Skip to main content

Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University
Advanced search
Information For...
  • Current Students
  • Parents & Family
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Alumni
Quick Links
  • COVID-19
  • Give
  • Maps
  • Employment
  • Library
  • AppalNet
  • AsULearn
  • A-Z
Main Menu
  • Why Choose App?
  • Visit
  • Admissions
  • Academics
  • Campus Life
  • About
  • Home
  • Academics
  • Undergraduate Programs

Physics (BS) - Secondary Education

About

The concepts of physics are basic to matter, energy and all phenomena. They help us understand how the world around us works, from cell phones to tsunamis, anatomy to cathedrals and DNA to black holes. Physics is the basis for modern technology, and for the tools and instruments used in medicine, engineering, manufacturing and other sciences.

Through Appalachian State University’s Physics (BS) – Secondary Education degree, you will receive the guidance and instruction to harness these concepts and share that knowledge as a teacher of high school physics, math, chemistry and even biology – the primary focus being physics. The program combines the strengths of the Department of Physics and Astronomy with the rigorous teacher preparation in Appalachian’s Reich College of Education. Graduates of the program are in high demand for teaching positions in North Carolina and across the country.

In addition to receiving a well-rounded course of study in pure physics, you will shadow Physics and Astronomy faculty members in classrooms and labs, and have the opportunity to work with them on research and other creative projects. Combine that with access to top-notch facilities including Dark Sky Observatory, millions of dollars’ worth of electron and optical microscopes, curated and regularly updated electronics laboratories, and an atmospheric physics research station funded by NASA, and Appalachian’s Department of Physics and Astronomy is an extraordinary place to learn and grow.

After Graduation

Employment: Students who graduate from this program go on to teach at schools in North Carolina, including Eastern Guilford High School, Lake Norman High School, Mitchell High School and East Forsyth High School.

Career Exploration website

Professional Licensure

This is a program that can lead to licensure or certification in North Carolina. Appalachian State University cannot confirm whether this program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in other states or territories.

If this applies to you, check the Professional Licensure webpage for information on licensure requirements and licensing agencies in other states. Or, you may address questions to State Authorization at App State at stateauthorization@appstate.edu or 828-262-7559.

People

  • Student Profile: Josh Gregory
    Student Profile: Josh Gregory

    A story about a politician’s misunderstanding of physics led Josh Gregory to pursue a degree toward becoming a physics teacher.

  • Alumnus Profile: Tom Hefner ’92
    Alumnus Profile: Tom Hefner ’92

    At Eastern Guilford High School, he teaches physics, astronomy, chemistry, earth and environmental science classes – and he says the degree program prepared him well.

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide

    Click on the pdf for your major

  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Physics (BA)
  • Physics (BS) - Applied Physics

Minors

No minor is required for this program though it is optional to add one.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

The Physics and Astronomy Club – Members of the club are dedicated to educating the public on various topics of physics and astronomy. Throughout the year they plan and take part in social activities, service-oriented projects and community outreach efforts.

Membership in the club links students to the following international organizations:

The Optical Society (OSA) – An international scientific society dedicated to advancing the study of light.

International Society of Optics and Photonics (SPIE) – A not-for-profit international professional society dedicated to advancing scientific research and engineering applications of optics and photonics through international conferences, trade exhibitions and continuing education programs.

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.

Admission Requirements

Admission to Appalachian’s Teacher Education Program is required.

apply

Apply

visit

Visit

connect

Connect

programs

Degrees

Want to learn more?

Register for Info Session
Costs and Aid

Why Appalachian?

  • Graduates of this program receive excellent academic and technical preparation to enter the job market or graduate school.
  • Based on Fall 2018 American Institute of Physics data, Appalachian’s Department of Physics and Astronomy is listed as 2nd in the U.S. for the production of BA/BS degrees (among Masters Comprehensive Institutions) and is listed as having the 2nd largest number of graduating master’s students than any program in the nation.
  • Students have opportunities to work with faculty mentors whose research specialties include materials and surface physics, optics, microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, organic semiconductors, physics education, robotics, asteroids and the physics of stars.
  • Appalachian has been training quality educators for more than 100 years and is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Location

Boone campus only

Careers

Some of these jobs also require education beyond the bachelors’ degree.

  • Secondary School Teacher, Physics
  • Tutor
  • Adult Education Teacher
  • Curriculum Specialist
  • Education and Training Administrator
  • Educational Administrator
  • Educational Researcher
  • Employee Training Instructor
  • Grant Writer
  • Instructor, College/University
  • Librarian

View more career possibilities

Contacts

Dr. Michael Briley
Interim Department Chair
brileymm@appstate.edu
828-262-2432

Department of Physics and Astronomy
College of Arts and Sciences

  • Department of Physics and Astronomy

    The Department of Physics and Astronomy’s curriculum has an applied nature that includes a core of fundamental physics courses and laboratory experiences. It prepares graduates for a variety of scientific, teaching or engineering professions, as well as future educational endeavors.

  • College of Arts and Sciences

    Appalachian’s Largest College

    The College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college spanning the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. The college is dedicated to providing instruction and research essential to the university's mission and seeks to cultivate the habits of inquiry, learning and service among all its constituents.

    By the Numbers

    • 1/3 of the degrees awarded at Appalachian
    • More than 70% of general education courses are taught in the college
    • 93 majors offered
    • 53 minors offered
    • 6,411 undergraduate majors
    • More than 460 full-time faculty members
    • 41,203 living alumni
    • $8,754,800 awarded to the college in external grants during the 2020–21 academic year
    • $236,914 awarded to students through 6 collegewide scholarships and 98 departmental scholarships for the 2020–21 academic year

    Graduate Programs

    Accelerated Master’s program opportunities are available in pursuing a master's degree in 12 selected areas: Appalachian Studies, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering Physics, English, Geography and Planning, History, Mathematics, Romance Languages (French/Spanish), Political Science, Psychology (Experimental Science) and Public Administration. Other master’s degrees, graduate certificates and specialist degrees are listed on Appalachian’s School of Graduate Studies website.

    Top Employment Sectors

    • Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools
    • Federal, State and Local Government
    • Justice, Public Order and Safety Activities
    • Computer Systems Design and Related Services
    • Legal Services
    • Health Care
    • Biotech/Engineering
    • Elementary and Secondary Schools
    • Nonprofit Organizations

Appalachian Cares

It's up to me|us

Appalachian Cares is a place to find resources and support available for our students faculty and staff regarding student health and safety.

  • App State at Hickory
  • Accessibility
  • Bookstore
  • Contact Us
  • Emergency
  • Employment
  • Equal Opportunity Policy
  • Maps
  • Pay Bills
  • Policy Manual
  • Title IX

Connect

Facebook logo Twitter logo Youtube logo Insatgram logo

Connect with Appalachian's social media accounts from university programs, departments and administrative units.

Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University

287 Rivers St., Boone, NC 28608 | 828-262-2000 | Copyright 2023 Appalachian State University. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer | Privacy | Website manager: waterworthae (wycoffdn) | Website feedback