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Secondary Education, BSE - Earth Science

Earth Science Degrees for Teachers

Launch a fulfilling career as an earth science teacher with the University of Central Missouri’s acclaimed educator training. Your Secondary Education BSE in Earth Science will prepare you to lead middle and high school classrooms using the latest technology and innovative teaching methods. You’ll learn how to engage students in this globally relevant, evolving and multifaceted discipline. 

Earth science degrees in education are about more than learning to teach the content area. They’re pathways to reach generations of young people — tools for connection and change. UCM’s small class sizes, mentorship from experienced faculty and course content that can be customized to meet your needs will nurture your growth as an educator. As a result, you can make the greatest impact possible on your future students. 

UCM’s Secondary Education program in Earth Science fosters critical thinking and offers opportunities to tackle real-world issues in education. When you begin your new job as an earth science teacher, you’ll be ready to respond to the needs of diverse classrooms, making a true difference in your students’ lives.

How to become an earth science teacher at your dream school

UCM’s central location provides easy access to different types of school districts — rural, suburban and urban. Get to know a variety of school districts over the course of UCM’s Secondary Education program and explore what each has to offer. Qualified teachers with earth science degrees are in high demand across the state, so you’ll be able to choose your preferred environment. You’ll be well-positioned to build lasting relationships with your new school community and achieve long-term job satisfaction.

Certification

After completing this degree, you will be eligible to apply for educator certification in grades 9-12 Earth Science, as well as unified science certification through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

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High-demand earth science teacher jobs

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Accredited Earth Science degrees

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Diverse and inclusive community

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Real-world classroom experience

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10:1 student-to-teacher ratio

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Collaborative learning environment

What you will study

At the University of Central Missouri, our BSE program curriculum includes core content for Earth Science degrees such as scientific study and teaching methods. In preparation for how to become an earth science teacher, you’ll also learn to understand your future students and work with them compassionately as you study adolescent development and psychology. 

Earth science teachers must be able to adapt to different standards of technology and accessibility in their classrooms. To ensure your success, we offer training on a range of equipment. Our science labs include science equipment found in standard high school classrooms as well as the newest tools. Work with lab instrumentation such as wireless sensors and learn how to use multiple software programs. You’ll emerge from our undergraduate degree program ready for the future of science education.

As you progress through the Secondary Education program in Earth Science, you’ll spend less time in science labs or classrooms on UCM’s campus in Warrensburg and more time in the field working with our nearby communities. By the time you spend your final semester student teaching, you’ll have built a strong foundation with teaching and earth science courses such as:

  • Weather and Climate: Study principles and theories of atmospheric phenomena, as well as the cultural implications of weather, climate and climate change.
  • Science and Engineering Practices: Dive deep into how scientists “do science”. Perform your own experiments and investigate how science, technology, engineering and modern society relate.
  • Psychology of Adolescence: Take a close look at the factors that inform and support positive development during the critical teen years.

 

Excellence in Earth Science 

  • Science Education programs are accredited by the National Association of Science Teachers (NSTA).
  • UCM has been recognized by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) longer than any other public institution in Missouri.
  • Top 15%: Most Focused Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
  • One of the Most Focused Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
  • One of the Most Focused Colleges for Secondary Education (College Factual, 2022)
  • Top 4.5%: Most Popular Colleges for Secondary Education (College Factual, 2022)
  • Top 5%: Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Secondary Education (College Factual, 2022)
  • Top 10%: Best Value in Education (College Factual, 2021)

 

Unique learning opportunities in earth science

You’ll have ample experience in both university and secondary school science classrooms during your time at UCM. Our co-teaching model and emphasis on experiential learning ensures that you’ll be well-prepared in how to become an earth science teacher in any school district in Missouri. 

Field experience: Over 100 hours of time observing, assisting and finally teaching classes will ground and give context to the work you do back at UCM and in your future classroom. 

Student teaching semester: Your academic studies, mastery of teaching methods and principles and skills with all the tools of the science lab will prepare you to spend most of your senior spring as an earth science teacher in a public school classroom. Your faculty mentors and program community will be there to guide and support you every step of the way.

 

What can you do with an Earth Science BSE?

With a Secondary Education BSE from UCM, you’ll be qualified to apply for educator certification through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Your certification enables you to step into life as an earth science teacher anywhere in the state. Our graduates of Education in Earth Science degrees enjoy nearly 100% employment rates. 

The state and nationwide shortage of new teachers with earth science degrees means you’re likely to have multiple job opportunities upon graduation. Find the right fit for you by working with your faculty team and the network of educators and administrators you’ve built over the course of your bachelor’s degree program.

Advanced teaching or graduate earth science degrees can expand your career horizon. After you’ve worked as an earth science teacher, you may decide to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching, such as the one offered at UCM, to become a strong candidate for competitive science and teaching job opportunities. 

Learn more about how to become an earth science teacher

To get a better idea of the current job market for those with earth science degrees, use the interactive tool below. Exploring career paths, salary data and more, you’ll likely discover earth science teachers typically have excellent job options and career stability.

 

 
 


 

Financial assistance options for your Earth Science BSE

The University of Central Missouri has a long tradition of offering high-quality teacher training at rates teachers can afford. We keep our tuition low and distribute over $21 million in financial aid each year. We offer many options to finance your college education and have been recognized for our commitment to low student debt.

With the possibility of a steady job as an earth science teacher and ample financing options at one of the country’s most affordable universities, you can build your post-graduation life and career on solid financial ground.

Learn more about scholarships for future earth science teachers at the UCM Scholarship Finder.

 

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Take your degree further.

 

Secondary Education Earth Science degrees from UCM fully qualify you for work in the classroom. For even more job opportunities, consider pursuing an advanced Education degree.

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Explore programs related to earth science teaching.

 

Now that you know how to become an earth science teacher in Secondary Education, learn more about other options at UCM:

Student Learning Outcomes

You will use the knowledge and skills obtained in this program to:

  • Interpret and interrelate important science concepts, ideas, and applications in the fields of licensure.
  • Recognize and employ science-learning approaches for all students.
  • Plan for engaging all students in science learning by setting appropriate goals that are consistent with theories of learning as well as national science standards.
  • Create safe science lab environments for students.
  • Conduct preliminary data collection and present evidence of student science learning as a result of the instruction.
  • Propose educational research study about challenges of learning science in science classroom settings.
  • Participate in research and professional development opportunities in both areas of science and science education.

 

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UCM is the longest continuously CAEP accredited public institution in Missouri

NSTA Logo

UCM’s Science Education programs are recognized by National Association of Science Teachers (NSTA)

 

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