Physics Education

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Physics Education

You’re fascinated by how the universe works—the laws that govern matter, motion and energy and how those laws are expressed through mathematical formulas. As a high school physics teacher, you’ll share that sense of wonder with others—pointing your students to the Creator who made the universe and set it in motion.

Major requirements

Physics Education
Why NWC?

Why NWC?

As a physics education major at Northwestern, you’ll study with faculty who hold doctorates in astronomy and civil engineering, as well as profs with a history of training excellent mathematics teachers. You’ll graduate with two majors: physics education, which will help you describe the theories behind the fundamental principles of the universe, and secondary education, which will equip you to teach those principles to others.

Your physics education courses will cover topics including classical and modern physics, astronomy, optics, chemistry, and calculus. The physics education major is also designed with enough flexibility that you can earn a second teaching endorsement in math, chemistry or basic science. 

CONTACT
Dr. Kim Jongerius
Dr. Kim Jongerius
Department Chair
$61,000 MEDIAN ANNUAL SALARY High school physics teachers are in high demand and command high salaries.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH Explore topics that interest you with the support of your professor.
FIRST-CLASS FACULTY Learn from professors who are accomplished teachers, researchers and authors.

Career Outlook

Because of the importance of STEM education and careers, high school physics teachers are in high demand. With a major in physics teaching, you’ll be prepared to teach a subject that’s ranked as one of the top 10 most-needed teaching specialties in both Iowa and the U.S. According to U.S. News, the median annual salary for physics teachers is $61,000.

Career Outlook

Experience

Compass Center for Career & Calling

Compass Center for Career & Calling

The Compass Center for Career & Calling offers a variety of career exploration experiences, including job shadowing; internships in a variety of locations; and study abroad opportunities around the globe. 

Engineering

Engineering

Northwestern's engineering program offers concentrations in civil, computer, electrical and mechanical engineering. As an engineering student, you’ll regularly engage in hands-on learning experiences, including 3D printing, wooden bridge building, machining, electric circuits, programming, geospatial analysis and traffic simulation. You’ll also study newly developing concepts like AI. Our program has been designed to achieve ABET accreditation, for which it will be eligible upon graduation of the first cohort in 2028.

Northwestern’s physics department also offers a dual-degree program with Washington University of St. Louis, one of the nation’s top engineering schools. If you are accepted into the dual-degree program, you can choose from two tracks: a 3-3 program in which you’ll earn two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree in six years, or a 3-2 program if you elect not to pursue a graduate degree.

Compass Center for Career & Calling

The Compass Center for Career & Calling offers a variety of career exploration experiences, including job shadowing; internships in a variety of locations; and study abroad opportunities around the globe. 

Engineering

Northwestern's engineering program offers concentrations in civil, computer, electrical and mechanical engineering. As an engineering student, you’ll regularly engage in hands-on learning experiences, including 3D printing, wooden bridge building, machining, electric circuits, programming, geospatial analysis and traffic simulation. You’ll also study newly developing concepts like AI. Our program has been designed to achieve ABET accreditation, for which it will be eligible upon graduation of the first cohort in 2028.

Northwestern’s physics department also offers a dual-degree program with Washington University of St. Louis, one of the nation’s top engineering schools. If you are accepted into the dual-degree program, you can choose from two tracks: a 3-3 program in which you’ll earn two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree in six years, or a 3-2 program if you elect not to pursue a graduate degree.