Chicago State University
Institution Members
Mel Sabella
Contact Information
Mel Sabella msabella@csu.edu
773-995-2172
Last Update
Aug 29, 2009
The Physics Teacher Education program at Chicago State University (CSU) prepares students to teach physics and other science subjects at the high school level.
This program provides a thorough study of representative fields of physics, and requires additional study of chemistry, biology, mathematics and earth science. Completion of 120 semester hours of work: 30 hours in general education consisting of 9 hours in humanities , 9 hours in the social sciences, 6 hours in a single foreign language, and 6 hours in composition; 48 hours in physics; 36 hours in supportive courses; 6 hours in electives; and passing the examination on the state and federal constitutions. Students in this Option are required to take an Interdisciplinary course (3 credit hours) to strengthen their general education background. Physics teacher education majors must complete not less than 15 full weeks of student teaching in physics. Upon graduation, physics teacher education majors earn a BS degree in Physics with a Science Certification and a designation in Physics. The University does offer an alternative route to teacher certification if you already have a degree in Physics or a related subject.
The standard program of study for physics teacher education majors at Chicago State University begins with teacher education and physics/science methods courses during the junior year and continues through student teaching. Key features of the program include opportunities to participate in (1) Physics/Chemistry education research projects, (2) outreach programs such as Science Fair Central and Science Career Day, and (3) our Summer Science Van Programs for In-service and Preservice Teachers.
The University is accredited by North Central and NCATE and the physics teaching program is accredited by the NSTA.
The science departments at CSU have recently received an NSF - NOYCE grant for ~800K to support those preparing to be science teachers in the Chicago Area. Our Noyce Program focuses on the professional nature of science teaching. For more information see: http://webs.csu.edu/~noycesch/
