Ed.M. with Certification in Physical Science or Physics Education
- Degrees & Programs
- Prospective students should download the revised proposed program guide (with fewer required credits) effective September 2025*. The program guide includes a proposed course list and application requirements for the anticipated new program.
- The current program guide is effective through Summer 2025 and is applicable to all current students.
- For more information about the pending changes to the program, please attend a GSE Initial Licensure Information Session or watch this video of an information session, password: ?0fzQs9I
- Contact Ken Tufo, Student Counselor in the Office of Student and Academic Services for further information.
Program Overview
The Ed.M. program with (K-12) teacher certification in physical science or physics education is designed for individuals who possess a bachelor’s degree in these fields, or a closely related field, and who wish to pursue teacher certification and a master’s degree in education at the same time. Students enrolled in the program will deepen their understanding of the core principles surrounding physics and chemistry while developing content-specific teaching methods appropriate for the disciplines. Research-driven coursework will provide students with a grounding in the historical and philosophical contexts of the physical sciences as well as with the practical knowledge and skills needed to develop effective student learning environments and to integrate technology into their instruction. As with all teacher preparation programs at the GSE, teacher candidates will exit this program as culturally responsive practitioners, trained to teach and advocate for diverse learners by fostering a deep understanding of students from historically underserved linguistic, economic, and cultural backgrounds and communities.
Candidates seeking certification in Physics Education must complete a minimum of 30 credits in physics. Candidates seeking certification in Physical Science Education must complete a minimum of 30 credits in either chemistry or physics, as well as a minimum of 15 credits in the other subject. After the master’s degree is awarded, the GSE will make a recommendation to the New Jersey State Department of Education on behalf of the graduate to receive their Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) within their selected concentration of study.
For more information about this program:
*Pending final approval from the New Jersey Department of Education and Rutgers University.
Program Details
Application Deadline
Februrary 1, 2025
Entry Term(s)
Fall
Program Level
Masters
Program Type
Degree + Teacher Certification
Format
On-campus
Credits
53
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What You’ll Learn
Graduates of the Ed.M. program with (K-12) teacher certification in physical science or physics education will learn content-specific teaching methods in physics and chemistry, as well as the history and philosophy of physical science. Students in the program will also participate in ongoing research of the faculty and doctoral students studying within the discipline, leading to a comprehensive understanding of how scientists work and how discipline-specific knowledge develops. Students who enroll in the program can expect to engage in independent research, small group work, and traditional whole-group class sessions throughout their tenure at the GSE.
For more information about the courses in this program, please visit the course catalog and online schedule of classes.
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Program Requirements
This program typically takes 2 years to complete and includes:
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- 2 no-credit Course Modules – Completed in the First Summer Semester
- 53 Graduate Course Credits
- 10 Credits – Completed in the First Fall Semester
- 10 Credits – Completed in the First Spring Semester
- 6 Credits – Completed in the Second Summer Semester
- 15 Credits – Completed in Second Fall Semester
- 12 Credits – Complete in Second Spring Semester
- edTPA Performance-based Assessment
- Students must pass a performance based assessment of their teaching practice during the full-time Clinical Practice II semester. Details of this assessment are specified in the Student Policy and Procedures Handbook
Graduates are expected to complete the required course sequence and satisfy their general education requirements, liberal arts credits, and complete their portfolio concurrently through completion of their coursework. Accepted students have 5 years to complete the program.
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Careers and Outcomes
Given timely recognition of the importance of science, technology, math, and engineering (STEM) education programs in the United States and abroad, graduates of this program are prepared for employment in teaching, administrative, and educational leadership roles in physical science education immediately following conferral of their degree and teacher certification. Students exiting the program may also take up positions as physical science tutors, college-level instructors, and or as consultants, developers, or specialists working on special educational initiatives. Other opportunities outside traditional education settings vary greatly and might include operating their own business, or working conducting research or in positions in the private business or government sectors. Graduates seeking to pursue their Ph.D. in the discipline will also possess the competencies needed to be successful applying to and studying at the doctoral level.
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Admissions Requirements
- Personal Statement
- One Letter of Recommendation
- Passing Praxis Core test scores* in Reading, Writing, and Math
- or SAT scores* greater than 50th percentile in both Math and Verbal or both Math and Reading
- or ACT scores* greater than 50th percentile in both Math and English
- or GRE scores* greater than 50th percentile in both Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning
- Official Undergraduate Transcripts**
*Any test scores submitted must be less than 5 years old as of the application deadline
**The New Jersey Department of Education requires a minimum GPA of 2.75 to be admitted to a teacher education program -
How to Apply
- Collect the materials required for admission
- Submit your application online at http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/
- Submit supporting materials online
- Any supporting materials that cannot be submitted electronically should be mailed to Graduate Admissions’ New Brunswick office. Their mailing address can be found here: https://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/about/contact-us
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Tuition & Financial Assistance
Tuition:
For tuition and fees information please visit the tuition landing page.
Financial Aid:
While students are encouraged to apply for federal student aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), there are a number of other merit- and need-based support options, including loans and college work-study programs within and external to Rutgers. For more information, please visit the Office of Financial Aid website.
Scholarships, Fellowships & Assistantships:
Generous GSE alumni, friends, and community members have established and continue to donate to more than one dozen fellowships and scholarships to help deserving students reach their goals. These awards are granted on the basis of academic achievement and or financial need. While these awards are competitive, interested students are encouraged to apply for consideration and submit the required materials. Students must also submit a FAFSA application to be eligible.
To review all current awards and learn more about the donors that established them, please click here.