| |
Apr 19, 2024
|
|
|
|
|
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog
Physics Major, BA
|
|
 Return to: Degrees Offered (Majors, Minors, listed by degree)
The BA program is for students wanting a broad liberal arts education with an emphasis in physics and is the appropriate major for students interested in teaching high school physics. It may be a suitable foundation for students who are planning a career not usually regarded as physics, such as business education, law, medicine, writing, environmental concerns, public safety, or computer programming.
Teaching Endorsement
This major partially satisfies the criteria for a teaching endorsement in physics (5-12), qualifying students to teach physics at the high school, middle, or junior high levels. Students who successfully complete the Physics BA and STEM Teaching Program (an alternative to the Professional Education Program) are eligible to apply for Washington State teacher certification. Teacher certification candidates must receive a C grade or higher in all major and STEM Teaching Program courses, have a GPA of at least 3.0 for either the last 45 graded quarter credits or overall CWU/transfer cumulative, and meet all Washington State teacher certification requirements. See the physics teaching advisor as soon as possible to develop a course of study.
|
Physics Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge base of the major areas of physics and related disciplines;
- perform experimental, computational, and analytical techniques in solving physics and physics-related problems;
- apply content knowledge and skills from physics and related disciplines in a mentored undergraduate research project;
- communicate scientific ideas effectively; and
- promote scientific literacy to the broader community.
Teaching Endorsement Requirements:
This major satisfies the criteria for an endorsement in physics and qualifies students to teach physics at the high school, middle, or junior high levels. Students taking this major for endorsement are required to take the STEM Teaching Program. See the physics teaching advisor as early as possible to develop a graduation plan. Students completing this program are required to demonstrate proficiency of student learning outcomes through a program portfolio prior to student teaching. In addition to the above requirements, students must pass the NES exam for physics to receive a physics endorsement. Students should seriously consider working toward endorsement in a second area, such as biology, chemistry, earth science, middle-level science, middle-level mathematics, secondary mathematics or science.
Required Courses Credits: 30
General Physics - Credits: 15
General Chemistry - Credits: 10
Department-Approved Electives Credits: 8
- At least four credits must be from the physics department at the 200-level or above. The rest of the credits may be from any department, including physics, at the 300-level or above. Courses must be approved by the department chair and advisor.
(If applicable) Total Credits: 131
|
Return to: Degrees Offered (Majors, Minors, listed by degree)
|
|