Physics with Teaching Major | Temple University

Bachelor of Science in Physics with Teaching

The Bachelor of Science in Physics with Teaching in Temple’s College of Science and Technology is specially designed for students majoring in Physics who want to pursue a career in STEM education. This 124-credit-hour, interdisciplinary bachelor's degree is offered through Temple’s innovative TUteach program.

Physics with Teaching

As a Physics Major, you’ll follow the same curricular requirements as the Bachelor of Arts in Physics. Over four years, you’ll study the fundamental principles of the discipline as well as the relevant mathematics key to understanding different physical models.

You'll learn to teach in a traditional classroom setting and labs, and you'll gain the application skills needed to solve problems in specialized areas of physics, including

atomic physics,
classical and quantum mechanics,
electromagnetism,
optics and wave phenomena,
statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, and
special relativity.

Temple TUteach

TUteach is a collaboration between the College of Science and Technology and the College of Education and Human Development. TUteach integrates a secondary school (grades 7 through 12) mathematics or science teaching track so you can become eligible to take the Praxis certification exam upon graduation.

Learn more about the TUteach program degrees.

Accelerated Programs

+1 Bachelor-Master Program

+1 Bachelor-Master Programs

The College of Science and Technology offers +1 Accelerated Bachelor-Master Programs. Students can earn a BA or BS and, at the end of the fifth year, an MA or MS. Coursework is completed over five years instead of taking the usual six-year course of study.

Learn more about the College of Science and Technology’s +1 Bachelor-Master programs.

Master of Education

Physics with Teaching Major / Master of Education

You can also earn a Physics with Teaching Major from the College of Science and Technology and a Master of Education from the College of Education and Human Development. Qualified students can earn a master’s degree in five years, instead of taking the usual six. Learn more about pursuing this accelerated degree.

Dual Bachelor-Master Program

Dual Bachelor-Master Program for International Students

International students have the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree from their home institution and a graduate degree from Temple over five years. This multidisciplinary program includes undergraduate- and graduate-level coursework at Temple. Students are prepared for professional careers in today’s global economy and job market.

Learn more about the College of Science and Technology’s Dual Bachelor-Master Program for international students.

3+4 Accelerated Program

3+4 Accelerated Programs

The College of Science and Technology offers 3+4 Accelerated Degree Programs in a seven-year course of study, instead of the usual eight years. Qualifying undergraduate students can obtain the Physics with Teaching Major from CST and a

Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from the Kornberg School of Dentistry,
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the School of Podiatric Medicine,
Doctor of Medicine from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, or
Doctor of Pharmacy Medicine from the School of Pharmacy.

Learn more about the College of Science and Technology’s 3+4 Accelerated Degree Programs.

3+3 Accelerated Program

Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program

The College of Science and Technology Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program is designed for students planning to apply to medical school or pursue other health-related professions. The program offers the following two tracks.

The Basic Core in Health Sciences is intended for professionals who need the required science courses to apply to medical school.
The Advanced Core in Health Sciences is a program for current students who have met the premedical requirements and who seek advanced science coursework.

Both tracks include classes in the Lewis Katz School of Medicine and the College of Science and Technology. Learn more about the College of Science and Technology’s Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program.

Physics student and professor working together in a class

Classes & Curriculum

In this 87-credit-hour major requirement, you’ll take physics and education courses. You'll take a two-semester introductory sequence in classical physics and three semesters of calculus, as well as a two-semester sequence of laboratory science electives outside of physics. Some of your physics classes may include

Classical Mechanics,
Electricity and Magnetism,
Experimental Physics,
Introduction to Modern Physics, and
Mathematical Physics.

For the teaching component, you’ll take courses in education, history, philosophy, research methodology, and science and technology. Some of the teaching classes may include

Coding STEM Lessons,
History of Science,
Introduction to Inclusive Education,
Inquiry-Based Lesson Design in Science and Mathematics Modified for English Learners,
Perspectives on Science and Mathematics, and
TUteach Apprentice Teaching.

Learn more about the BS in Physics with Teaching courses.

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Science offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $23,112.00 per year
Out-of-state: $38,160.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

Center for Academic Advising and Professional Development

The Center for Academic Advising and Professional Development in the College of Science and Technology helps you navigate New Student Orientation, advises on specific degree programs and courses, provides guidance post-graduation, and offers peer support. You can also be matched with a qualified student ambassador/ombudsperson who will further assist with degree and academic questions or concerns.

Learn more about the Center for Academic Advising and Professional Development, academic advisors, and the CST Peer Team/our student ambassadors.

TUteach Advisors

All TUteach majors have advisors to help them navigate their time in the program. Each semester, your advisor will assist you with finding internship opportunities, fulfilling curriculum requirements and submitting the required documents to become a candidate for taking the Praxis exam.

Program Contact

TUteach Contact

Kristina Najera is the assistant dean of teacher education and an advisor for TUteach.
Email: knajera@temple.edu

Kenneth Ruff is an advisor for TUteach.
Phone: 215-204-3628
Email: kenneth.ruff@temple.edu

Susan Varnum is the associate dean for science education and an advisor for TUteach.
Phone: 215-204-6390 or 215-204-4073
Email: susan.varnum@temple.edu

Student Clubs & Organizations

Student clubs and organizations in the College of Science and Technology provide opportunities to meet with peers, network with professionals or scientists in your field of study, and learn about internship opportunities. The College of Science and Technology offers 15 major clubs and 12 pre-health clubs for undergraduate students. Enhance your academic study and social life by participating in a club related to your major or interests.

Students pursuing a degree housed within the Physics Department may be interested in the following clubs and organizations.

The Alliance for Minority Participation in STEM works to increase opportunities for students and help them complete their undergraduate and graduate degrees in STEM fields.
Leadership, Education and Development in Science empowers Philadelphia middle school students to take an interest in STEM through mentor-led science experiments.
The Physics Club builds a community of students interested in physics through conversations with faculty and volunteer opportunities.

Explore the full list of College of Science and Technology student clubs and organizations.

Study Away

Deepen your understanding of your math, natural science or computer science coursework by experiencing firsthand how such disciplines are studied overseas. Temple’s study abroad program offers College of Science and Technology students opportunities to spend a summer or semester studying in Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain. Learn more about your options for studying away.

College of Science and Technology undergraduate students can also take part in international research. These opportunities include the following external scholarship programs.

The Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship provides funding for underrepresented students to study in nontraditional destinations such as Australia and Eastern Europe.
The Boren Scholarship Summer STEM Initiative offers undergraduate STEM majors opportunities to participate in a language-intensive program.
The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research and Temple offer opportunities for students in biology, chemistry and physics programs to work in research groups in Pune, India, over the summer.
The Siena Biomedical Research Program provides the opportunity for students to spend their summer working full time in a biotechnology and pathology lab based in Tuscany, Italy.
The Sicily Applied Biotechnology Program allows students to learn the biological basis behind the technology used for art conservation and then apply that knowledge in the laboratory and in the field.

Learn more about study abroad programs for College of Science and Technology students.

Accreditation

ST-PHTC-BS

Additional Program Information

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Bachelor of Science in Physics with Teaching