Boston University has a comprehensive PhysTEC grant that runs from 2011-2014.

The Department of Physics and the School of Education at Boston University collaborate on offering programs for physics teacher licensure in the State of Massachusetts. All programs lead to a degree from the School of Education; however, the programs are heavily weighted with physics courses.

1) The B.Sc. in Physics Teaching with Initial Licensure requires 32 credits of undergraduate physics or equivalent.

2) The Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Physics Teaching with Initial Licensure is a one year plus one summer program intended for applicants with a Bachelors degree in physics. As part of the MAT, the students are expected to take three additional graduate level courses in the Department of Physics. Admission to this program requires approval of both the Department of Physics and the School of Education.

3) The MAT in Physics Teaching with Initial Licensure for STEM Professionals is aimed at applicants with prior STEM employment who are interested in becoming physics teachers. This program relies on the Improving the Teaching of Physics courses, described below, which are offered through the Graduate School of the College of Arts and Science with instructors from the Department of Physics.

4) The Masters Degree in Physics Teaching with Professional Licensure also relies on the Improving the Teaching of Physics courses, described below, which are offered through the Graduate School of the College of Arts and Science with instructors from the Department of Physics.

The Improving the Teaching of Physics sequence of ten two-credit courses are the consequence of a joint project of the Department of Physics and the School of Education to improve physics education in the State of Massachusetts. Courses offered by the Improving the Teaching of Physics project (Project ITOP) cover physics content, the conceptual history of physics, and the physics education research literature. ITOP courses are appropriate for all physics teachers, but have a special focus on teachers of physics who are teaching outside their field of licensure. The courses can be used for graduate study by nondegree students seeking professional advancement or satisfaction of recertification requirements; by students in the Initial License Program designed for STEM professionals who want to become teachers; or, by students in the Professional Licensure Program.

In addition, to the degree programs above, the Department of Physics encourages its students to investigate teaching careers and has a NSF funded GK-12 Program.

Year         Number of Students Endorsed for
                       Initial Licensure in Physics
2006 – 07           0
2007 – 08           0
2008 – 09           1

2009 - 10    2

2010 - 11    4

2011 - 12    1