Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Earth Science/General Science-Secondary, BAE
What Is the Earth Science/General Science-Secondary Major?
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 Should I Consider this 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 could offer a good career for you.
How to Declare:
Pre-Major: Available. Contact the department for further information.
You may declare your Geology major upon completion of GEOL 211. Come to the Geology Office, ES 240, to declare your major. You will be assigned a Geology faculty advisor at that time.
Applying to the Secondary Education Professional Program
Admission to both Western Washington University and Secondary Education is required before a teacher candidate may begin taking courses in education. Post-baccalaureate teacher candidates must apply to WWU and Secondary Education for the same quarter. Requirements include:
- Undergraduate teacher candidates should have completed all GUR’s and 60-80% of their major endorsement credits. Those with less that 60% should contact a secondary faculty advisor before applying.
- Post baccalaureate teacher candidates should have a degree in their academic major.
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher overall or for the last 45 credits
- WEST-B test scores. This test is offered 6 or 7 times a year at various sites in the State. For details on registration and fees refer to the WEST-B website www.west.nesinc.com.
- Two letters of recommendation addressing your potential for success in teacher education. One letter must be from someone who can attest to your academic ability and knowledge in your academic major (ie: professor).
- Completion of an English composition course with a grade of B or higher
Application materials: Miller Hall 105 and printable from www.wce.wwu.edu/Admiss
See Also: Secondary Education Professional Program Guide.
Coursework
Requirements
- BIOL 204 - Introduction to Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity
- BIOL 205 - Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
- BIOL 206 - Introduction to Organismal Biology
- CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I
- CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II
- CHEM 251 - Elementary Organic Chemistry
- GEOL 212 - Historical Geology
- GEOL 213 - GIS in Geology
- GEOL 252 - The Earth and Its Weather
- GEOL 310 - Geomorphology
- GEOL 340 - Geological Oceanography
- MATH 240 - Introduction to Statistics
- SCED 370 - Science and Society
- SCED 481 - Fundamentals of Teaching Science
- SCED 491 - Methods in Secondary Education for Science Teachers
- One course from:
- GEOL 211 - Physical Geology
- GEOL 211A - Physical Geology Review
- Choose either:
- GEOL 311 - Earth Materials OR
- GEOL 306 - Mineralogy AND
- GEOL 406 - Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
- One course from:
- ASTR 103 - Introduction to Astronomy
- ASTR 113 - Sun, Moon, and Planets
- Choose either:
- MATH 114 - Precalculus I and
- MATH 115 - Precalculus II
- OR complete MATH 124 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
- Choose either:
- PHYS 114 - Principles of Physics I
- PHYS 115 - Principles of Physics II
- PHYS 116 - Principles of Physics III
- OR
- PHYS 161 - Physics with Calculus I
- PHYS 162 - Physics with Calculus II
- PHYS 163 - Physics with Calculus III
- At least one elective from:
- GEOL 308 - Earthquakes
- GEOL 309 - Volcanology
- GEOL 314 - Engineering Geology
- GEOL 316 - Research in Marine Paleontology
- GEOL 318 - Structural Geology
- GEOL 372 - Watershed Hydrology
- GEOL 407 - Advanced Petrography
- GEOL 414 - Geology of Washington
- GEOL 415 - Stratigraphy and Sedimentation
- GEOL 430 - Image Interpretation
- GEOL 440 - Glacial Geology
Secondary Education Professional Program Requirements (68 credits)
- EDUC 301 - Educational Psychology I: Development and Individual Differences
- EDUC 302 - Educational Psychology II: Motivation, Learning and Assessment
- EDUC 310 - Education, Culture, and Equity
- I T 444 - Classroom Use of Instructional Technology (Secondary)
- SEC 410 - Dynamics of Teaching
- SEC 411 - Philosophical Foundations of Education
- SEC 425 - Developmental Reading, Writing and Learning in Secondary Schools
- SEC 430 - Secondary School Methods I - Instructional Strategies, Daily Planning, and Standards
- SEC 431 - Secondary School Methods II-Assessment and Long Term Planning
- SEC 432 - Secondary School Methods III - Management, Motivation and Discipline
- SEC 433 - Teaching Laboratory
- SEC 435 - Middle Level Practicum
- SEC 436 - Secondary School Practicum
- SEC 495 - Internship - Secondary
- SPED 363 - Secondary Students With Special Needs
GURs:
The courses below satisfy GUR requirements and may also be used to fulfill major requirements.
- QSR: MATH 114. 115. 124. 240
- LSCI: BIOL 204, 205, 206; CHEM 121, 122, 123; GEOL 211, 212, 252; PHYS: 115, 116, 161, 162, 163
- SCI: GEOL 308, 340; ASTR 103, 113; PHYS 114
Sample Careers
- Secondary Education Teacher (Grades 5-12)
Department
Contact
Undergraduate Advisor
Vicki Critchlow
ES 240, 360-650-3582
Education Advisors
Scott Linneman
ES 340, 360-650-7207
Susan DeBari
ES 237, 360-650-3588
General Science Education Advisor
Pinky Nelson
SL 250D
360-650-3637
Secondary Education Professional Program Information
Program Manager
Patricia Roberts
MH 401C; 360-650-3327
Secondary Education
Program Coordinator
Debbie Gramm
MH 401A; 360-650-3327