Apr 18, 2025  
DRAFT 2025-2026 Academic Catalog 
    
DRAFT 2025-2026 Academic Catalog

Physics, Preparation for Teaching, BA


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This major is designed for students interested in teaching science in high school or middle school. Students enrolled in this program will earn units towards their single subject credential as an undergraduate. The following course work satisfies San José State University’s requirements for a BA in Physics, offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy . A minimum grade point average (GPA) criterion may be required for verification of subject matter competency. Completion of the program will not guarantee admission to the credential program. Like all other applicants, students must meet credential program standards and undergo screening for admission. See “Teaching: How to Become a Teacher in California” (see Teaching) for information on application and admission to credential programs.

Program Roadmaps

The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.

1. Complete the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements


Students must satisfy the specific degree requirements for their undergraduate major and fulfill the following University degree requirements: 

  1. Academic (program total units with an average 2.0 GPA - “C” or better)

  2. General Education (GE) (34 Lower Division + 9 Upper Division)

  3. American Institutions (AI) (0-6 units) (may be satisfied in GE Areas 3A, 3B, 4, UD 3, or UD 4)

  4. Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) 3 units (see Writing in the Disciplines

  5. Physical Education (PE) (0-2 units)

  6. Units in Residence (30 units, including 24 upper division and 12 in major)

  7. Upper Division Units (40 units, including 12 upper div in major for BA, 18 upper div in major for BS)

  8. Undergraduate Policies & Procedures

Apply for Graduation
Information about the Commencement Ceremony and Conferral of the Degree

Summary of Degree Units


Core Lower Division General Education: 18 (3 units may be satisfied by major coursework)

American Institutions/ US123 Requirements: 6 (Note: may be satisfied by GE coursework)

Upper Division General Education: 9

Physical Education: 2

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR): 3

Major Preparation: 21

Major Requirements: 56

University Electives: 5

Total: 120

2. Major Preparation (21 units)


3. Major Requirements (56 units)


4. University Electives (5 units)


Total Units Required (120 units)


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