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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. 

Why teaching - science, earth/space science emphasis at UW-Eau Claire?

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.

Cultural immersion and service-learning opportunities. Many education majors choose to enhance their education by engaging in cultural immersions. You may student teach in Kenai, Alaska or participate in the Civil Rights Pilgrimage. These experiences often lead to new ways of thinking and a better understanding of the students in your future classrooms.

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

Quick facts

Teaching - science, earth/space science emphasis program details
  • Program length: four years
  • Offered: in person
  • Campus: Eau Claire
  • This major does not require a minor.
  • Students majoring in this program will earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. 
Student organizations
  • Geology Club
  • Women & Gender Minorities in STEM
  • Aspiring Educators

Licensure information

Completion of teacher preparation programs at UW-Eau Claire meets licensure requirements in Wisconsin. Our programs may not meet requirements in other states. It is very important that individuals seeking licensure in another state obtain the most recent certification/licensure information directly from the state in which they seek employment. Find contact information on each state licensure office here.

Licensure requirements can change at any time. UW-Eau Claire’s Teacher Education Program Office ensures that our programs meet the requirements for licensure in Wisconsin. If you seek licensure in another state, be aware that their requirements could change at any time.

The United States Department of Education requires institutions to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure concerning whether each program meets state educational requirements for initial licensure or certification. Please note:

  1. Obtaining a Wisconsin Teaching License PRIOR to applying for a teaching license in another state is usually helpful and strongly recommended.
  2. "Meets requirements" means that a student is eligible for a license with stipulations, typically for 1-3 years, in that state. The stipulations are likely to be specific testing requirements and/or competency through a course or examination. In some instances, additional stipulations might be added.
  3. Licensure grade levels vary from state to state. Students who are eligible for a specific grade range in Wisconsin may be licensed for a narrower grade range in another state. Each state determines grade ranges for licensing differently.
  4. State licensure requirements may change at any time. Licensure questions should be referred to the Teacher Education Program Office (tep@uwec.edu).

The requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Texas

The requirements of this program do not meet licensure in the following states: Not Applicable

It has not been determined whether the requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

What can I do with a teaching - science, earth/space science 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.

What classes do teaching - science, earth/space science emphasis majors take?

Your classes may cover topics like: 

Learn more about the teaching - science, earth/space science emphasis major in the UWEC course catalog.

Learn more about UWEC

We'll send you additional information about our campus and programs after you submit this form. You'll also have the chance to tell us more about yourself and your interests.

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Related programs at UW-Eau Claire

Thinking about a bachelor’s degree in science education? Here are a few other programs you might be interested in exploring.

Department information

Multiple departments support this program. Learn more about them!

Photo of students walking in front of Centennial Hall

Education for Equity and Justice

Centennial Hall 3215
1698 Park Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Visit the Education for Equity and Justice department website
Photo of Geology students hiking

Geology and Environmental Science

Phillips Science Hall 157
101 Roosevelt Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Visit the Geology and Environmental Science department website