Secondary Earth Science

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Earth Science program prepares students with a background in Earth Science or Geology to become certified Earth and Space Science teachers for grades 6-12 in Michigan. The 47-credit hour program combines Earth Science content courses, Professional Studies in Education core courses, a methods course, and a teaching internship, equipping graduates with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary for effective teaching.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Earth Science program leads to initial teaching certification in Earth and Space Science grades 6-12.
It is a full-time, 47-hour program designed for qualified students to begin in the Fall semester and finish the following second Winter semester. The program is intended for students with a BA or BS in Earth Science or Geology who wish to earn the State of Michigan teacher certification.
• Objectives: The program aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach Earth and Space Science at the secondary level.
Specifically, the program will help students develop a deep understanding of Earth science content, learn effective teaching methodologies, and gain experience in classroom settings.
• Program Description: The program consists of 47 credit hours of coursework, including 10 hours of Earth Science content courses, 29 hours of Professional Studies in Education core courses, a 3-hour methods course, and a 6-hour teaching internship.
The Earth Science content courses cover topics such as the nature of science, teaching science with dinosaurs, GIS introduction for educators, and principles of hydrology for educators. The Professional Studies in Education core courses cover topics such as curriculum and methods for teaching in the secondary school, psychology of adolescence, designing classroom assessments, technology and student-centered learning, practicum in secondary classrooms, comprehension and the content areas, education for justice, and introduction to inclusive education and disability studies. The methods course focuses on new approaches to teaching Earth Science. The teaching internship provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in a secondary school classroom setting.

Outline:

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the program will be qualified to teach Earth and Space Science at the secondary level in the State of Michigan.
• Opportunities: Graduates of the program will have the opportunity to work in a variety of educational settings, including public schools, private schools, and charter schools.
• Outcomes: Graduates of the program will be prepared to effectively teach Earth and Space Science and make a positive impact on their students.