Teaching - Science, Earth/Space Science Emphasis
Bachelor of Science
Explore the teaching - science, earth/space science emphasis bachelor's degree program at UW-Eau Claire
Start your journey toward becoming a science teacher with a bachelor's degree in teaching - science, earth/space science emphasis from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Rooted in research, experiential learning and field study, our program will certify you to teach any science course, especially earth and space science, to grades 4-12. Graduates of the program leave with a broad-based understanding of science, with specialized, in-depth knowledge of geology, oceanography, astronomy and meteorology.
Throughout the major, you'll gain the knowledge, tools and techniques needed to develop curious, successful students. The opportunity to assist teachers in their classrooms throughout your four years — as well as student teach for a full semester — will help you to build your leadership skills, identify your preferred teaching style and discover how to best meet the needs of your learners.
You'll also get firsthand, real-world experience in the field of geology. Field-based courses may take you to the Black Hills and Badlands in South Dakota, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan or to the 230 acres of natural area right on campus. Alumni and current students cite the emphasis on fieldwork as the biggest advantage to this program over others — and you'll be doing it from day one.
With one of the most highly regarded education programs in the region, UW-Eau Claire produces new teachers that school districts actively seek. Our teaching - science, earth/space science emphasis grads go on to inspire the STEM leaders of tomorrow, making a positive impact wherever they go.
Teaching - science, earth/space science emphasis degree scholarships
The UW-Eau Claire Foundation provides many scholarships for incoming and current Blugolds. Many incoming students are automatically awarded scholarships for having outstanding academic achievements. There are also additional scholarships reserved for students seeking a science teaching degree from UW-Eau Claire. For example, the Paul and Francine Crownhart Blugold Promise Scholarship awards $1,000 to an outstanding incoming first-year student who has graduated from high school in Wisconsin, demonstrates financial need and is pursuing a math or science teaching degree.
Learn more about which resources are available to you by checking out our scholarships page.
Financial aid at UW-Eau Claire
Working to make your college education affordable is very important to us. We are here to walk you through the financial aid process and make applying for aid and paying your bill as easy as possible.
To get this process started, please contact our staff at Blugold Central — our one-stop-shop for tuition and financial aid. They will help you learn how to pay for your education and minimize debt, freeing you up to focus on academics and your science teaching degree.
Learn more about our financial aid process at UW-Eau Claire.
Quick facts
Teaching - science, earth/space science emphasis program details
- Program length: four years
- Availability: campus
- This major does not require a minor.
Student organizations
- Geology Club
- Women & Gender Minorities in STEM
- Aspiring Educators
Teaching - science, earth/space science emphasis bachelor’s degree program highlights
Fascinating curriculum. The teaching - science, earth/space science emphasis offers exceptional class variety, allowing you to gain a comprehensive understanding of science. Explore classes in oceanography, earth's resources, the solar system, environmental conservation, environmental hazards and cartographic design. A three-week field course in West Texas and New Mexico will introduce you to geologic mapping techniques, with an emphasis on the construction of geologic maps and cross-sections in mildly deformed sedimentary and volcanic rocks.
Field research opportunities. Student-faculty collaborative research is the hallmark of all geology programs at UW-Eau Claire. Faculty members will regularly encourage you to become involved in their latest research projects — or encourage you to start your own. Here, our professors are committed to the philosophy that learning science is best achieved by doing science. Past projects have brought students to places like Southwestern Montana, Maine, Ontario and the Swiss Alps.
Connection to local employers. To help you explore career opportunities and make valuable connections, we host an annual Education Job Fair, an on-campus career fair specific for those looking to enter the field of education. This event is an excellent opportunity to make connections and submit your resume for current and future job openings.
State-of-the-art instrumentation and facilities. The geology department at UW-Eau Claire, along with the Materials Science and Engineering Center, houses state-of-the-art analytical equipment that is rarely found at undergraduate institutions. With nearly 100 unique pieces of high-tech instrumentation at UW-Eau Claire, you can analyze your field samples right on campus. From analytical geochemistry equipment to mineralogy and petrology equipment to the latest software used in the field — we have it all.
230
acres of natural area right on campus
3-week
field course in West Texas and New Mexico
What jobs can you get with a teaching - science, physics emphasis degree from UWEC?
Graduates of the teaching - science, earth/space science emphasis bachelor's degree leave well-prepared to inspire, motivate and educate the next generation. Upon completion of the program, you will be certified to teach any science course in grades 4-12 in a regular education setting, including biology, physics, chemistry and general science. You will also have special expertise and in-depth knowledge of earth science, space science, geology, oceanography, astronomy and meteorology.
Teaching - science, earth/space science emphasis bachelor’s degree program curriculum
With a teaching - science, earth/space science emphasis bachelor's degree, you will become a confident instructor with the tools to teach science to a variety of ages. Through observations, teacher assisting and a full semester of student teaching in your own classroom, you'll work toward building your resume — and your skillset. Alongside geology experts and exceptional teachers, you'll learn best practices in leading a successful classroom, while making valuable professional connections.
Classes for teaching - science, earth/space science emphasis majors may include:
- Earth Science
- Mineralogy and Petrology I
- Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
- Computers in Geology
- Field Geology I
- Chemical Principles
- Oceanography
- Earth Resources
- Astronomy-Solar System
- Climatology
Learn more about the teaching - science, earth/space science emphasis major in the UWEC course catalog.
Related programs at UW-Eau Claire
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