Mar 28, 2024  
2023-24 Western Washington University Catalog 
    
2023-24 Western Washington University Catalog

Earth Science — Elementary, BAE

Location(s): WWU - Bellingham


Department of Geology, College of Science and Engineering

54-62 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?

This major satisfies the academic major requirement for teacher certification with an endorsement in elementary education and must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in elementary education offered through Woodring College of Education.

Why Consider an Earth Science - Elementary 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? If you answer “yes” to most of these questions the geosciences may be the career for you.

 Contact Information

Geology Department Chair
Bernie Housen
Environmental Studies 240A
360-650-3581
Bernard.Housen@wwu.edu

Undergraduate Program Coordinator
Hye In Park
Environmental Studies 240
360-650-6516
Parkh23@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

Teacher Education Admission
Miller Hall 254F
360-650-6161
wce.wwu.edu/admissions/contact

Elementary Education Program Manager
Miller Hall 301D
360-650-7948

 Sample Careers

Elementary Teacher

 Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

This major satisfies the academic major requirement for teacher certification with an endorsement in elementary education and must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in elementary education. See the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Multilingual Education section of this catalog for program admission, completion, and teacher certification requirements. This major does not lead 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 must apply to the department for admission to the major.

Students in good academic standing can declare an Earth Science Elementary 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.

(NOTE: Grades of D-, D, or D+ are not acceptable for major and supporting courses.)

Grade Requirements

Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in the elementary education professional program and in all courses required for the endorsement.

Additional Requirements


Elementary Education Professional Program Requirements


Department of Early Childhood, Elementary, and Multilingual Education, Woodring College of Education

100 credits

Introduction

This program centers an anti-bias, anti-racist, social justice philosophy and leads to a recommendation to the state of Washington for a teaching certificate with an Elementary Education endorsement. Students seeking a bachelor’s degree with teacher certification and an endorsement in elementary education must complete the GURs, an approved academic major, and the professional education course work listed below.

Admission and Declaration Process

See the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Multilingual Education  section of this catalog for program admission, completion, and teacher certification requirements.

Grade Requirements

Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in the elementary education professional program and in all courses required for the endorsement.

Professional Field Experiences & Methods Courses (38 credits)


Departmental Honors


BA or BS students and students in the University Honors College who have completed at least 4 credits of GEOL 490 and have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher meet the requirements for departmental honors. Those students who have completed at least 4 credits of GEOL 490 and have a cumulative GPA higher than 3.20 meet the requirements for departmental distinction.