Physics, MAT

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.

Apply Today

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.

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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)