Oct 06, 2024  
2023-2024 Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Earth Science/General Science — Secondary, BAE

Location(s): WWU - Bellingham


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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 Department 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

Undergraduate Program Coordinator
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 go to the declaration of major section of the Geology Department’s website.

Students are admitted to the Earth Science/General 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/General 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.

Requirements


Additional Requirements


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.

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