High school physics teachers are in high demand both nationally and in the state of Pennsylvania.  Teaching high school physics is a very rewarding career and one that we encourage our majors to consider.  With this in mind, the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the School of Education have collaborated to create a seamless path for undergraduate students to earn both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Teaching degree within five years.  Students in this program may be eligible for various scholarships and upon completion will be fully certified to teach in the state of Pennsylvania, so they will be ready to jump right into their career.

The Combined Accelerated Studies in Education (CASE) Program combines undergraduate and graduate work. Students who successfully complete the program will receive one of the following Bachelor of Science degrees:

• Physics (with the Education sub-plan)
• Physics and Astronomy (with the Education sub-plan)

Plus one of the following Master’s degrees:

• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Instructional I Certificate
• Master of Special Education with Academic Instruction Certificate (MOSAIC)

Physics and Astronomy students may apply to the CASE Program during their junior or senior years and will be informed of their admission status by early September of their senior year.  Applications to the School of Education from students not receiving early conditional admission will be referred to the regular application pool.

The CASE Program will grant admission for Physics and Astronomy students each year contingent on their successful completion of all admissions requirements.  Early application Physics & Astronomy Department students may be eligible for School of Education scholarships ranging from $500 to $7,000.  Early application Physics & Astronomy Department students who have graduated from Pittsburgh Public Schools may be eligible for additional scholarships, including full tuition Wood Scholarships.  All scholarships for Physics & Astronomy Department early application students will be awarded by November 1 of their senior year.

Physics & Astronomy Department students applying for early application into one of the Science Education Programs must meet all University of Pittsburgh School of Education’s admission requirements as described in the School of Education admissions information.  These admissions requirements include:

a.       An overall minimum 3.0 grade point (required at time of admission and graduation)

b.      Three letters of recommendation, two of which are written by undergraduate instructors

c.       A 3-5 page statement that explains reasons for wanting to become a science teacher and the relationship of past science experiences with adolescents to these reasons

d.      A successful personal interview with representatives of the School of Education

e.       Evidence of internships, volunteer work, or some form of engagement with students in schools or school-like settings in the field of science