Careers in engineering physics include teaching, medicine, law, policy, and government.
DEGREE TYPE
Bachelor's Degree
PROGRAM TYPE
Undergraduate
LOCATION
Main Campus - Cape
Physics Education
BSED
On-Campus
Main Campus
DEGREE TYPE
Bachelor's Degree
PROGRAM TYPE
Undergraduate
LOCATION
DEPARTMENT
Where teaching meets limitless possibility.
Physics explores how the world works. As a physics teacher, you can help students understand the science behind the world around them and the technology they use every day.
The physics education program prepares students to teach physics and inspire an appreciation for science. Through the study of fundamental physical principles, students develop the knowledge and skills to help future learners understand how science shapes the world around them.
Make Your Mark
- Understand the impact of physics and engineering concepts on everyday issues in a global, economic, environmental, and social context.
- Have substantial and increasingly challenging teaching experiences in schools
- Be prepared to integrate technology in teaching
What Can You Do with a Physics Education Degree?
Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, and sell your knowledge and experience. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. They’ll provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time.
Employment Opportunities of Recent Graduates
Physics Teacher General Science Teacher Chem istry Teacher Biology Teacher Earth Science Teacher Educational Administrator Science Supply Salesperson Tex tbook Sales Representative Laboratory Technician Hallsville High School, mathematics teacher Parkway West High School, physics teacher Cape Central High School, s cience teacher
Request Info
We'd love to help you learn more about SEMO! Tell us how we can get in touch.
Physics Education Degree Map
Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree.
Outcomes & Careers
-
$73k
Secondary School Teacher
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a secondary school teacher is $73,700.
-
$59k
Laboratory Technician
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a laboratory technician is $59,130.
-
$105k
Postsecondary Physical Sciences Teacher
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a physical sciences postsecondary teacher is $105,460.
Turn Ambition Into Action
Physics Education students will study in state-of-the-art, first-rate learning environments in the Magill Hall of Science while gaining hands-on experience and training using a variety of lab equipment and chemical instruments. Undergraduate research is also an option. Students must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours, the general education program, and 39 senior division hours (300-599).
"Critical Courses" are italicized and bolded. Data shows that students who have completed this course in the first two years and have earned the noted grade are most likely to complete this program of study.
Education Courses- 47 Hours Required
A grade of ‘C’ or better is required in education courses, with the exception of ED280 which requires a
grade of ‘B’ or better.
- ED280 Introduction to Education as a Profession (3)
- EF400 Student Teaching Seminar (1)
- EX390 Psychology and Education of the Exceptional Child (3)
- PY222 Psychological Development in Adolescence (3)
- SE307 Content Literacy Methods for Middle and High School (3)
- SE320 Techniques of Teaching Science (3)
- SE350 Pedagogy 1: Principles of Effective Teaching (3)
- SE355 Field Experience II (3)
- SE365 Pedagogy 2: Secondary School-Interdisciplinary Methods and Technology (4)
- SE380 Advanced Field Experience (3)
- SE385 Pedagogy 3: Advanced Methods of Middle and Secondary Teaching (3)
- SE390 Instructional Intervention
Physics Education – 59-62 Hour Major - No Minor Required
Required Courses:
- PH230/030 General Physics I (5)
- PH231/031 General Physics II (5)
- PH345 Experimental Methods I (3)
- PH360 Modern Physics (3)
- PL425 Scientific Reasoning (3)
Choose 3-4 Hours From:
- BY330 General Ecology (4)
- EV360 Recycling & Waste Mgt (3)
- GO305 Environmental Geoscience (3)
- GO372 Earthquakes & Society (3)
Choose 3 Hours From:
- BS108 Biology for Living (3)
- BS218 Biologic Science: A Process Approach (3)
Choose 5-7 hours*:
- CH181/184 Basic Principles of Chemistry (3+1) OR
- CH184/185 General Chemistry I Lab (3+1) AND
- CH186 General Chemistry II (3)
Choose 3 Hours From:
- GO110 Physical Geology (3)
- GO318 Earth Science: A Process Approach (3)
- GO320 Oceanography (3)
- GO418 Meteorology (4)
Choose 3 hours at the 300-599 level:
- EPxxx
- PHxxx
Choose 4 Hours From:
- CS101 Introduction to Computer Programming (3)
- EP100 Introduction to Engineering (3)
- EP240 Circuit Analysis I (3)
- EP261 Engineering Mech: Statics (3)
- EP262 Engineering Mech: Dynamics (3)
- EP263 Mechanics of Materials (4)
- EP305 Digital & Analog System Design (3)
- EP310 Microcontroller & Embedded Systems (3)
- EP340 Electronic Circuits (3)
- EP462 Materials Science (3)
- PH328 Energy (3)
- PH341 Optics (3)
- PH370 Mechanics (3)
- PH371 Electrodynamics (3)
- PH400 Topics in Physics & Engineering (3)
- PH473 Quantum Mechanics (3)
- PH475/476 Literature of Physics (1-2)
- PH478/479 Undergraduate Research (1-2)
- PH490/491 Independent Study in Physics (1-2)
- PH570 Mathematical Physics (3)
Additional Requirements:
- MA140 Analytic Geometry & Calculus I (5)
- MA145 Analytic Geometry & Calculus II (4)
- MA244 Analytic Geometry & Calculus III (4)
Some requirements may be fulfilled by coursework in major program.
