The Master of Arts in Teaching Physics was developed for high school and middle school subject area teachers who have an initial license and are seeking a professional license in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The MAT program is designed to meet the "appropriate master's degree" requirement, which is part of the criteria for professional stage licensure, as set forth in the most recent MA DESE licensure regulations. This degree program will also appeal to secondary school teachers who already hold a standard level or professional license and want to acquire additional knowledge and a master's degree in the discipline.
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program provides a dynamic and inspiring learning environment, offering you countless opportunities to work side-by-side with peers, experienced classroom teachers and dedicated faculty in a collegial and supportive atmosphere. Integrating theory and practice, the MAT in Physics program provides a balanced emphasis on building advanced teaching skills and deeper knowledge within a particular discipline.
The MAT program offers:
- Diverse faculty with advanced degrees and extensive teaching and research experience for example:
Dr. Edward Deveney: Quantum Mechanics of Atoms and Molecules
Dr. Martina Arndt: Astrophysics
Dr. Thomas Kling: General Relativity Physics Education
Dr. Jeffrey Williams: Solid State Physics Education
Ms. Jamie Kern: Astronomy
- A solid foundation in effective teaching, learning, research and communication skills
- A deeper understanding of instruction and assessment techniques for diverse learners
- Development of advocacy and leadership competencies
- Full and part-time program options
- Small classes that facilitate a more personalized learning experience
- Affordable tuition, whether you live in state or out of state
Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. Thomas Kling
Admissions Requirements
- Online application and $50 application fee
- Resume
- Transcripts - Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work
- Minimum GPA - Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 based upon four years of coursework or 3.0 GPA based upon work completed during the junior and senior years
- Letters of Recommendation - Three appropriate letters of recommendation, at least one letter of recommendation should be an academic reference from a professor
- Personal Statement - Prepare a brief, but careful statement regarding the reasons you want to pursue graduate work in this field, your specific interest and experiences in this field, and your career goals
- Initial teaching License - An initial teaching license
Application Deadlines
Rolling admission for Fall, Spring and Summer enrollment.
Applications that are not completed prior to the start of the semester will need to be moved to the next applicable semester.
Curriculum
Core Courses
EDMC 530- The Teacher as Researcher
EDMC 531- The Standards-Based Classroom: Curriculum
EDMC 532 - The Teacher as Leader: From Issues to Advocacy
EDMC 533 - The Standards-Based Classroom: Instruction and Assessment for Diverse Learners
EDMC 538 - The Professional Teacher
Electives
A minimum of 18 approved graduate Physics credits is required. Example courses include Astrophysics, General Relativity, Optical, Electronics, Modern Physics Experiments and Modern Physics.
Additional Program Options
Students also have the option to utilize new equipment and facilities such as the laser lab, optics equipment and the observatory for research and collaboration with faculty as well as possible thesis option. Contact program coordinator Dr. Thomas Kling (tkling@bridgew.edu) for additional information on these options.
***For the most up-to-date information regarding course descriptions, please visit our University Catalog.
Funding Opportunities
The College of Graduate Studies provides various opportunities for graduate students to receive funding while working towards their degrees. Appointments are competitive and are determined by undergraduate and/or graduate grade point averages, pertinent experience, educational preparation and interviews. For information on assistantships, fellowships and conference funding awards, please visit our Graduate Funding Opportunities page.
The Master of Arts in Teaching Physics is eligible for unsubsidized student loans and applicants are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. For more specific questions, please visit the Financial Aid Office website or contact them directly at finaid@bridgew.edu.
Learning Outcomes
1. Receive high content in Modern Physics with potential to impact teaching at the high school level
2. Receive high content and hands on Experimental Lab courses with potential to impact teaching at the high school level
3. Receive content-rich physics pedagogy
4. Present physics clearly in written, with emphasis on mathematical foundation, and/or spoken form stressing scientific method
5. Afford the opportunity for independent research with faculty
MAT Outcomes
Students will know and be able to:
1. Be informed (and critical) consumers of research literature, and become familiar with the methods and technology surrounding scientific inquiry. (EDMC 530)
2. Examine curriculum within the scope of a general framework of curriculum meaning, design, development, and use. However, the specific focus of the course will be to develop standards – based curriculum and to understand the paradigm shift for educators today in what teaching and learning need to look like in a standards- based environment. (EDMC 531)
3. Articulate a personal position on critical issues and to practice school leadership and community advocacy on issues of concern. (EDMC 532)
4. Explore ways to conduct high quality assessments that accurately track student learning. They will learn to use assessment information to inform instructional decisions, and will discover ways to use the assessment process as a basis for helping students improve their own learning and achievement. (EDMC 533)
5. Examine their own classroom learning and teaching practices that are consistent with their theory of learning. They will reflect upon and demonstrate their knowledge of the best practices that address high standards and expectations, effective instruction, and assessment. (EDMC 538)