BSEd in Science Education (Physics)
Prepare to teach middle and high school students about the world around them through our program in science education.
You will study education and your chosen area of emphasis, spend a semester student teaching, and earn certification to teach that subject in grades 6-12.
For students interested in teaching high school physics, middle school physical science, and high school electives such as environmental science and forensic science.
Our program aligns closely with state and national standards, including those from the National Science Teachers Association and the Next Generation Science Standards.
Through our science education program, you will gain a foundation in teaching science to middle and high school students.
Highlights
- Earn certification to teach physics in grades 6-12
- Benefit from extensive coursework in your science content field
- Participate in field experiences in both middle and high school
- Earn certification to teach science in grades 6-12 in Georgia
Curriculum
We prepare future science teachers by combining the latest curriculum and teaching practice research, a deep study in an area of emphasis, and in-classroom experience. Some courses are held in local science classrooms to enrich your experience.
During the program, all candidates will have an opportunity to work with children in each grade band as required by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. The grade bands are 6–8 and 9–12.
The B.S.Ed. in Science Education helps you develop a strong background in the sciences and science instruction through:
Coursework specific to science and science teaching
13 hours of required math and physics courses
15 hours of electives in physics and chemistry
5 hours of general electives
Introductory practical experiences in both middle and high school science classrooms
A full-time, semester-long student teaching experience at the level of your choice
Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal .
Admissions
The Science Education major typically has a cohort size of 20 students per year. Prior to application to the full major, you should enroll in the Intended major in Athena and consult with the Science Education advisor in the Office of Undergraduate Advising . They can counsel you on how to arrange your program of study prior to application so that you are well-positioned for enrollment if accepted.
Minimum Eligibility Criteria
- Overall minimum grade point average of 2.5, GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred
- Completion of Core Areas I-V, Area VI courses (or in progress for completion prior to entering professional sequence)
- Completion of Area VI courses with a grade of C or higher
- CHEM 1212 and CHEM 1212L, or CHEM 1312H and CHEM 1312L, or MATH 2260
- PHYS 1111-1111L or PHYS 1211-1211L
- EDUC 2110, EDUC 2120, and EDUC 2130
- Completion of EDSE 4030 or EDSE 4030E with a grade of B or higher
- Completion of (1) Federal and Georgia Constitution and (2) U.S. and Georgia History University requirements by the end of the semester of application
Course Prerequisites
- CHEM 1211 and CHEM 1211L , or CHEM 1311H and CHEM 1311L
- Life Science elective satisfied by completion of BIOL 1107 and BIOL 1107L , or BIOL 2107H and BIOL 2107L for biology emphasis.
- MATH 1113 and MATH 2250
- PHYS 1111-1111L or PHYS 1211-1211L is a prerequisite for required courses in the Chemistry and Physics Areas of Emphasis.
- CHEM 1212 and CHEM 1212L, or CHEM 1312H and CHEM 1312L should be taken in Area VI for Biology, Chemistry, and Earth Science Areas of Emphasis.
- MATH 2260 should be taken in Area VI for the Physics Area of Emphasis.
How to Apply
Part 1: Apply to the University of Georgia
The UGA Office of Undergraduate Admissions oversees the application process required for the university. Therefore, a student must be accepted to UGA before entering a College of Education program.
Part 2: Apply to the Initial Certification Program in Science Education
You may initiate the move to the full initial certification program in the Science Education major (as opposed to the Intended major) after satisfactory completion of Areas I-VI of the General Education Core Curriculum and meeting minimum the eligibility requirements (courses for Area VI may be in progress at the time of application).
Your advisor will verify that you have met the eligibility criteria and assist if you have questions about adding the full major. Please fill out the short application below. If you are in the process of completing any required core coursework, you may be provisionally accepted contingent upon satisfactory completion of the required courses while maintaining the required minimum 2.5 GPA for admission.
Fall 2024 Major Admissions Timeline
- Application Opens – December 20, 2023
- Application Deadline – January 21, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
- Decisions Released – February 2, 2024
Application Materials
The Science Education program uses the College’s Major application. The application for the Fall 2024 cohort will open on December 20, 2023. In your application, you’ll submit the following materials:
- Unofficial Transcript
Applicants should upload a copy of their unofficial transcripts in a single PDF file.
Special Requirements Upon Admission
- To progress in the professional coursework sequence block, you must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.5. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred.
- Teacher certification candidates must a) Earn a GaPSC Pre-Service Certificate prior to beginning field experience and b) Complete several assessments prior to certification.
Enrollment Contacts
- Dr. Georgia Hodges
Associate Research Scientist and M.A.T. Coordinator - Debbie Hargrave
Senior Academic Advisor
Additional Resources
Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.
The College’s programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in a range of areas and are passionate about helping students succeed both in their programs and professionally.
All undergraduate students at UGA meet with an academic advisor each semester. This meeting is critical to student success and provides a chance to discuss courses and electives, certification criteria, and general graduation requirements.
Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.
Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.
Science education majors of all emphases come together as a cohort during their senior year, forming close relationships and even lifelong friendships.
Students can join the campus chapter of the National Science Teachers Association, and undergraduate students regularly make presentations at the annual meeting of the Georgia Science Teachers Association.
Courses are taught both on campus and in local classrooms for meaningful classroom engagement and experiences.
See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.