How Much School Does a Physical Science Teacher Need?

A physical science teacher needs a minimum of a bachelor's degree, and many hold a master's degree. Public school teachers in middle and high school must meet state licensing requirements, including examinations. Physical science teachers in public schools usually have a secondary school license, for grades 7 to 12, or a middle school license, for grades 5 through 8. Physical science teachers in private schools and colleges usually have to meet different requirements.


Bachelor's Degree
To qualify to teach in public school via the traditional route, a physical science teacher earns a bachelor's in education or in the subject matter, taking both science classes and education classes. The required courses in physical science usually amount to a major in science in either case. For example, the single subject authorization program for teachers at Cal State Los Angeles requires 32 semester hours or 48 quarter units of science. The education courses also include use of technology.

Alternative Programs
A prospective teacher who already has a four-year degree in science can qualify through an alternative program in most states. Some of these programs grant a provisional license and put the new teacher in the classroom under the guidance of an experienced teacher. The teacher takes classes toward a permanent license while getting on-the-job experience toward certification at the same time. Other programs require one to two semesters of education classes before allowing the student to teach. Many of these alternative programs culminate in a master's in education.

Other Licensing Requirements
Each state makes its own rules, but most states require teachers who have completed the necessary degree and internship to demonstrate competency in the subject matter and pass a basic skills test. California, where prerequisites are typical, requires prospective science teachers to pass examinations on science or to complete an approved program of study, such as the Cal State L.A. single-subject program. California also requires teachers to pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test in math, English, reading and writing before it grants a credential to teach physical science in public schools.

Continuing Education
Most states require physical science teachers to complete continuing education units to renew their credentials. In some states, teachers have to complete a master's degree on a specific time-line to maintain licensing.

Private School and College Teachers
Private schools usually require a minimum of a four-year degree in the subject you want to teach, such as physical science. Physical science teachers at the two-year college level usually need a minimum of a master's degree, and those who teach science at four-year schools usually need a doctorate in the subject.