Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Physics/Mathematics—Secondary Education, BAEd
What Is the Physics/Mathematics-Secondary Major?
Physics is the fundamental science. It is the study of matter and energy and of the interaction between the two. Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Geology and Engineering apply the principles of Physics to specific problems. Almost all areas of modern technology involve applications of Physics.
“Mathematics reveals hidden patterns that help us understand the world around us. Now much more than Arithmetic and Geometry, Mathematics today is a diverse discipline that deals with data, measurements, and observations from science; with inference, deduction, and proof; and with mathematical models of natural phenomena, of human behavior, and of social systems.”
-From Everybody Counts: A Report to the Nation on the Future of Mathematics Education (c) 1989 National Academy of Sciences
This major must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in secondary education offered through Woodring College of Education. Courses required for a state teaching endorsement must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
Teaching mathematics and physics is a challenge, a responsibility, and an opportunity. Learning to teach mathematics and physics occurs through a variety of means: the study of a wide variety of mathematics and physics, pedagogical preparation within a mathematical and science context, formal clinical preparation in education, an extended internship, and continual experiences as a student, learner, and problem solver in mathematics and physics.
Everyone aspiring to be a mathematics and physics teacher is aware of the demand for qualified teachers at the secondary level, but there is an even greater need for quality mathematics and physics teachers-teachers who care about both students and mathematics and physics, teachers who have a broad and deep understanding of mathematics and physics, and teachers who are thoroughly professional. The responsibilities are great, but the rewards are even greater.
As a prospective teacher you need to focus on expanding your personal understanding of mathematics and physics and capitalizing on opportunities to work with pre-college students as a tutor, as a classroom assistant, as a practicum student, and as a novice teacher in your internship.
Are you up to it?
How to Declare:
Students who intend to complete a major in Math and Physics are urged to declare the major formally at an early point in their Western career so that a program of study can be planned in collaboration with departmental advisors.
A cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 must be maintained in the courses required by the Physics major.
Applying to the Secondary Education Professional Program
Admission to both Western Washington University and Secondary Education is required before a teacher candidate may begin taking courses in education. Post-baccalaureate teacher candidates must apply to WWU and Secondary Education for the same quarter. Requirements include:
- Undergraduate teacher candidates should have completed all GUR’s and 60-80% of their major endorsement credits. Those with less than 60% should contact a secondary faculty advisor before applying.
- Post baccalaureate teacher candidates should have a degree in their academic major.
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher overall or for the last 45 credits
- WEST-B test scores. This test is offered 6 or 7 times a year at various sites in the State. For details on registration and fees refer to the WEST-B website www.west.nesinc.com.
- Two letters of recommendation addressing your potential for success in teacher education. One letter must be from someone who can attest to your academic ability and knowledge in your academic major (ie: professor).
- Completion of an English composition course with a grade of B or higher
Application materials: Printable from www.wce.wwu.edu/Admiss
See Also: Secondary Education Professional Program Guide.
Coursework
Requirements
- ASTR 315 - The Solar System
- MATH 204 - Elementary Linear Algebra
- MATH 224 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry I
- MATH 309 - Introduction to Proof in Discrete Mathematics
- MATH 331 - Ordinary Differential Equations
- MATH 360 - Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometry
- MATH 419 - Historical Perspectives of Mathematics
- MATH 483 - Methods of Teaching Secondary Mathematics
NOTE: The pair MATH 203 and 303 may be substituted for MATH 204 and 331.
- PHYS 161 - Physics with Calculus I
- PHYS 162 - Physics with Calculus II
- PHYS 163 - Physics with Calculus III
- PHYS 226 - Physics with Calculus IV
- PHYS 224 - Modern Physics I
- PHYS 225 - Modern Physics II
- PHYS 322 - Fundamentals of Electronics
- PHYS 326 - Tools and Data Analysis
- PHYS 363 - Classical Mechanics
- PHYS 391 - Junior Lab
- SCED 370 - Science and Society
- SCED 481 - Fundamentals of Teaching Science
- SCED 491 - Methods in Secondary Education for Science Teachers
- 6 additional credits of upper-division physics or astronomy courses, including 2-3 credits of:
- PHYS 491 - Senior Project in Experimental Physics
- PHYS 492 - Senior Project in Theoretical Physics
- ASTR 493 - Senior Project in Astronomy
- Choose either:
- MATH 124 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I and
- MATH 125 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
- OR
- MATH 134 - Calculus I Honors and
- MATH 135 - Calculus II Honors
- OR
- MATH 138 - Accelerated Calculus
- At least two of the following:
- MATH 307 - Mathematical Computing
- MATH 341 - Probability and Statistical Inference
- MATH 410 - Mathematical Modeling
Secondary Education Professional Program Requirements (68 credits)
- EDUC 301 - Educational Psychology I: Development and Individual Differences
- EDUC 302 - Educational Psychology II: Motivation, Learning and Assessment
- EDUC 310 - Education, Culture, and Equity
- I T 444 - Classroom Use of Instructional Technology (Secondary)
- SEC 410 - Dynamics of Teaching
- SEC 425 - Developmental Reading, Writing and Learning in Secondary Schools
- SEC 430 - Secondary School Methods I - Instructional Strategies, Daily Planning, and Standards
- SEC 431 - Secondary School Methods II-Assessment and Long Term Planning
- SEC 432 - Secondary School Methods III - Management, Motivation and Discipline
- SEC 433 - Teaching Laboratory
- SEC 435 - Middle Level Practicum
- SEC 436 - Secondary School Practicum
- SEC 495 - Internship - Secondary
- SPED 363 - Secondary Students With Special Needs
GURs:
These courses below satisfy GUR requirements and may also be used to fulfill major requirements.
- QSR: MATH 124, 125, 134, 135, 138
- LSCI: PHYS 161. 162. 163
Sample Careers
- Secondary Education Teacher
Department
Contact
Advisors
Jerry Johnson
BH 400,
360-650-3801
Jerry.Johnson@wwu.edu
Mildred Johnson
BH 212,
360-650-3459
Millie.Johnson@wwu.edu
Math Department
BH 202, 360-650-3785
mathdept@wwu.edu
Physics Department
CF 385; 360-650-3818Donna.Vandergriend@wwu.edu
Secondary Education
Program Manager
Janna CeckaMH 401C; 360-650-3327Janna.Cecka@wwu.edu
Secondary Education
Program Coordinator
Debbie GrammMH 401A; 360-650-3327Debbie.Gramm@wwu.edu