Physics
Help your students learn to see things in a new way as they explore and understand how the physical world works.
Physics, Physics Teaching Concentration, B.S.
The Physics Teaching Concentration of the Bachelor of Science in Physics is offered through the College of Basic and Applied Science at MTSU. The Physics Teaching concentration offers preparation for careers as physics teachers, as well as serving as an appropriate degree path for other physics majors who do not plan to attend graduate school.
Physics goes with everything. That may be one reason so many of MTSU's physics majors started out in pursuit of a different degree (in recording industry, pre-medicine, music, etc.) only to discover that it was the physics of it all that fascinated them. Physics may take them on a different road back to their original interest—a career as a medical physicist, for example.
Students seeking a license to teach physics in secondary schools (grades 7-12) must complete
- a major in physics with a concentration in Physics Teaching, and/or
- a minor in Secondary Education through MTeach. Physics majors may pick from one of four different concentrations.
The physics core consists of 25 semester hours of physics and astronomy and gets all Physics and Astronomy majors on a level playing field and sets you up to pursue any concentration.
- Professional Physics
- Astronomy
- Applied Physics
- Physics Teaching
News Briefs
The healing power of physics
Originally a Biology major, Lauren Rigsby planned to go to medical school until a math professor pointed out she might be bored by the memorization and lack of applied problem-solving. Now, she's set her sights on career as a medical physicist. (Among other things, medical physicists help create treatment plans that ensure patients receive the right radiation dose in the correct area.)
Eureka!
After teaching the phases of the moon and planets to a second grade class during an outreach program, physics major Hillary Ball decided to choose teaching over graduate school. "I loved the eureka moments," she says, he looks on their faces when the light went on." She is fascinated with the wonders of physics and the beauty of what it reveals and found support for her desire to teach through the College of Education.
News Briefs
The healing power of physics
Originally a Biology major, Lauren Rigsby planned to go to medical school until a math professor pointed out she might be bored by the memorization and lack of applied problem-solving. Now, she's set her sights on career as a medical physicist. (Among other things, medical physicists help create treatment plans that ensure patients receive the right radiation dose in the correct area.)
Eureka!
After teaching the phases of the moon and planets to a second grade class during an outreach program, physics major Hillary Ball decided to choose teaching over graduate school. "I loved the eureka moments," she says, he looks on their faces when the light went on." She is fascinated with the wonders of physics and the beauty of what it reveals and found support for her desire to teach through the College of Education.
Physics, Physics Teaching Concentration, B.S.
There's almost no field of endeavor that doesn't have some part of it touched by physics. Not surprisingly, a B.S. in Physics can be that first step to any number of diverse careers! Examples include
- Acoustics researcher
- Architect
- Astronomer
- Astrophysicist
- Design engineer
- Doctor
- High school physics teacher
- Laser engineer
- Medical physicist
- Naval mine warfare analyst
- Patent attorney
- Process engineer
- Pilot
- Semiconductor engineer
- Software developer
- Spacecraft designer
- Radio Frequency (RF) specialist
- Video game developer
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- AFL Global
- Arlington High School
- Cheezburger Network
- Corvel Corporation
- Energetics Technology
- Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center
- Gearbox Software
- JET Programme, Japan
- Robert Half Technology
- RF Signatures
- Memorial Hospital, Chattanooga
- Middle Tennessee Medical Center
- MiraCosta College
- Tennessee Valley Authority
- Texas Tech University
- University of Maryland
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake .
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
Degrees
Students in the Physics program can pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physics with concentrations in Applied Physics, Astronomy, Physics Teaching, or Professional Physics. Within the Professional Physics concentration are tracks in medical physics and astrophysics.
For complete curriculum details, click on REQUIREMENTS.
Undergraduate students can pursue a minor in Physics or Astronomy.
A minor in Physics is available for graduate students, as well.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
MTSU discloses that the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Physics, Physics Teaching is a teacher licensure preparation program accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the Tennessee Department of Education. Admission to an undergraduate teacher licensure preparation program does not guarantee that students will obtain a teacher license. Successful completion of the meets the educational requirements to apply for a practitioner teacher licensure in Tennessee.
The BS Physics, Physics Teaching disclosure provided on MTSU’s professional licensure disclosure website indicates the states and territories where MTSU has determined, through reasonable and good faith effort, that the program does or does not meet the educational requirements for other US states and territories. Licensing authorities for each state set and enforce their own requirements and standards, which are subject to change. Current and prospective students not located in Tennessee or who plan to seek licensure or certification outside the state of Tennessee should contact the appropriate state licensing agency or board and discuss their plans with an advisor and the MTSU Office of Teacher Licensure before enrolling in the program to ensure they have the most up-to-date information and guidance regarding licensure requirements.
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