Physical Science Composite Teaching (Physics) - BS

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

College of Science

Department of Physics

About This Degree

The physical science (composite teaching) major qualifies students to teach seventh and eighth-grade integrated science and high school chemistry and physics. Because they are qualified to teach both subjects, graduates of this major will be more marketable and sought after for teaching positions.

As they train to become chemistry teachers, students learn how to teach the basic chemical properties of elements and the chemical reactions that take place when different elements are combined, and how to properly write scientific equations. Students also study physics and gain an understanding of both the theory of physics and how to experiment using those theories as a guide. Physics teaching covers thermal physics, intermediate modern physics, wave phenomena, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics.

For more information about Physics, see the Department of Physics website.
Admitted and current students must meet with Karalee Ransom, academic advisor, no later than their sophomore year to develop an individualized plan of study that is applicable to their interests and fulfills STEP program requirements.
Log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
Suggested schedule assumes student has passed MATH 1210: Calculus I (QL) .

Minimum University Requirements

Total Credits: 120
Credits of C- or better: 100
Total credits taken through USU: 30
Total major required credits taken at USU: 10
Minimum Grade Point Average (many majors require a higher GPA): 2.0 GPA
Credits of upper-division courses (#3000 or above): 40
Upper-division credits taken at USU: 20
General Education Requirements
University Studies Requirements
Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Admission Requirements For This Program

New freshmen must be admitted to USU in Good Standing and have an overall GPA of 2.0.
Transfer students from other institutions or other programs at USU must have a 2.20 GPA.
Students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 to be admitted to the Secondary Ed program.
Admission to STEP requires a grade of C or better in all major content courses and requires an overall GPA of 3.0.

Major Requirements (16 credits)

Major requirements may not be taken for a pass/fail grade, except for those courses which are taught only on a pass/fail basis. A minimum grade of C or better is required in all major content courses to be recommended for graduation.

PHYS 1040 - Introductory Astronomy (BPS) 3 credit(s)
PHYS 1080 - Intelligent Life in the Universe (BPS) 3 credit(s)
PHYS 2210 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (BPS/QI) 4 credit(s) or
PHYS 2310 - Physics for Scientists I (BPS/QI) 4 credit(s) (for physics majors only)
PHYS 2215 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers Lab I 1 credit(s)
PHYS 2220 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (BPS/QI) 4 credit(s) or
PHYS 2320 - Physics for Scientists II (BPS/QI) 4 credit(s) (for physics majors only)
PHYS 2225 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers Lab II 1 credit(s)

Physical Science Math and Stats Requirements (11 credits)

All courses must be passed with a grade of C or better.

MATH 1210 - Calculus I (QL) 4 credit(s)
MATH 1220 - Calculus II (QL) 4 credit(s)
STAT 3000 - Statistics for Scientists (QI) 3 credit(s)

Physical Science Required Chemistry Courses (14-15 credits)

CHEM 1210 - Principles of Chemistry I 4 credit(s)
CHEM 1215 - Chemical Principles Laboratory I 1 credit(s)
CHEM 1220 - Principles of Chemistry II (BPS) 4 credit(s)
CHEM 1225 - Chemical Principles Laboratory II 1 credit(s)
CHEM 2300 - Principles of Organic Chemistry 3 credit(s) or
CHEM 2310 - Organic Chemistry I 4 credit(s)
CHEM 2315 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I 1 credit(s)

Physical Science Required Courses (14-15 credits)

BIOL 1010 - Biology and the Citizen (BLS) 3 credit(s)
GEO 1110 - Physical Geology (BPS) 3 credit(s)
GEO 1115 - Physical Geology Laboratory 1 credit(s)
PSC 2000 - The Atmosphere and Weather (BPS) 3 credit(s)

Physics Electives (6 credits)

Students must take 6 credits from the following:

PHYS 3010 - Space Exploration from Earth to the Solar System (DSC/QI) 3 credit(s)
PHYS 3030 - The Universe (DSC/QI) 3 credit(s)
PHYS 3710 - Intermediate Modern Physics 3 credit(s)

Required Courses for the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP)

All courses must be passed with a grade of C or better.

STEP admission courses (6 credits)

These courses may be taken prior to admission.

ITLS 5500 - Integration and Innovation of Technology in Education 3 credit(s)
SCED 3210 - Educational and Multicultural Foundations (CI/DSS) 3 credit(s)

Secondary Education Additional Courses (32 credits)

SCED 3300 - Clinical Experience I 1 credit(s)
SCED 4300 - Clinical Experience II 1 credit(s)
SCED 5100 - Motivation and Classroom Management 3 credit(s)
SCED 5200 - Language, Literacy and Learning in the Content Areas (CI) 3 credit(s)
SCED 5210 - Learning Theory, Curriculum, and Assessment 3 credit(s)
SCED 5500 - Student Teaching Seminar 2 credit(s)
SCED 5630 - Student Teaching in Secondary Schools 10 credit(s)
SCED 5820 - Science Education Teaching and Dispositions Knowledge 3 credit(s)
SCED 5821 - Three-Dimensional Science and Engineering Pedagogical Knowledge 3 credit(s)
SPED 4000 - Education of Students with Disabilities 3 credit(s)

Licensure Notification

This program typically leads to licensure and was designed to meet licensing qualifications in the state of Utah. If students wish to work in another state within the United States, they should review the qualifications for that state and the Education Licensure Compliance Table provided by School of Teacher Education and Leadership.

For more information, please contact the School of Teacher Education and Leadership at https://cehs.usu.edu/teal/

Additional Information

Students must complete the General Education Requirements and the University Studies Requirements .

Complete at least 2 credits in approved 3000-level or above course in the Depth Humanities and Creative Arts (DHA) requirement.
Admission to STEP requires a grade of C or better in all major content courses and requires an overall GPA of 3.0.

In order to obtain a secondary teaching license for grades 6-12, students must complete the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP), which includes one semester of student teaching in a public school. This program is administered by USU’s School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. Students must apply to the School of TEAL the semester before taking STEP courses. This is usually the fall of their junior year. Students learn subject content through the Languages, Philosophy, and Speech Communication Department, and spend the last year or two studying education techniques through the STEP program.

Open Electives

Total elective credit is determined by General Education courses taken, degree type selected, additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. Please consult your Academic Advisor for details.

Total Credits: 120

Suggested Degree Map - Physical Science Composite Teaching (Physics) BS

Physical Science Composite Teaching (Physics) BS - 4 Year Degree Map