Physics and Astronomy offers a variety of degree programs. All involve a set of core courses designed to develop basic knowledge of physics and critical thinking and analysis skills. Along with our physics major, astronomy concentration, and pre-medical concentration, we offer several options to train as a physics or science teacher (K-12). We also offer several dual BS Physics/Masters five-year programs. These combine a BS in Physics with either an MS in Applied Mathematics, an MBA (Masters in Business Administration), an MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching) in Physics or Physical Science (with teacher certification), or a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (from Stevens Institute of Technology). Love physics but not ready to switch majors? Consider a minor in Physics.
Physics is at the heart of all natural science and engineering disciplines. It also teaches technical skills that are in high demand (data analysis, problem modeling, computation, designing experiments, technical writing/oral presentation). In addition to high-paying jobs, a physics degree is a great entry point for graduate study in other natural sciences (chemistry, biology, geology), engineering or computer science. Physics also provides great preparation for careers or further study in finance, business, law, and medicine. In fact, physics majors have among the highest scores on the MCAT and LSAT exams. Read our Why Study Physics page to learn more about the benefits of a physics degree and why you should join our department. For more information about our courses and advice for physics and CSAM majors, see our student advising page. Additional information can be found in our department flyer.
Physics Degree Programs (non-teaching)
Undergraduate
- BS in Physics (PHYS) [curriculum guide for the BS in Physics (PHYS)] [major map for the BS in Physics (PHYS)] [curriculum guide, PHYS (pdf)] [PHYS major flow-chart]
- BS in Physics, Astronomy Concentration (PHAS) [curriculum guide for the BS in Physics, Astronomy Concentration (PHAS)] [major map for the BS in Physics, Astronomy Concentration (PHAS)] [curriculum guide, PHAS (pdf)]
- BS in Physics, Pre-Medical Concentration (PHPM) [curriculum guide for the BS in Physics, Pre-Medical Concentration (PHPM)] [major map for the BS in Physics, Pre-Medical Concentration (PHPM)] [curriculum guide, PHPM (pdf)] [see also our pre-med flyer]
- Minor in Physics [curriculum guide, minor (pdf)]
Graduate (5-year dual degree options)
- BS in Physics, MS Mechanical Engineering (five-year dual degree program with Stevens Institute of Technology) [curriculum guide for the BS in Physics, MS Mechanical Engineering (pdf)]
- BS in Physics, MS in Applied Mathematics 5-year dual degree program [curriculum guide for the BS in Physics, MS in Applied Mathematics] [major map for the BS in Physics, MS in Applied Mathematics] [curriculum guide, BS PHYS/MS AMAT (pdf)]
- BS in Physics, MBA (Masters in Business Administration) 5-year dual-degree program [curriculum guide for the BS in Physics, MBA] [4+1 MBA change-of-major form] [Learn more about the BS+MBA 4+1 program] [curriculum guide, BS PHYS/MBA (pdf)]
Teacher Training Degrees and Certificate Programs
Montclair State has a long tradition of training physics teachers. We offer several degree programs and certificates to train both new students and those with an existing degree to become physics or physical science teachers. There is an extreme shortage of physics teachers with a degree in the subject. Our graduates are in high demand and have an excellent record of finding jobs in top-performing school districts. Physics teachers also take a substantial number of Mathematics courses and are well-qualified to teach AP Calculus and other high school math. Learn more about why you should train to be a physics teacher (see here also). Scholarships and stipends are also available through Montclair State’s Noyce Science Teacher Scholarship Program. The undergraduate concentration programs below lead to a physics or physical science BS degree, along with a New Jersey teacher certification. The graduate programs below also provide a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). Additional useful information about becoming a physics teacher can also be found at NJSTEMTeahers.org. Learn more about the “traditional” vs. the “alternate route” to becoming a certified teacher
Undergraduate & BS/MAT
- BS in Physics, with Teacher Certification in Physics, Preschool-Grade 12 (PHYE) [curriculum guide for the BS in Physics, with Teacher Certification in Physics, Preschool-Grade 12 (PHYE)] [curriculum guide, PHYE (pdf)]
- BS in Physics, with Teacher Certification in Physical Science, Preschool-Grade 12 (PHPS) [curriculum guide for the BS in Physics, with Teacher Certification in Physical Science, Preschool-Grade 12 (PHPS)] [curriculum guide, PHPS (pdf)]
- BS Physics/MAT Physics, 5-year dual degree program [curriculum guide BS Physics/MAT Physics] [curriculum guide, BS Physics/MAT Physics (pdf)]
Graduate only (MAT)
- Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), with Certification in Physics (single certification) [dual certification/Teacher of Students with Disabilities (Physics)]
- Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), with Certification in Physical Science (single certification) [dual certification/Teacher of Students with Disabilities (Physical Science)]
Certificates
- Physical Science (Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification)
- Teacher Certification, Science Grades 5-8 (ESSC) (Interdisciplinary Program)
- Alternate Route Program for Teacher Certification
Contact Dr. Dean Hamden or the department chairperson for advising related to any of our teacher training programs.
Our student advising page contains other useful information for physics majors and students enrolling in our introductory physics courses.
It is also a good idea for current or prospective students to review the following: