Physics Teacher Education
- Overview
- Careers
- New Freshmen
- New Transfer
- Illinois State Students
Share your passion for physics with the next generation.
This degree prepares you to teach physics at the high school level. Teaching physics is a rewarding experience. You'll spend your day explaining the marvels of the universe to motivated students.
Our program follows a broad-field preparation model. After earning the degree, you'll have a specialization in physics. You'll also be able to teach all introductory science courses for high school.
Why Study Physics Teacher Education?
Physics Teacher Education at Illinois State is nationally recognized for teacher preparation. Our program is one of the largest in the country with six physics teaching methods courses and a full-time program coordinator.
With your teaching qualifications, you'll be well positioned for future professional advancement.
Related Skills
- Working with others
- Strong math background
- Strong communication skills
- Logical thinker
- Self-motivated
Being Successful in the Field
The American Association of Physics Teachers has resources specifically for teacher education students, current teachers, and job-seekers.
The Society of Physics Students’ Careers Toolbox has information about choosing a career, job searching, and resources for building your resume and preparing for interviews.
View employment data from the American Institute of Physics .
In addition to these general resources, our Physics Teacher Education Coordinator is available to answer your questions and meet with you to ensure you're ready for the next phase of your career.
Related Fields
Students in our Teacher Education degree sequence primarily become high school physics teachers. The Physics Teacher Education degree at Illinois State certifies you to teach all introductory science courses at the high school level.
In the past two decades, the number of high school students taking physics has more than doubled, while less than half of high school physics classes are taught by someone with a physics degree.
Our program is one of the largest in the country, making our students highly marketable to schools around the country.
Career Industry Liaison
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olanna Pullen | 223 Bone Student Center | olpulle@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2200 |
Internship Coordinator
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dan Holland | 311B Moulton Hall | dlholla@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-8756 |
Applying to Illinois State
Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!
Applying to Illinois State
Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!
Minimum GPA
2.50
Middle 50% GPA
3.26 - 3.80
Required Courses
Grade of "C" or better in:
- Calculus I (MAT 145)
Recommended Courses
To find the course equivalencies at an Illinois community college, please review our Course Articulation Guides.
- Fundamentals of Psychology (PSY 110)
- General Chemistry I and II (CHE 140 and 141)
- Physics for Science & Engineering I (PHY 110)
- Physics for Science & Engineering II (PHY 111)
- Physics for Science & Engineering III (PHY 112)
- Calculus II (MAT 146)
- Calculus III (MAT 147)
- Fundamental Concepts in Biology (BSC 101)
- Introduction to Environmental Systems (GEO 100)
- Educational Psychology (PSY 215)
Academic Advising
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ken Wester | Moulton Hall 322 | kwester@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2957 |
Minimum GPA
2.50
Middle 50% GPA
3.26 - 3.80
Application Period
Applications are always accepted.
Application Information
Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.
Academic Advising
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ken Wester | Moulton Hall 322 | kwester@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2957 |