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.
Student Resources
Department website: Geology
Contact information: Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Hye In Park, Environmental Studies 240, 360-650-6516, Parkh23@wwu.edu; Teacher Education Admission
Miller Hall 254F, 360-650-6161, wce.wwu.edu/admissions/contact
Department advising: Visit the undergraduate programs section of the Geology website.
Earth Science Education Advisor: Robyn Dahl, Environmental Studies 340, 360-650-7207, Dahlr4@wwu.edu
Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
Career Services Center: Connect major to a career
Sample Careers: U.S. Geological Survey, Departmental of Natural Resources, Oil Exploration, Mining Geologist, NASA, U.S. Forest Service, Engineering Geologist
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.
Students are admitted to the Earth Science Secondary major following a completed advising session with an Earth Science Education faculty advisor. For more information, go to the declaration of major section of the Geology website.
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 elementary education professional program and in all courses required for the endorsement.
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