Earth Science — Secondary, BAE

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.

Contact Information

Geology Department Chair Bernie Housen Environmental Studies 240A 360-650-3581 Bernard.Housen@wwu.edu	Earth Science Education Advisor Susan DeBari Environmental Studies 237 360-650-3588 Susan.Debari@wwu.edu	Earth Science Education Advisor Robyn Dahl Environmental Studies 340 360-650-7207 Dahlr4@wwu.edu
Geology Undergraduate Advisor Hye In Park Environmental Studies 240 360-650-6516 Parkh23@wwu.edu	Teacher Education Admission Miller Hall 150 360-650-4887 wce.wwu.edu/admissions/contact	Secondary Education Professional Program Information Program Manager Janna Cecka Miller Hall 401C 360-650-3347 Janna.Cecka@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 an endorsement in Earth & Space Science.

For more information go to the declaration of major section of the Geology Department’s website.

Students are admitted to the Earth Science Secondary major following a completed advising session with an Earth Science Education faculty advisor.

Students in good academic standing can declare an Earth Science Secondary major at any time except for during Phase I registration. The Geology Department does not declare new Geology majors or minors during Phase I registration. 

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.