Physics is the study of matter and energy and their interactions. Students study both the theory of physics and experiment using those theories as a guide. Physics teaching majors take classes in thermal physics, intermediate modern physics, wave phenomena, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics, as well as teaching courses.
The Physics Department is home to an active, national-award-winning chapter of the Society of Physics Students. Its students and faculty have also been recipients of prestigious national awards, including a Rhodes Scholar, Goldwater Scholars, and more.
Education Component:
In order to obtain a secondary teaching license for grades 6-12, students must complete the 35-credit Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP), which includes one semester of student teaching in a public school. This program is administered by USUs School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. Student 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 Physics Department and spend the last year or two studying education techniques through the STEP program.
Students in the physics teaching program are required to select an approved teaching minor in order to expand their career options.