Certification and Pathway Requirements

An innovative approach to teacher preparation

In this pathway, you’ll gain physics knowledge typical of working physicists. You’ll receive the proper training and certification to teach middle school and high school students.

Certification checklist

You can complete these requirements in only five years.

  1. Complete the physics major and the foundations of interdisciplinary science minor.
  2. Pass the Missouri Content Assessment (MoCA) exam.
    1. Physics Test Code: 078
  3. Complete the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree or another teacher preparation program.

It’s critical that you work with our dedicated advisor to ensure you stay on track to reach your goals.

Want to teach dual credit, too?

In order to teach dual-credit science courses, which result in both high school and college credits for your students, you will need 18 graduate hours in a science discipline.

The graduate certificate in science content helps you meet this requirement.

It's available in an accelerated option, so you can add just a few more credit hours to your degree pathway to earn this certificate along with your bachelor's and MAT degrees.

Required major

Physics (Comprehensive)

Bachelor of Science

Major requirements (65-69 hours):

Major core (56 hours):
  1. Specific General Education requirement: ENG 321(3).
  2. PHY 110(2), 203(5), 204(5), 291(3), 319(3), 325(3), 333(3), 343(3), 353(3), 375(3), 385(2).
  3. PHY 386(1) and 486(1), or PHY 496(2).
  4. Related requirements: MTH 261(5), 280(5), 302(3), 303(3).
  5. Public Affairs Capstone Experience will be fulfilled by completion of PHY 385(2) and, either PHY 386(1) and 486(1), or 496(2).
Complete one of the following option (9-13 hours):
Astronomy and Astrophysics option (13 hours):
  1. AST 113(3), 114(4) or 115(4).
  2. Two courses from: AST 311(3), 313(3), 315(3), 317(3).
Career Prep Physics option (9 hours):
  1. PHY 351(3).
  2. Either PHY 575(3) or MAT 540(3).
  3. Three hours of 400 or 500 level PHY, MAT, or CHM coursework.
Materials Physics option (12 hours):
  1. MAT 540(3), 550(3), 580(3).
  2. PHY 575(3).
Teaching Prep Physics option (13 hours):
  1. AST 115(4), GRY 108(3).
  2. Six hours from any 300 or 400 or 500 level courses from AST, MAT or PHY coursework.

University level requirements:

  1. General Education Program and Requirements
  2. General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements

Required minor

Foundations of Interdisciplinary Science

Bachelor of Science

This minor is designed for students preparing to enter post-graduate studies to become a high school science teacher. This minor does not include courses in teacher education that are required by the state of Missouri for certification as a teacher. Certification requirements can be met through postbaccalaureate programs or master's programs.

  1. Foundational biology competencies: BIO 121(4)* and 122(4)
  2. Foundational chemistry competencies: CHM 160(4), 161(1), 170(3), and 171(1)
  3. Foundational geography and geology competencies: GLG 110(4)* and GRY 135(4)*
  4. Foundational physics and astronomy competencies: PHY 123(4)* or 203(5)* and PHY 124(4) or 204(5). Those seeking earth science certification must additionally complete AST 115(4)
  5. Intellectual Foundations of Science and Technology: SCI 505(3)

*In the Natural World area of General Education, BIO 121 will satisfy Life Sciences requirement while GLG 110, GRY 135, PHY 123, or PHY 203 will satisfy the Physical Sciences requirement. Some additional courses on the list may already be part of major degree requirements.

Extra benefit

Compared to traditional teacher preparation programs, this pathway gives you more options for your career. If teaching doesn’t work out, you can still work as a professional physicst.