Program Overview

Physical Science Teacher Certification

Program Overview

The Physical Science Teacher Certification program is designed for undergraduate students interested in teaching high school science. The program is part of the UTeach network and aims to address the critical shortage of qualified STEM teachers.

Program Details

• Program Type: Teaching Certification
• Format: On Campus
• Estimated Time to Complete: 4 Semesters (Concurrent With Your Degree)
• Credit Hours: 22

Program Requirements

• Additional Requirements: None specified
• Tuition & Aid: Not specified

Why Earn a Physical Science Teacher Certification?

The Physical Science Teacher Certification program is ideal for undergraduate students interested in teaching high school science. The program provides students with the opportunity to explore the teaching profession and gain hands-on experience in the field.

Program Highlights

• Talon Teach: Students can join Talon Teach, an organization that offers future teachers a place to network, discuss ideas, and create lasting relationships with each other and the University.
• Professional Support: After graduation, Teach North Texas offers professional support and development, networking opportunities, and access to top-of-the-line teaching materials.
• Mentorship: Students are paired with experienced high school teachers hired by UNT to teach courses, supervise fieldwork, and offer mentorship and real-world advice to our future teachers.

Career Outlook

Students earning a Physical Science Teacher Certification will be ready to teach physics at the secondary level, where there is a critical shortage of qualified instructors.

Program Courses

• Knowing and Learning in Mathematics, Science and Computer Science (3 hrs): Psychological foundations of learning. Problem solving in mathematics, science and computer science education, including utilization of technology. Principles of expertise and novice understanding of subject matter. Foundations of formative and summative assessment.
• Classroom Interactions (3 hrs): Principles of delivering effective instruction in various formats (lecture, lab activity, collaborative settings). Examination of gender, class, race and culture in mathematics, science and computer science education. Course requires approximately 10 hours of fieldwork in schools.
• Project-Based Instruction in Math, Science and Computer Science (3 hrs): Advanced principles of delivering effective instruction in various formats. Overview of policy related to mathematics, science and computer science education. Course requires approximately 20 hours of fieldwork in schools. Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
• Apprentice Teaching I in Mathematics, Science and Computer Science (3 hrs): Teaching under supervision. Required for students seeking secondary certification. See the Teach North Texas program for details. Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
• Content Area Reading (3 hrs): Provides an overview of the reading process with emphasis on reading to learn in the content area. Provides knowledge and skills for identifying reading problems, modifying instructional materials and processes, and using writing to promote learning and thinking in the content areas.
• Secondary Teacher Education Preparation I and II (3 hrs): Introduction to mathematics, science and/or computer science teaching as a career. Discussions include standards-based lesson design and various teaching and behavior management strategies. Students teach three-inquiry-based lessons at the elementary level in course one; modify and teach three inquiry-based lessons in their field in a middle school in course two.