Department of Geology, College of Science and Engineering
75-91 credits
Introduction
A geoscientist is someone who studies the Earth’s physical makeup and history. Geology is the science that provides the key to finding new sources of useful Earth materials and to understanding Earth processes that affect our lives. Geoscientists provide basic information to society for solving problems and establishing policy for resource management, environmental protection, public health, safety and welfare.
Geoscientists are curious about the Earth. How was it formed? How is it changing? What effects will shrinking glaciers have on the oceans and climate? How do islands form? What makes a continent move? Why did the dinosaurs become extinct? What makes a mountain?
Geoscientists are concerned about the Earth. Is there a global warming trend? How and where should we dispose industrial wastes? How can we fill society’s growing demands for energy and conserve natural resources for future generations.
Geoscientists enjoy the Earth. It is an outdoor laboratory filled with opportunities to observe Earth processes in action. By applying knowledge of forces that shape the Earth, geoscientists seek to reconstruct the past and anticipate the future.
This major must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in secondary education offered through Woodring College of Education. Courses required for a state teaching endorsement must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Why Consider an Earth Science - Secondary Major?
Do you like to know why and how things work? Do you enjoy the outdoors? Are you concerned about the environment? Are you interested in travel? Do you like to analyze things? Are science and nature among your favorite subjects? Have you ever wondered why the Earth appears as it does? Would you like to share this information with middle or high school students? If you answer “yes” to most of these questions the geosciences could offer a good career for you.
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Geology Department Chair
Bernie Housen
Environmental Studies 240A
360-650-3581
Bernard.Housen@wwu.edu
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Earth Science
Education Advisor
Susan DeBari
Environmental Studies 237
360-650-3588
Susan.Debari@wwu.edu
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Earth Science Education Advisor
Robyn Dahl
Environmental Studies 340
360-650-7207
Dahlr4@wwu.edu
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Geology Undergraduate Advisor
Hye In Park
Environmental Studies 240
360-650-6516
Parkh23@wwu.edu
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Teacher Education
Advisor
Miller Hall 150
360-650-3313
Woodring.Advising@wwu.edu
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Secondary Education Professional Program
Information Program Manager
Janna Cecka
Miller Hall 401C
360-650-3347
Janna.Cecka@wwu.edu
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Secondary Education Teacher (Grades 5-12)
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How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
The geology department recommends for teaching endorsement those students who have satisfactorily completed requirements for the bachelor’s degree in education with 1) an earth science secondary major or 2) a geology minor combined with a major in one of the other physical or biological sciences.
This program must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in secondary education. See the Secondary Education section of this catalog for program admission, completion, and teacher certification requirements.
This major leads to an endorsement in Earth & Space Science.
Go to the Geology Department website for more information on geology.wwu.edu/declaring-your-major.
Some 300-level geology courses give preference to majors during Phase I of registration, so it is important to declare a major as early as possible.
Phase I: Students can declare as a Phase I major at any time as long as they are in good academic standing. Students can declare and complete a Geology minor, a BA in Geology, or a BA in Education Earth Science or Earth Science/General Science without advancing to Phase II.
Grade Requirements
Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in the secondary education professional program and in all courses required for the endorsement.
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