Academics
Graduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Physics Education (7-12) with Alternative Certification, M.S.Ed.
About the Program
This master of science in physics education is designed for individuals who did not attain certification as part of their undergraduate curriculum. After completion of 200 clock hours of instruction, including 40 hours of field study, candidates may qualify for a NYSED transitional B certificate allowing them to teach in New York State.
Buffalo State also offers a master of science in physics education.
About the Physics Department
262 Science Building
1300 Elmwood Ave
Buffalo, NY 14222
Phone: (716) 878-6726
Fax: (716) 878-4421
www.buffalostate.edu/physics
Contact Faculty and Staff in the Physics Department
Admission Requirements
1. A bachelor’s degree in physics or a related area from an accredited four-year institution with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4-point scale) or approval of the department chair.
2. A minimum of 18 credit hours (total) in two sciences other than physics (may be completed during the program if not completed by the time of admission).
3. One year of college study or two years of high school study of a language other than English (may be completed during the program if not completed by the time of admission).
4. Passing scores on two New York State examinations: the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST) and the Physics Content Specialty Test (CST). (These exams may be taken after admission to the program but must be passed before a teaching position is accepted.)
5. A written personal statement.
6. Three letters of reference.
(Note: these admission requirements are mandated in the Transitional B certification regulations.)
In addition, all applicants should review the "Admission to a Graduate Program" section in the current Graduate Catalog. This information is also available online at: http://www.buffalostate.edu/graduateschool/gradcatalog.xml/.
Program Requirements
Exceptional Education and Educational Foundations Courses (6 credits)
EDF 529 Adolescent Psychology
AND
Select one course from the following:
EXE 577 Teaching Individuals with Exceptionalities in the Regular Classroom
EXE 500 Individuals with Special Needs
Literacy Courses (6 credits)
EDU 417 Adolescent Literacy
and
Select one course from the following:
EDU 416 Teaching Literacy in Middle and Secondary Schools
EDU 609 Improving Reading in the Content Areas
Physics Teaching Methods Courses (6 credits)
PHY 510 Process Skills in Physics Teaching (6)
Physics Content with Model Pedagogy (12 credits)
PHY 620 Powerful Ideas and Quantitative Modeling: Force, Motion and Energy (6)
PHY 622 Powerful Ideas and Quantitative Modeling: Electricity and Magnetism (6)
Elective Courses (6 credits)
PHY 518 Wave Phenomena and Optics
PHY 520 Modern Physics
PHY 525 Nuclear and Particle Physics
PHY 616 Advanced Dynamics
PHY 618 Advanced Electricity and Magnetism I
SCI 527 Current Topics in Science
SCI 632 Curricular Trends in Science Teaching in the Secondary School
SCI 664 Teaching Science with Media
SCI 685 Evaluation in Science Education
OR
Other courses by advisement
Seminar (3 credits)
PHY 500 Physics Education Research Seminar
Mentored Physics Teaching (3 credits)
PHY 502 Initial Teaching Experience for Alternative Certification
Master’s Project (3 credits)
PHY 690 Master’s Project
Other science courses (18 credits)
Eighteen (18) credits spread over two other sciences. These may be undergraduate courses.
Total Required Credit Hours: 45 credits
All courses are 3 credit hours unless otherwise indicated.
