OVERVIEW
Specialize in Teaching High School Physics
Physics can be one of the more challenging courses your students will ever take in high school. By making physics interesting and less intimidating to young minds, you can help your students develop their critical thinking skills, strengthen their confidence, and lead them to a better understanding of the world in which they live.
This online master’s degree program in science education can prepare you to teach physics courses at the high school levels. The program helps ensure your proficiency in general chemistry; mechanics; waves and optics; electricity and magnetism; space, time and motion; and pre-calculus and calculus. You will also learn the skills necessary to teach this content to students in junior high, middle school, or high school*.
*The specific grade levels you will be qualified or endorsed to teach will depend on your state.
Two Programs to Choose From
- Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Physics: This version of our physics education program is for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree, but are NOT licensed teachers. This program helps you get your teaching license and proceed with licensure in secondary physics.
- Master of Arts, Secondary Physics: This version of our physics education program is for individuals who are already licensed teachers and are looking to add secondary physics to their licensure. This program helps you be prepared to add a secondary physics certification to your existing license.
Education
Science Education (Secondary Physics) — Master of Arts in Teaching
An online master's program for those who have already earned a bachelor's...
An online master's program for those who have already earned a bachelor's degree, but now want to become a licensed teacher.
- Time: 62% of students earn a similar degree in 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 20 total courses in this program (22 for Washington residents).
This program is designed for aspiring teachers who want to become eligible to teach physics in their state.
Concepts included in this program:
- General chemistry
- Mechanics
- Waves and optics
- Electricity and magnetism
- Space, time and motion
Propel your career as a junior high or high school biology teacher with this education master's degree.
Education
Science Education (Secondary Physics) – M.A.
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching physics to middle or high school students.
- Time: 62% of students earn this degree within 15 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 13 total courses in this program.
This program is designed for already-licensed teachers who wish to add secondary physics to their licensure.
Concepts included in this program:
- General Chemistry
- Mechanics
- Waves and optics
- Electricity and magnetism
- Space, time and motion
Propel your career as a junior high or high school physics teacher with this education master's degree.
Not Sure If You Need a Teaching License?
If you aren't sure which program is right for you, or if you'll require a teaching license, you can learn more about licensure and if it's needed for your career goals.
Tuition per six-month term is
$4,125
Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of earning your degree online. Finish faster, pay less!
COURSES
Physics Education Courses
Curriculum that ensures you’ve mastered the skills you’ll need as a physics teacher.
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
The online Master's of Physics Education degree programs provides the essential skills, knowledge, and experience you need to teach physics courses to students in high school.
The programs are made up of the following physics courses. You will complete them one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. For the majority of courses in your program, you’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. This means that, for those flexible courses, you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost. Within your program, there may be a few number of courses in which we partner with outside organizations or testing agencies, and there may be restrictions for available offerings or necessary time for completion of the courses. Please work with your Program Mentor to plan ahead regarding these less flexible courses in your program.
WGU's Physics programs were designed (and are regularly updated) with input from experts. These respected authorities know exactly what it takes for a graduate to be an outstanding physics teacher.
These programs also includes a home science lab kit. You will be provided access to order a self-contained laboratory kit—including science equipment, specimens and chemicals—to complete lab experiments at home. These at home lab-kits will be ordered at the beginning of the course in which it is needed, and it is encouraged for students to plan ahead with their Program Mentor when ordering these kits.
Sample Physics Courses
36 Courses
Program consists of 36 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
Teacher Work Sample
Special requirements for this program
The final exam requires that you write an original, comprehensive research paper that provides direct evidence of your ability to design and implement a multi-week, standards-based unit of instruction, assess student learning, and then reflect on the learning process.
“I got a master's degree and a Washington state teaching certificate in 15 months! My new career as a secondary science teacher is what I have always wanted to do but, as a military spouse, lacked the geographic stability, time, and money to get this done. I went 'back to school' with WGU at the age of 45 and gave myself a whole new life!”
—Morgen Ten Hoopen
M.A. Science Education (Secondary Physics)
WGU vs. Traditional Universities:
Compare the Difference
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor-led lectures at a certain time and place
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options
As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
TUITION STRUCTURE
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
SUPPORT
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
EXAMS
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor-led lectures at a certain time and place
SCHEDULE
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options
TIME TO FINISH
As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years
Why WGU?
