Program Overview

Introduction to the Earth Science — Elementary, BAE Program

The Earth Science — Elementary, BAE program is designed for students who are passionate about understanding the Earth's physical makeup and history. Geology, the science that provides the key to finding new sources of useful Earth materials and to understanding Earth processes that affect our lives, is a crucial component of this program. Geoscientists play a vital role in providing basic information to society for solving problems and establishing policy for resource management, environmental protection, public health, safety, and welfare.

Why Consider an Earth Science - Elementary Major?

Students who enjoy the outdoors, are concerned about the environment, and are interested in travel may find the geosciences to be a fulfilling career path. The Earth Science — Elementary, BAE program satisfies the academic major requirement for teacher certification with an endorsement in elementary education and must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in elementary education offered through Woodring College of Education.

Program Requirements

The Earth Science — Elementary, BAE program requires a minimum of 54-62 credits. The requirements include:

• One course from:
  • CHEM 161 - General Chemistry I (5 credits)
  • or CHEM 175 - General Chemistry I, Honors (5 credits)
• GEOL 212 - Historical Geology (4 credits)
• GEOL 252 - The Earth and Its Weather (4 credits)
• GEOL 340 - Geological Oceanography (3 credits)
• MATH 114 - Precalculus I (5 credits)
• SCED 201 - Matter and Energy in Physical Systems (4 credits)
• SCED 202 - Matter and Energy in Earth Systems (4 credits)
• SCED 203 - Matter and Energy in Life Systems (4 credits)
• SCED 204 - Matter and Energy in Chemical Systems (4 credits)
• SCED 492 - Field Experience in Middle School Science (3 credits)
• One course from:
  • GEOL 211 - Physical Geology (5 credits)
  • GEOL 211A - Physical Geology Review (2 credits)
• Choose either:
  • GEOL 311 - Earth Materials (5 credits)
  • or the following pair of courses:
    • GEOL 306 - Mineralogy (4 credits)
    • GEOL 406 - Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (5 credits)
• One course from:
  • PHYS 101 - Physics Analysis (4 credits)
  • PHYS 104 - Physics Applications (4 credits)
• One course from:
  • ASTR 103 - Introduction to Astronomy (4 credits)
  • ASTR 113 - Sun, Moon, and Planets (3 credits)

Additional Requirements

The program also includes the Elementary Education Professional Program Requirements, which are outlined below.

Elementary Education Professional Program Requirements

The Elementary Education Professional Program Requirements include:

Professional Studies Core (22 credits)

• ELED 305 - Development and Learning in a Diverse Classroom (5 credits)
• ELED 310 - Education, Culture, and Equity (5 credits)
• ELED 311 - Understanding Washington State Tribal History, Culture, and Government: Since Time Immemorial Curriculum (1 credit)
• ELED 460 - Children’s Literature in the Classroom (5 credits)
• I T 344 - Foundations of Technology in Teaching and Learning (1 credit)
• MLE 441 - Language, Culture, and Equity: From Global to Local (5 credits)

Elementary Program Methods and Curriculum Content (32 credits)

• One course from:
  • ART 398 - Integrated Arts for Elementary Educators (3 credits)
  • DNC 398 - Integrated Arts for Elementary Educators (3 credits)
  • MUS 398 - Integrated Arts for Elementary Educators (3 credits)
  • THTR 398 - Integrated Arts for Elementary Educators (3 credits)
• HLED 455 - Health Education Grades K-8 (2 credits)
• I T 442 - Digital Decisions: Technology for Educators (3 credits)
• MATH 381 - Teaching K-8 Mathematics I (4 credits)
• MATH 382 - Teaching K-8 Mathematics II (4 credits)
• MATH 383 - Teaching K-8 Mathematics III (4 credits)
• PE 345 - Physical Education for Elementary School (3 credits)
• SCED 480 - Science Methods and Curriculum for the Elementary School (5 credits)
• SPED 364 - Teaching Each Student (4 credits)

Preparatory Field Experiences (13 credits)

• ELED 480 - Literacy: Beginning Communicators (5 credits)
• ELED 481 - Literacy: Fluent Communicators (5 credits)
• SCED 490 - Laboratory/Field Experience in Elementary Science (3 credits)

Professional Field Experiences & Methods Courses (38 credits)

• ELED 412 - Seminar on Racial Justice Praxis (5 credits)
• ELED 427 - Elementary Social Studies Through Counternarratives (5 credits)
• ELED 471 - Documenting Teaching (4 credits)
• ELED 494 - Internship - Elementary (2-16 credits, must complete 22 credits toward the major)
• MATH 491 - Internship Seminar - Teaching K-8 Mathematics (2 credits)

Departmental Honors

BA or BS students and students in the University Honors College who have completed at least 4 credits of GEOL 490 and have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher meet the requirements for departmental honors. Those students who have completed at least 4 credits of GEOL 490 and have a cumulative GPA higher than 3.20 meet the requirements for departmental distinction.

University Graduation Requirements

The University Graduation Requirements include:

• Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
• 180 Minimum Total Credits
• 60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
• Residency Requirement
• Minimum Grade Requirements
• Final Quarter Requirement