The Form and Function of Nature
Share your curiosity about the universe with future physicists.
Passionate STEM educators are in demand, and you can help fill the gap. Our fully online, non-thesis program gives you the tools and knowledge to succeed in the classroom. Improve your teaching skills through our pedagogical, scientific and mathematical courses designed for physics educators. Graduating from our program will position you to join a community of Texas educators and share teaching ideas and strategies. Our master’s degree fulfills the 18 hours of graduate physics credit required to teach at the community college level*. The opportunities to spread curiosity, innovation and STEM education to future generations are ever-expanding.
Resources
Access helpful information about the MS in Physics with teaching emphasis (MPTE) degree program and learn how to register for classes.
SEE YOURSELF SUCCEED as a physics educator
The College of Science and Engineering is a gateway to in-demand STEM careers projected to make up a significant portion of the U.S. and global economy.
Take on our mission to build a better Texas that is eager to compete in an interconnected world with creativity, ethical leadership and imagination. We don’t just discover the future, we make it.
Shape an innovative framework with an award-winning faculty including four Regents Professors, a highly selective honor for exemplary contributions to their university, community and the State of Texas.
Our faculty will help you tackle complex challenges and discover solutions with hands-on research in various fields.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
A master's degree in physics with a teaching emphasis offers the opportunity to:
- Expand your knowledge of physics and earn the credentials required to teach at the community college level
- Pass along knowledge to future students by engaging in specialized classes on education theory and practice
- Utilize well equipped instructional and research laboratories and telescopes located at A&M-Commerce
Careers
Increase your value in education by earning a master’s degree in physics with teaching emphasis from A&M-Commerce.
Career Possibilities and Current Median Salaries
High School Physics Teacher – $60,320, 8% projected job growth through 2026
US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2018
Internship opportunities
Internship experience provides the foundation employers are often looking for. Internships are an important part of your education experience. You will complete a students teaching internship. Our alternative certification program office will work with you to place you in a school district anywhere within Texas.
What You Will Learn
Our program introduces modern theories of physics and astronomy to STEM educators. You’ll learn how to take these theories and apply them to the high school classroom. Work with faculty who specialize in physics education research as you explore courses in classical mechanics, astronomy and astrophysics. Our goal is to equip you with the tools needed to introduce modern physics theories and concepts (post-1865). The world of physics is ever-expanding. New discoveries point us towards more questions and problems to solve. Stay current in physics research through exploring our master’s degree program.
Courses to Prepare You for Your Career
- Core courses include quantum universe for educators, physics mathematical methods for educators and thermodynamics for educators.
Featured Courses
Learn about the uncertainty principle, wave-particle duality and wave mechanics, and so much more!
You will learn the principles and applications of statistical thermodynamics, thermal and general interactions of macroscopic systems and parameter measurement, as well as the basic description of statistical mechanics and kinetic theory.
You will cover topics in solar system dynamics, stellar structure and evolution, galactic evolution and dynamics and cosmology and make use of projects based on citizen science initiatives such as the Zooniverse that opened up astronomical research participation to the public.
Student Profiles
Graduate Program Cost
PROGRAM COSTS
Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS International/Domestic Tabs
Admission
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Contact Us
- Department of Physics and Astronomy
- 903.886.5488
- 903.886.5480
- [email protected]
- P.O. Box 3011
- Commerce, TX 75429-3011
