Geological Sciences BA/Earth Sciences Adolescence Education EdM
The Geological Sciences BA/Earth Sciences Adolescence Education EdM is a dynamic, integrated program at the University at Buffalo (UB) that combines geological sciences expertise with the skills necessary to teach science in grades 5–12. This five-year program culminates in a dual degree, preparing students for rewarding careers in education while grounding them in comprehensive geological knowledge.
Jump to:
- Comprehensive Geological Foundation: Courses include Earth Materials, Geophysics, Structural Geology, and more, paired with hands-on fieldwork and lab practice.
- Education Core: Gain teaching expertise through courses in educational psychology, literacy methods, and teaching exceptional learners.
- Streamlined Certification: Graduates earn initial and professional New York State teaching certification in Earth Science.
- Real-World Experience: Participate in fieldwork, research, and supervised teaching in classrooms to connect theory with practice.
- Flexible Career Paths: Pursue careers in education, geological research, or other science-related fields.
Graduates will:
- Understand key scientific and geological principles.
- Develop practical skills in mineral, rock, and fossil identification.
- Utilize advanced tools like GIS and numerical modeling.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and hypothesis testing.
- Communicate scientific ideas effectively in oral and written forms.
- Exhibit professionalism and ethical conduct in science and education.
Undergraduate Geological Sciences Core (44 Credits):
- Introductory courses: Natural Hazards or Climate Change and Natural Hazards and Climate Change Lab.
- Advanced courses include Earth Materials, Geophysics, Structural Geology, Sedimentary Geology & Paleontology, and Geological Mapping Techniques.
- Supporting courses in chemistry, calculus, and physics provide foundational knowledge.
Education Core (16 Credits):
- Courses like Educational Psychology and Sociology of Education lay the groundwork for teaching strategies.
Graduate Geological Sciences Education Core (27 Credits):
- Includes Methods for Teaching Science and Science Instruction Topics.
- Four geology electives at the 500 level ensure depth in Earth Science content.
Field Experience and Capstone:
- Engage in supervised teaching and complete a capstone project to synthesize and apply your learning.
The program is carefully designed to integrate geological coursework with education training across five years. Highlights include:
- Years 1–3: Foundational geology and education courses, such as Natural Hazards, Sedimentary Geology, and Educational Psychology.
- Years 4–5: Advanced geology electives, specialized teaching methods courses, and hands-on student teaching.
Undergraduate Admission:
A minimum GPA of 2.0 and a grade of C or better in Natural Hazards or Climate Change and Natural Hazards and Climate Change Lab.
Graduate Transition:
A GPA of 3.0, a grade of B- or better in education courses, and successful completion of an interview.
Shape the future by inspiring the next generation of scientists and fostering a deep understanding of our planet.
