Earth and Environmental Sciences Major

Total minimum number of credits required for a major in Earth and Environmental Sciences leading to the B.A. — 124.

With Secondary Teaching Certification in Earth and Space Science — 133.

With Secondary Teaching Certification in Earth and Space Science and General Science — 137.

Total minimum number of credits required for a major in Earth and Environmental Sciences leading to the B.S. — 123.

Total minimum number of credits required for a minor — 18.

Total minimum number of credits required for a minor in Geology — 18.

The interdisciplinary nature of the programs provides the student with a unique breadth of understanding of the principles and concepts of the earth and environmental sciences while emphasizing methods of analysis and experimentation of very complex, dynamic, and interactive quality; cooperative internships with environmental organizations and industries are encouraged.

The major leading to the B.S. degree emphasizes the technical and analytical aspects of the earth and environmental sciences and is designed for those students intending to work as scientists in laboratory, field, or research positions. Students with this degree may enter graduate programs in geology, meteorology, and environmental sciences.

The major leading to the B.A. degree emphasizes human interactions with the earth and the environment. The student is required to choose an appropriate minor, such as elementary education. Other minors may be considered by the department. Another option is to satisfy the requirements leading to a Pennsylvania Secondary Teaching Certificate with certification in Earth and Space Science. By adding one chemistry and two biology courses, the student would also satisfy requirements for certification in General Science.

Students interested in Secondary Education should make an appointment as early as possible in their program of study with the chairperson of the Education Department to plan their professional studies. These students will declare a MINOR in Secondary Education. The minor consists of the following courses: ED 190, ED 200, ED 210, ED 215, ED 220, ED 380, ED XXX (specific Secondary Methods Course), and ED 390. All Teacher Education students must apply for Admission to the Teacher Education Program in their sophomore or junior year. Candidates must maintain a 2.0 GPA in their secondary major courses and pass the appropriate PRAXIS tests in order to be certified.