Program: Physics Education: Adolescence EdM - University at Buffalo

Apr 10, 2025

WORKING 2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

The Physics Education Adolescence EdM program, focuses on preparing you to teach physics at the adolescence level. You will join a dynamic community of physics education teachers, educators and researchers that engage and question 21st century critical issues in physics education.

I. Initial Certification Curriculum (Certificate of Advanced Study)

Required Core (30-33 credits)

LAI 663SEM - Socio-cultural Dimensions in Learning and Human Development Credits: 1 - 3
OR
CEP 501LEC - Psychological Foundations of Education Credits: 3 and
either ELP 548SEM - Foundations of Education Credits: 3 or
ELP 585SEM - Sociological Bases of Education Credits: 3
LAI 514LEC - Adolescent Writing Across the Curriculum Credits: 1 - 3
LAI 552LEC - Middle Childhood/Adolescent Literacy Methods Credits: 1 - 3
LAI 574SEM - Teaching the Exceptional Learner in the Regular Education Classroom Credits: 1 - 3
LAI 595TUT - Supervised Teaching II Credits: 3 - 6
LAI 619LEC - Teaching Science in Grades 5-12 Credits: 1 - 3
LAI 667TUT - Field Experience Credits: 3
LAI 668TUT - Supervised Teaching I Credits: 3 - 6
LAI 674TUT - Seminar in Teaching Credits: 3
LAI 698SEM - Instructional Strategies in Inclusive Classrooms Credits: 1 - 3

Total Initial Curriculum Credits: 30-33

3.0 Degree GPA required

II. Initial/Professional Curriculum

Required Core (30-33 credits)

LAI 663SEM - Socio-cultural Dimensions in Learning and Human Development Credits: 1 - 3
OR
CEP 501LEC - Psychological Foundations of Education Credits: 3 and
either ELP 548SEM - Foundations of Education Credits: 3 or
ELP 585SEM - Sociological Bases of Education Credits: 3
LAI 514LEC - Adolescent Writing Across the Curriculum Credits: 1 - 3
LAI 552LEC - Middle Childhood/Adolescent Literacy Methods Credits: 1 - 3
LAI 574SEM - Teaching the Exceptional Learner in the Regular Education Classroom Credits: 1 - 3
LAI 595TUT - Supervised Teaching II Credits: 3 - 6
LAI 619LEC - Teaching Science in Grades 5-12 Credits: 1 - 3
LAI 667TUT - Field Experience Credits: 3
LAI 668TUT - Supervised Teaching I Credits: 3 - 6
LAI 674TUT - Seminar in Teaching Credits: 3
LAI 698SEM - Instructional Strategies in Inclusive Classrooms Credits: 1 - 3

Major Area Requirements (6 credits)

LAI 533SEM - Science Instruction Topic Credits: 3 and
either LAI 534LEC - Measurement and Evaluation of STEM Instruction Credits: 3 or
LAI 515LEC - Action Research to Improve Teaching and Learning Credits: 3

Major Area Content Electives (12 credits)

Select 4 from:

LAI 525LEC - Science, Technology, and Human Values Credits: 3
LAI 530LEC - Improving Elementary Science Instruction Credits: 3
LAI 531LEC - Science Curricula: Current Approaches Credits: 3
LAI 532LAB - Technology and Science Teaching Credits: 3
LAI 534LEC - Measurement and Evaluation of STEM Instruction Credits: 3
LAI 535SEM - Environmental Education Credits: 3
LAI 603LEC - Developing Curricula for Emerging Adolescents Credits: 3
LAI 637SEM - Research in STEM Education Credits: 3
LAI 639LEC - History and Philosophy of Science Teachers Credits: 3
LAI 685LEC - Sel Topics Credits: 3 (Teacher Residency I)
LAI 798SEM - Special Topics Credits: 1 - 6 (UBTR Context)

Culminating Experience: Portfolio

Portfolio is required of all students. Requirement satisfied by successful completion of LAI 667 (3 credits) and LAI 674 (3 credits) as taken in Required Core above.

Optional: Project or Thesis (3-6 credits)

LAI 700TUT - Indiv Guidnc Capstn Event Credits: 1 - 6
LAI 701TUT - Indiv Guidnc Thesis Credits: 1 - 6

Total Initial/Professional Curriculum Credits: 48-57

3.0 Degree GPA required

III. Professional Curriculum

Major Area Requirements (18 credits)

LAI 531LEC - Science Curricula: Current Approaches Credits: 3
LAI 532LAB - Technology and Science Teaching Credits: 3
LAI 533SEM - Science Instruction Topic Credits: 3
LAI 535SEM - Environmental Education Credits: 3
LAI 639LEC - History and Philosophy of Science Teachers Credits: 3
either LAI 534LEC - Measurement and Evaluation of STEM Instruction Credits: 3 or
LAI 515LEC - Action Research to Improve Teaching and Learning Credits: 3

Content Concentration or Grades 5-6 Extension (12 credits)

Choose Option 1 OR Option 2

Option 1 - Grades 5-6 Middle Childhood Extension

Select 4 from:

CEP 541LEC - Human Growth & Development Credits: 3
LAI 574SEM - Teaching the Exceptional Learner in the Regular Education Classroom Credits: 1 - 3
LAI 599LEC - Technology and Curriculum Integration Credits: 3
LAI 603LEC - Developing Curricula for Emerging Adolescents Credits: 3
LAI 619LEC - Teaching Science in Grades 5-12 Credits: 1 - 3

Option 2 - Grades 7-12 Content Concentration

Select 4 from:

In consultation with your advisor, student can select content specific graduate level coursework and LAI Science Education pedagogy courses to satisfy this concentration.

LAI 525LEC - Science, Technology, and Human Values Credits: 3
LAI 530LEC - Improving Elementary Science Instruction Credits: 3

Culminating Experience: Portfolio, Project or Thesis (0-3 credits)

LAI 700TUT - Indiv Guidnc Capstn Event Credits: 1 - 6
LAI 701TUT - Indiv Guidnc Thesis Credits: 1 - 6

Additional Requirements

Required for Conferral of Degree:

Proof of completion of Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) workshop
Proof of completion of NYSED Students with Disabilities Requirement
Proof of valid NYS Initial Teacher Certificate

Total Professional Curriculum Credits: 30-36

3.0 Degree GPA required

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).