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Physical science teacher education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a physical science teacher. Physical science teachers usually study biology, chemistry, or education. 71% of physical science teachers hold a bachelor's degree, and 20% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 1,089 real physical science teacher resumes to see exactly what physical science teacher education sections show.
The most common colleges for physical science teachers are the Clemson University and the Clemson University.
There are also many online physical science teacher courses to help get the education required to be a physical science teacher.
There are certain physical science teacher certifications that you should consider. These physical science teacher certifications include Certified Secondary Culinary Educator (CSCE) and Physical Security Certification (PSC).
What education do you need to become a physical science teacher?
What degree do you need to be a physical science teacher?
- Bachelor's, 71%
- Master's, 20%
- Associate, 3%
- Doctorate, 3%
- Other Degrees, 3%
What should I major in to become a physical science teacher?
Most common colleges for physical science teachers
| Physical science teacher common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Clemson University | 9.40% |
| University of Florida | 5.98% |
| University of Central Florida | 5.98% |
| Illinois State University | 5.13% |
| Temple University | 5.13% |
Best majors for physical science teachers
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Biology | 22.5% |
| 2 | Chemistry | 14.5% |
| 3 | Education | 12.7% |
| 4 | General Education, Specific Areas | 8.2% |
| 5 | Elementary Education | 7.5% |
Best colleges for physical science teachers
The best colleges for physical science teachers are Harvard University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.
A physical science teacher with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for physical science teachers. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become physical science teachers.
1. Harvard University
Cambridge, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$50,420
Enrollment
7,582
2. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$55,584
Enrollment
10,764
3. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
In-state tuition
$54,568
Enrollment
8,451
4. Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$59,430
Enrollment
8,216
5. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC • Private
In-state tuition
$8,987
Enrollment
18,946
6. University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$14,184
Enrollment
30,845
7. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI • Private
In-state tuition
$15,262
Enrollment
30,079
8. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$51,354
Enrollment
7,083
9. New York University
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$51,828
Enrollment
26,339
10. University of California - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$13,226
Enrollment
31,568
20 best online courses for physical science teachers
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1. Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences
What is the origin of our universe? What are dark matter and dark energy? This is the first part of the course 'Philosophy and the Sciences', dedicated to Philosophy of the Physical Sciences. Scientific research across the physical sciences has raised pressing questions for philosophers. The goal of this course is to introduce you to some of the main areas and topics at the key juncture between philosophy and the physical sciences. Each week we will introduce you to some of these important...
2. Music Education for Teachers
In the Music Education for Teachers specialization, you will explore ways of integrating popular music into your teaching. You'll begin by learning from two highly experienced teachers, Krystal Banfield, the Vice President of Educational Outreach for Berklee College of Music, and David Alexis a Berklee Professor and long-time instructor for the Berklee City Music Program. They will take you through their process of incorporating popular music, improvisation, arranging, and music technology into...
3. Physics - Kinematics for High School and AP Physics 1
This is a comprehensive Algebra based Mechanics course in physics specifically covering topics of Kinematics...
4. Quantum Physics: an overview of a weird world (Basics)
A primer on the conceptual foundations of Quantum Physics...
5. Exploring Quantum Physics
An introduction to quantum physics with emphasis on topics at the frontiers of research, and developing understanding through exercise...
6. The Science of the Solar System
Learn about the science behind the current exploration of the solar system in this free class. Use principles from physics, chemistry, biology, and geology to understand the latest from Mars, comprehend the outer solar system, ponder planets outside our solar system, and search for habitability in our neighborhood and beyond. This course is generally taught at an advanced level assuming a prior knowledge of undergraduate math and physics, but the majority of the concepts and lectures can be...
7. The Complete Physics Course - Learn Science the easy way!
A course that's made for you to easily learn Physics! ....even for those that don't like Math & Science :)...
8. Classical Physics: Journey Through the Laws of the Universe
Peer beneath the surface of reality, understand how the universe works, and develop physics apps that make a difference!...
9. Chemical Biology
Chemical biology is a burgeoning field that has rapidly risen to prominence. This surge of interest has been fuelled by chemical biology’s applicability to understanding critical processes in live cells or model organisms in real time. This success has arisen because chemical biology straddles a nexus between chemistry, biology, and physics. Thus, chemical biology can harness rapid chemistry to observe or perturb biological processes, that are in turn reported using physical assays, all in an...
