Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Earth Science—Secondary Education, BAEd
What is the Earth 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? 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.
How to Declare:
You may declare your Earth Science—Secondary major upon completion of GEOL 211, 212, CHEM 121, and MATH 115. 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
- CHEM 121 General Chemistry I
- CHEM 122 General Chemistry II
- 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
- PHYS 114 Principles of Physics I
- PHYS 115 Principles of Physics II
- 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
- GEOL 406 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
- GEOL 311 Earth Materials
- 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
- Electives (choose two of the following):
- GEOL 308 Earthquakes
- GEOL 309 Volcanology
- GEOL 314 Engineering Geology
- GEOL 316 Research in Marine Paleontology
- GEOL 318 Structural Geology
- 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
- 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
Departmental Honors
BA or BS students and students in the University Honors program 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.
GURs:
The courses below satisfy GUR requirements and may also be used to fulfill major requirements.
- QSR: MATH 114, 115, 124, 240
- LSCI: CHEM 121, 122; GEOL 211, 212, 252; PHYS 115
- SCI: GEOL 308, 340; PHYS 114, ASTR 103, 113;
Sample Careers
- Secondary Education Teacher (Grades 5-12)
Department
Contact
Geology Undergraduate Advisor:
Vicki Critchlow
ES 240, 360-650-3582
critch@geol.wwu.edu
Education Advisors:
Scott Linneman
ES 340, 360-650-7207
Scott.Linneman@wwu.edu
Susan DeBari
ES 237, 360-650-3588
debari@geol.wwu.edu
Secondary Education Professional
Program Information
Program Manager
Patricia RobertsMH 401C; 360-650-3327Patricia.Roberts@wwu.edu
Secondary Education
Program Coordinator
Debbie GrammMH 401A; 360-650-3327Debbie.Gramm@wwu.edu