Secondary Education, BSE - Earth Science

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.

 

 

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.