Physics Education

physics education

WHAT IS PHYSICS EDUCATION?

This major is part of the Education Exploration Group

Education Program Website

Students prepare to teach physics for grades 4-12, depending on academic preparation. Students complete general education requirements, a 36-credit subject area major in the academic area of preparation, and required courses in professional education.

Declaration, Major Requirements, and Courses

HOW TO DECLARE:

APPLICATION REQUIRED. Applicants MUST complete 54 credits of undergraduate coursework by the end of the spring semester prior to their official admission to the program. Strong GPA and interview required. Find more information and the application here.

---

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS:

Major Requirements Overview

---

HELPFUL INTRO COURSES:

Click here for full course descriptions

EDCI 2100 - Power, Privilege, and Public Education

UNIV 1820 - FYE Seminar (Education for Social Change)

PHYS 1600Q - Introduction to Modern Physics (Potential Major Requirement)

PHYS 1601Q - Fundamentals of Physics 1 (Potential Major Requirement)

MATH 1131Q - Calculus 1 (Major Requirement)

Possible Career Opportunities

COMMON CAREER PATHS:

UConn students who major in Physics Education often pursue careers teaching physics to children in grades 4-12.  

Physics Education majors also pursue careers in education outside the classroom setting. Common examples include but are not limited to careers in:  

- Community engagement
- Education administration
- Education policy
- Educational technology
- Instructional design
- Higher education student affairs
- Learning and development
- Library sciences
- Museums
- Nonprofits
- Postsecondary education
- Publishing or writing
- School counseling
- Test/exam design and preparation
- Tutoring 

Physics Education majors are also equipped to pursue careers in music and related fields. Common examples of these careers can be found on the Physics Major Profile. 

                    COMMON AREAS OF GRADUATE STUDY:

                    Physics Education majors who go on to pursue graduate studies pursue a wide variety of master’s, and/or doctoral degrees based on their interests. Common examples include but are not limited to degrees in: 

                    - Curriculum and instruction
                    - Educational leadership
                    - Physics
                    - Secondary education and teaching 

                    ADDITIONAL CAREER RESOURCES:

                    For additional examples of careers and graduate studies that UConn alumni have pursued, visit the UConn alumni search on LinkedIn. 

                    For further insight into education-related careers beyond the journeys of UConn alumni, visit Zippia or “What Can I do with this Major?”. For further insight into physics-related careers, visit the Physics Major Profile.