early as it is critical that their science coursework be carefully planned and coordinated to include the required subject matter program courses. In addition, students are encouraged to become involved with education related activities like grading, assisting in labs, tutoring K-12 students, and visiting schools; please speak with the subject matter advisors in your area for more information.

Program Requirements 

ASTR 4AIntroduction to the Solar System3
ASTR 4BIntroduction to Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology 13
BIO 1
BIO 2
Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology
Cells, Molecules and Genes 1
4 - 10
or BIO 10
BIO 15L
Basic Biological Concepts
Laboratory Investigations in Biology
CHEM 1AGeneral Chemistry I 15
CHEM 1BGeneral Chemistry II5
ENVS 10Introduction to Environmental Science 13
GEOL 10Physical Geology 13
PHYS 11AGeneral Physics: Mechanics 14
PHYS 11BGeneral Physics: Heat, Light, Sound, Modern Physics4
PHYS 11CGeneral Physics: Electricity and Magnetism4
PHYS 106Introduction to Modern Physics3
PHYS 115Electronics and Instrumentation4
Total Units45-51
1

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