MA in Physical Sciences

Teaching Physical Science, Physics, Chemistry or Earth Sciences? Advance Your Skills Through the MA in Physical Sciences Program at BSU

Are you in search of the best physics graduate programs and physical science degree programs for educators? Whether you’re currently teaching physical science, physics, chemistry or earth science in middle school or high school, we can help you advance your education and gain a professional license through our Master of Arts in Physical Sciences programs at Bridgewater State University.

For more than 180 years, BSU has helped educators hone their skills to grow as teachers, improve their content knowledge and advance their careers.

Our graduate physical science teaching degree program is specifically designed for high-school and middle-school subject-area teachers. The program includes core educational courses on assessment and standards, STEM-specific pedagogical content knowledge courses, and advanced STEM content courses so that program graduates meet the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education licensure requirements.

If this sounds like the next step in your career, our physical sciences master’s degree from our Department of Physics, Photonics and Optical Engineering can help you acquire the tools, theory and knowledge you need to take your teaching to the next level.

Graduate Admissions

Bridgewater State University
Maxwell Library, Room 019
10 Shaw Road
Bridgewater, MA 02325

(508) 531-1300

gradadmissions@bridgew.edu

Request Information Attend Info Session Apply Today

Master of Arts in Physical Sciences Program Highlights

BSU Professor Susan Savill, wearing a t-shirt that says "With enough thrust pigs fly just fine," has an elementary student demonstrate a gadget that blows air on a roll of toilet paper and makes it unroll into the air

Seasoned instructors

In the MA in Physical Sciences program, you’ll learn from both science and education faculty. Not only will you benefit from their scholarly expertise, but you’ll also gain insights and inspiration from their years in the classroom.

A BSU student sitting at a desk working on her computer

Earn an MA on your schedule

Our physical science degree program for educators may be completed online, on campus or a combination of both. Complete your MA in the way that works best for you.

BSU Professor Thaya Paramanathan and 2 physics students work in the Single Molecule Lab

Work with top-notch technology

If you choose to learn in person as you pursue a physical science degree for educators at BSU, you’ll learn and work inside cutting-edge labs in our $100 million Dana Mohler-Faria Science and Mathematics Center.

Small class sizes offer big opportunities for learning

Throughout our MA program, you’ll learn in classes with fewer than 10 graduate students — all of whom are middle- and high-school teachers. This will afford you more one-on-one time with your instructors and allow you to collaborate and connect with your fellow graduate students.

Join a dynamic and inspiring learning environment

The best physics graduate programs and physical science programs for educators provide dynamic and inspiring learning environments — and BSU’s programs are no exception. Our faculty will offer you a collegial and supportive atmosphere to help you meet your goals.

Find the financial support you need

BSU provides financial aid for graduate students who are working toward their physics teaching degree or physical science degree for educators. For more information, visit our Graduate Funding Opportunities page.

Program of Study for Physical Sciences Graduate Students

We know the best physical science graduate programs for educators will give you advanced teaching and leadership skills to reach diverse learners while helping you gain deeper knowledge of your discipline.

Should you pursue a top master’s in teaching physical science program at BSU, your courses may cover chemistry, earth sciences and physics.

Admission Requirements and Program Details

Click any link below to reveal each program's admission requirements and program description.

Program details from 2024-2025 Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog

Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. Thomas Kling

“Since I was coming out of my first full year teaching high school, I was also looking for a program that would ultimately produce material that I could actually use. I found that through my science courses.”

J.N.

Careers for People with a Master's Degree in Physical Sciences

Our MA program for teaching physical science is geared toward educators who have an initial teaching license and are seeking to acquire a professional teaching license in Massachusetts.

BSU’s physical science program alone has trained more than 100 regional middle- and high-school teachers. BSU graduates in physical science have gone on to make contributions in secondary classrooms throughout Massachusetts and beyond.

Secondary school educators with master’s degrees can earn about

24%

more than secondary school teachers with bachelor’s degrees alone, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Graduate Funding Opportunities

The College of Graduate Studies provides various opportunities for graduate students to receive funding while working towards their degrees. Appointments are competitive and are determined by undergraduate and/or graduate grade point averages, pertinent experience, educational preparation and interviews. For information on assistantships, fellowships and conference funding awards, please visit our Graduate Funding Opportunities page.

The Master of Arts in Physical Sciences is eligible for unsubsidized student loans and applicants are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. For more specific questions, please visit the Financial Aid Office website or contact them directly at finaid@bridgew.edu.