- Social and Behavioral Sciences – 6 hours
- Constitution Requirement – 3 hours
- Written Communication – 6 hours
- Oral Communication – 3 hours
- Natural Sciences – 7 hours (from two disciplines, one to include a lab)
- Mathematics – 3 hours
- Humanities & Fine Arts – 9 hours (from at least two disciplines)
- Additional requirements – 5 hours (to include UI100 for native students)
- Civics examination
First Year
Fall Semester (16 Hours)
- UI100 (1)
- Chemistry Requirement (4)
- CS101/Physics elective (3)
- EP100 (3)
- MA140 (5)
Spring Semester (18 Hours)
- BS218 or BS108 (3)
- EN100 (3)
- MA145 (4)
- PH230/030 (5)
- General Education (3)
Second Year
Fall Semester (18 Hours)
- MA244 (4)
- PH231/031 (5)
- PY222 (3)
- General Education (3)
- General Education (3)
Spring Semester (18-19 Hours)
- ED280 (3)
- Environmental Science (3-4)
- Physics Elective (3)
- General Education (3)
- General Education (3)
- General Education (3)
Milestone: Admission to the Teacher Preparation Program.
Third Year
Fall Semester (18 Hours)
- EX390 (3)
- PH345 (3)
- PH360 (3)
- SE350 (3)
- Geoscience elective (3)
- General education (3)
Spring Semester (16 Hours)
- PL425 (3)
- SE307 (3)
- SE355 (3)
- SE365 (4)
- Physics Elective (3)
Milestone: Maintain a 3.0 GPA in content courses and in professional education courses.
Fourth Year
Fall Semester (15 Hours)
- SE320 (3)
- SE380 (3)
- SE385 (3)
- SE390 (3)
- General Education (3)
Spring Semester (13 Hours)
- EF400 (1)
- SE465 (12)
Milestone: Passing score on MO state assessment, passing score on MEES, 3.0 GPA in content courses and in professional education courses.
A “Milestone” signifies a significant stage for a student in the completion of a degree.
What will it cost?
Get Funding for Your Education
Missouri has opened the door to a more educated workforce and we want to help you walk through it. If you're an adult-learner and a Missouri resident returning to college, learn about the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant. It's a statewide financial aid program that can be used to pursue a certificate, degree or industry-recognized credential in a high-need area in Missouri. This major is eligible for the Fast Track grant.
Become a Redhawk.
Do more than dream about the future. Take the first steps to make it all happen.
TEACH Grant Program
Science teachers are in high demand across the United States, particularly in Missouri. Because of this, there are forgiveness programs for different types of federal loans in return for teaching science in a high-needs school district (most in Missouri). In addition, students may be eligible to participate in the TEACH grant program, which pays up to $16,000 in college costs over four years and has a similar loan forgiveness program.
Alumna Named Alan Shepard Technology in Education Winner
Southeast Missouri State University alumna Kaci Heins, director of Space Center University® in Houston, received the Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award. She accepted the award for her work developing innovative mission-based content and immersive education programs such as Space Center University®, Stars & STEM, and other programs.
Related Programs
Careers in engineering physics include teaching, medicine, policy, and government.
DEGREE TYPE
Bachelor's Degree
PROGRAM TYPE
Undergraduate
LOCATION
Main Campus - Cape
DEPARTMENT
Take the Next Step
Contact Us
Location
Office
Rhodes Hall 306
Johnson Hall 201
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 0000
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701