Earth Science Education (7-12) M.S.Ed.
About the Program
This program is designed for in-service teachers or those seeking science teaching certification. The earth science education program permits graduate work in any of the sciences or mathematics, in addition to required science education coursework. The program presumes an undergraduate background in geology/earth sciences; however, individuals with deficiencies may be granted conditional admittance. See the Earth Sciences and Science Education Department chair and the department Web site for details.
Students must demonstrate competencies in the following areas:
Earth sciences—historical geology, paleontology, geomorphology, astronomy, oceanography, mineralogy and petrology, meteorology
Other sciences—completion of no less than two semesters of lab-based coursework in each of the following: biology, chemistry, and physics
Science education—evaluation, secondary curricula, current issues
The usual method of demonstrating competencies in the sciences is through
successful completion of graduate or undergraduate courses in the areas listed.
Graduate credit is available only for courses listed as graduate. No competency may be fulfilled by examination after admission to the major.
Admissions Requirements
1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum
cumulative GPA of 2.65 (4.0 scale).
2. A New York State Certificate of Qualification (CQ), provisional certificate, or initial certificate.
3. Three letters of recommendation that address teaching ability and academic
standing.
4. Completion of two courses in earth sciences, including an introductory lab-based physical geology course, with a minimum grade of C.
5. An admission interview (at the discretion of the Admissions Committee).
In addition, all applicants should review the Admission to a Graduate Program
section in this catalog.
Program Requirements
Science and Mathematics Courses (15–18 credits)
Science Education Courses (9 credits)
SCI 628 Seminar in Secondary Science Education
SCI 632 Curricular Trends in Science Teaching in the Secondary School
SCI 685 Evaluation in Science Education
Master’s Project or Master’s Thesis (3–6 credits)
Select one option:
SCI/GES 690 Master’s Project
SCI/GES 795 Master’s Thesis (6)
Total Required Credit Hours (30 credits)
All courses are 3 credit hours unless otherwise indicated.