You Aren't On Your Own
WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online degree at WGU.
Flexibility You Need
Students choose WGU for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you.
Strong Alumni Network
When you enroll in an online master's degree program at WGU, you join an impressive network of teachers. Over 15,000 students graduated from the Teachers College in 2023 alone, taking their skills and impacting the educational system all around the United States.
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.
COST & TIME
When We Say Affordable We Mean It
By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
A Master's Degree Is Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.
*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time
No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused math teaching program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult.
WGU's physics education master's degree program is for licensed teachers who want to specialize in teaching physics. This program is specifically designed for working adult students, so you can honor your current work and family responsibilities while completing your coursework.
"My rating of WGU is due to the fact I could work at my own pace, either faster or slower. I worked through the pandemic which took a toll on my family and work. My mentor and WGU faculty were attentive to my concerns and helped me along at times of need. The curriculum was concise and effective. I have recommended WGU to my colleagues, three of whom are either currently enrolled or have completed their programs of study.”
—James Rowlenson
M.A. Science Education (Secondary Physics)
CAREER OUTLOOK
A Master’s in Physics Education Paves the Way for Current Teachers to Take to the Next Step
If you're looking to teach because you have a passion for the living world and how it works, you are ready to advance in your career by specializing in high school physics.
School districts in the United States consistently rank the sciences among their areas of highest need. Obtaining a master's degree in physics education degree will you for secondary certification to teach kids physics.
Already-certified teachers, or those who pursue this program in order to get licensed, who earn a master’s degree in physics education qualify to teach high school physics in your state.
Return on Your Investment
On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2023 Harris Poll Survey of 1,655 WGU graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.
5%
High school teaching positions are expected to increase by at least 5% from 2021–2031. With the crisis-level shortage of STEM teachers in America, that increase could be substantially higher for science teachers.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
WGU Has Alumni Teaching Across the Country
Graduates of the WGU School of Education have found meaningful, rewarding teaching careers in classrooms at:
- Inclusive K–12 classrooms
- Middle/junior high schools
- High schools
- Private and charter schools
Impressive Class of Graduates
Graduates of the the WGU School of Education include recipients of many professional honors, including:
- Gates Millennium Scholars
- Intel Grant for Mathematics and Technology
- Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award
- Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award
- Association of Public Charter Schools Educator of the Year Award
ADMISSIONS
Online Master of Arts in Physics Program Admission Requirements
Master of Arts, Secondary Physics Education
The Master of Arts, Secondary Physics Education is for currently licensed teachers only. In order to be eligible for this program you must provide:
- A copy of a valid teaching license.
- Official transcripts that demonstrate you have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized accredited university.
An Enrollment Counselor will instruct you as to when and how to submit your teaching license prior to or during your program.
Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Physics Education
The Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Physics Education program is for individuals who have earned a bachelor's degree but are not currently licensed teachers. In order to be eligible for this program you must provide official transcripts that demonstrate you have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized, institutionally accredited (also known as regionally accredited) university AND demonstrate readiness through one of the following:
- Option 1: Content-related undergraduate or graduate degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 (or higher, depending upon your state)
- Option 2: Undergraduate or graduate degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 (or higher, depending upon your state) and 24-30 hours of content specific coursework, equivalent to a major.
- Option 3: Undergraduate or graduate degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 (or higher, depending upon your state), a passing score on the WGU program required basic skills test (e.g., Praxis CORE) and demonstrate content competency via one of the following pathways 1) 24-30 hours of content specific coursework, equivalent to a major OR 2) an undergraduate or graduate degree in a content-related area to which area of program you are seeking admission.
This program requires a 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA (or higher, depending upon your state), or the competency-based equivalent, in your bachelor's program. Applicants with a cumulative GPA lower than a 2.5 but a 2.0 or above may seek admission by submitting passing scores from the WGU program required basic skills test (e.g. Praxis CORE). An Enrollment Counselor can help you best determine whether you have the sufficient background for entry into your program of choice.
Transfer Credits
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.
Compare Physics Education Master's Programs
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