University of Maryland Physics Education Research Group


UMd PERG PageTitle

Graduate Programs
PERG Info | PERG materials | PERG HOMEPAGE | PER on the web | Resources on the web

The Maryland PERG is a research group consisting of physicists and educators interested in developing a better understanding of how students come to understand physics and how to teach it more effectively. Advanced degrees may be obtained in either physics or education, depending on the level of sophistication of the physics the candidate wants to explore.

Graduate Programs: Other Links:

PhD in Physics
 Courses (recommended for qualifier preparation):
  • Theoretical Dynamics (Physics 601),
  • Methods of Statistical Physics (Physics 603),
  • Methods of Mathematical Physics(Physics 604),
  • Electrodynamics (Physics 606),
  • Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I and II (Physics 622 and 623)
Other requirements
  • Pass the physics qualifier exam (two 4-hour general exams)
  • Take the Graduate Laboratory course (Physics 621)
  • Take two 600 or 700 level courses outside the student's field of specialization
  • Write a scholarly paper and give an oral presentation
    PERG Requirements
Additional Courses in Physics: Courses Outside of the Physics Department:
  • one course research in science or math education
  • one course in cognitive or developmental psychology
  • one course in educational statistics
  • one course in educational technology
Other Requirements:
  • scholarly presentation should be student's dissertation proposal and must include a literature review
  • other courses in education and psychology as approved by advisor
Click For further information on this program, contact Prof. E. F. Redish, redish@physics.umd.edu.

Masters in Science Education
[ click here to go to the Curriculum and Instruction Science Education Graduate Program Homepage]


 Course requirements:
  •  9-15 semester hours (3-5 courses) in science as approved by advisor
  •  9 semester hours (3 courses) in science education (EDCI 670, 770, and one elective)
  •  3 semester hours (1 course) in educational statistics (EDMS 645)
  •  3- 9 semester hours of electives approved by advisor.
Other requirements:
  • one or two scholarly papers
  • Masters Comprehensive Examination

PhD in Science Education
[click here to go to the Curriculum and Instruction Science Education Graduate Program Homepage]


 These programs require a Masters Degree for admission.  The PhD program requires 12 credits of dissertation work and is recommended for students interested to pursue education research. 

Course requirements:

  • 24 semester hours (8 courses) in science as approved by advisor
  • 3 semester hours in science education (EDCI 771; EDCI 670 and 770 are prerequisites.)
  • 3 semester hours in educational statistics (EDMS 651; EDMS 645 and 646 are prerequisites.)
  • 3 semester hours in research methods (EDCI 685)
  • 3 semester hours advanced study in curriculum and instruction (EDCI 683 OR EDCI 780)
  • 3 semester hours of doctoral proposal seminar (EDCI 880)
  • doctoral research seminar (EDCI 788N OR, as approved, Phys 708)
Other requirements:
  • doctoral comprehensive examination
  • doctoral dissertation
For further information on these programs, contact Prof. Andrew Elby, elby@umd.edu.
Information about PERG Resource materials from PERG PERG Homepage PER elsewhere on the web Resource materials for teachers

Maintained by University of Maryland PERG
Comments and questions may be directed to E. F. Redish
Last modified July 7, 2011