Secondary Education–Physics Degree
This curriculum prepares students to transfer to a secondary education physics program at a four-year college or university in the state of Maryland. The AAT articulates with all Maryland transfer programs in secondary physics education. The program enables students to fulfill their General Education requirements, participate in fieldwork experiences, and complete a core of professional education coursework required for the first two years of teacher preparation. To earn the AAT students must either achieve a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA or achieve a 2.75 - 2.99 cumulative GPA along with presenting acceptable scores on a state-approved basic skills test.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Identify major historical events in education and analyze the impact of those events with current educational trends.
- Identify the psychological, cognitive, emotional, and physical characteristics of typically developing children and adolescents, with specific consideration to disabilities and cultural and linguistic diversity.
- Analyze and critique current scientifically-based research and culturally responsive instructional practices for the purpose of understanding the educational needs of students and families.
- Identify the current and inclusive philosophies for differentiating instruction to analyze, improve, and facilitate instruction for diverse learners.
- Demonstrate and utilize technology as a teaching/reinforcement tool.
- Develop excellent written, verbal, critical thinking, and problem solving skills, which will allow him or her to effectively make connections between prior knowledge/experience and new learning.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the application of physics to include mechanics, electricity, wave theory, and modern physics.
Program Advising
Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer. The program advising guide outlines the degree requirements and is meant to supplement the advising process.
Transfer Opportunities
MC has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. See all education transfer agreements.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
Related careers include high school physics teacher, data analyst, applications engineer, physicist, engineer, and other positions in aerospace, defense, science, and telecommunications. Most positions require a bachelor’s degree.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested course sequence for students follows.
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Suggested Course Sequence
Students should complete the required English and Math foundation courses within the first 24 credit hours. All students should review the Program Advising Guide and consult an advisor.
First Semester
- ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours
- MATH 181 - Calculus I 4 semester hours (MATF)
- BIOL 150 - Principles of Biology I 4 semester hours
-
OR
- CHEM 131 - Principles of Chemistry I 4 semester hours
- EDUC 101 - Foundations of Education 3 semester hours
- EDUC 102 - Field Experience in Education 1 semester hour
Second Semester
- ENGL 102 - Critical Reading, Writing, and Research 3 semester hours (ENGF)
- EDUC 201 - Introduction to Special Education 3 semester hours
- EDUC 202 - Field Experience in Special Education 1 semester hour
- MATH 182 - Calculus II 4 semester hours
- PHYS 161 - General Physics I: Mechanics and Heat 3 semester hours (NSND)
- PSYC 100 - General Psychology 3 semester hours (BSSD)
Third Semester
- HIST 200 - History of the United States, a Survey Course: from Colonial Times to 1865 3 semester hours (HUMD)
- ISTD 173 - Integrated Arts 3 semester hours (ARTD)
- MATH 280 - Multivariable Calculus 4 semester hours
- PHYS 262 - General Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism 4 semester hours
- PSYC 216 - Adolescent Psychology 3 semester hours
Fourth Semester
- COMM 108 - Foundations of Human Communication 3 semester hours (GEIR)
- PHYS 263 - General Physics III: Waves, Optics, and Modern Physics 4 semester hours
- PSYC 227 - Educational Psychology 3 semester hours
- Arts Distribution (ARTD) or Humanities Distribution (HUMD) 3 semester hours (GEIR) ***
- Behavioral and Social Sciences Distribution 3 semester hours (BSSD) **
* ENGL 101/ENGL 011, if needed for ENGL 102, or elective.
** Behavioral and social science distribution (BSSD) courses must come from a different discipline than PSYC.
***One of these courses must meet the global and cultural perspectives requirement.
How To Apply and Register
Related Programs and Courses
General Studies Degree
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Workforce Development and Continuing Education
MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes. These courses are designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.