Earth Science/General Science — Secondary, BAE

Combined major offered by the Department of Geology, College of Science and Engineering and the Department of Science Education, College of Science and Engineering.

96-110 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/General 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.

Contact Information

Geology Deparment Chair Bernie Housen Environmental Studies 240A 360-650-3581 Bernie.Housen@wwu.edu	Earth Science Education Advisor Susan DeBari Environmental Studies 237 360-650-3588 Susan.DeBari@wwu.edu	General Science Education Advisor Emily Borda Chemistry Building 242 360-650-3135 Emily.Borda@wwu.edu
Geology Undergraduate Advisor Hye In Park Environmental Studies 240 360-650-6516 Parkh23@wwu.edu	Earth Science Education Advisor Robyn Dahl Environmental Studies 340 360-650-7207 Dahlr4@wwu.edu	SMATE Program Support Supervisor Lori Torres Science Learning 220 360-650-7605 torresl@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

Secondary Education Teacher (Grades 5-12)

Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

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 recommendation for teaching endorsements in Earth & Space Science and Science.

For more information on the Geology Department go to 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.