This degree blends together an emphasis on courses in physics content with core assessment and evaluation theory courses and a participant-designed project. The physics content courses are designed to give educators a deep but applicable understanding of physics that both make advanced physics topics easily accessible to educators and appropriate to their roles of guiding their students. The physics content is organized into three parts: Depth (e.g. Mechanics and Topics in Modern Physics), Methods (e.g. Computational and Experimental Physics Methods), and Breadth (e.g. Research Experience for Educators and Physics in Popular Culture). Support for degree candidates extends beyond the specific coursework and projects as participants will become part of a network of physicists which ranges from local individuals to a much broader community.
Degree Requirements
Each of the programs within STEM for Educators requires 30 credit hours of work. As part of this, participants must take 9 credits in core assessment and evaluation theory, 15 credits in the content area specific to the major, and 6 credits for the participant-designed project. All courses in these programs are based on a three semester year where most participants take one to two classes per semester.
Core Assessment and Evaluation Theory Courses
To fulfill the 9 credits in core assessment and evaluation theory, participants must take a minimum of one course from each of the three sections below. Full course descriptions are listed under the appropriate department.
Physics Content Courses
The physics content, a total of 15 credit hours, is satisfied with 8 credits in physics depth, 4 credits in physics methods, and 3 credits in physics breadth. Full course descriptions are listed under physics.
Culminating Project Courses
Six (6) credit hours are required.