10. Modern Topics in Condensed Matter Physics
This course will begin by discussing superconductivity - a central example of a macroscopic phenomenon. It will then proceed to discuss various modern topics in quantum condensed matter physics, including fractionalization, anyon statistics, topology, and non-equilibrium phases. The course aims to provide learners with an appreciation for some modern topics in condensed matter physics...
11. Implementing Positive Behaviour Management in the Classroom
Practical Strategies to Address Behaviour Issues in any Classroom...
12. Game Physics - Introducing Gravitation & Rotation in Unity
Step-by-step tutorial on how to create a basic rigid body motion physics from scratch. Taught in C# using Unity 3D free...
13. QC151 Quantum Physics for QC - Content moved to QC101
This course has become part of QC101. Buy this course if you want only the physics lessons without the rest of QC101...
14. The Complete AP and College Physics Course
Master the College/AP physics from classical to modern physics, then test your knowledge with 300+ practice exercises!...
15. Preparation for CELTA Teacher Training
Learn the skills required to succeed in your CELTA training - gain practice in lesson planning and writing assignments!!...
16. Computational Physics: Scientific Programming with Python
From numerical methods to exciting applications: Differential equations, eigenvalue problems, Monte Carlo methods & more...
17. Quantum Physics from Beginner to Expert (Quantum mechanics)
From the very fundamentals to advanced topics like quantum computing...
18. TESOL Teacher Training: Second Language Acquisition (SLA)
Putting Theory Into Practice in the ESL/EFL Classroom...
19. Mindfulness for Life Coaching Success: Teacher Certificate
Transform Lives with Mindfulness & Meditation: Accredited Life Coach Teacher Certificate (2023)...
20. Mindfulness Teacher Training Certificate
Become a certified mindfulness teacher with this accredited mindfulness teacher training programme...
Top 10 most affordable universities for physical science teachers
The most affordable schools for physical science teachers are Hunter College of the City University of New York, university of florida, and california state university - long beach.
If the best universities for physical science teachers are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for physical science teachers.
1. Hunter College of the City University of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,182
Cost of attendance
13,998
2. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,381
Cost of attendance
21,034
3. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,798
Cost of attendance
18,306
4. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York
Brooklyn, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,240
Cost of attendance
13,991
5. Queens College of the City University of New York
Queens, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,338
Cost of attendance
14,281
6. Lehman College of the City University of New York
Bronx, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,210
Cost of attendance
14,359
7. Baruch College of the City University of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,262
Cost of attendance
14,046
8. California State University - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,749
Cost of attendance
14,823
9. City College of New York of the City University of New York, The
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,140
Cost of attendance
14,430
10. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for physical science teachers
The hardest universities for physical science teachers to get into are Harvard University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.
Some great schools for physical science teachers are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for physical science teachers based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
1. Harvard University
Cambridge, MA • Private
Admissions rate
5%
SAT average
1,520
2. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
3. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,492
4. Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
6%
SAT average
1,512
5. Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN • Private
Admissions rate
10%
SAT average
1,514
6. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
Admissions rate
4%
SAT average
1,497
7. Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD • Private
Admissions rate
11%
SAT average
1,513
8. Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Admissions rate
17%
SAT average
1,507
9. University of Chicago
Chicago, IL • Private
Admissions rate
7%
SAT average
1,520
10. University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN • Private
Admissions rate
18%
SAT average
1,502
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for physical science teachers
The easiest schools for physical science teachers to get into are Barry University, mount saint mary's university, and wayland baptist university.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a physical science teacher without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for physical science teachers.
1. Barry University
Miami, FL • Private
Admissions rate
91%
SAT average
1,006
2. Mount Saint Mary's University
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions rate
84%
SAT average
1,031
3. Wayland Baptist University
Plainview, TX • Private
Admissions rate
98%
SAT average
1,003
4. San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA • Private
Admissions rate
72%
SAT average
1,054
5. College of New Rochelle, The
New Rochelle, NY • Private
Admissions rate
83%
SAT average
982
6. Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA • Private
Admissions rate
85%
SAT average
1,053
7. Our Lady of the Lake University
San Antonio, TX • Private
Admissions rate
93%
SAT average
1,002
8. Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Kingsville, TX • Private
Admissions rate
89%
SAT average
1,035
9. California University of Pennsylvania
California, PA • Private
Admissions rate
97%
SAT average
1,007
10. Cardinal Stritch University
Milwaukee, WI • Private
Admissions rate
71%
SAT average
1,035
Average physical science teacher salary by education level
| Physical science teacher education level | Physical science teacher salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $64,028 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $52,133 |
| Doctorate Degree | $64,859 |
Physical science teacher education FAQs
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025