Earth science is a major part of the high school science curriculum in Missouri, and well trained earth science teachers are therefore in high demand. Graduates of the Missouri State earth science education program find placement in Missouri’s public and private schools with ease and adjust well to the teaching environment. Other areas of potential employment for earth science education graduates include outreach and education programs of environmental and conservation agencies.

Missouri State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Earth Science Education that is certifiable for grades 9-12. The program is accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and carries with it an initial professional certificate (PCI) to teach in the state of Missouri.

This program offers two options: the Categorical Science--Earth Science option is for those students intending to teach exclusively earth science whereas the Unified Science--Earth Science option is for those students who primarily want to teach earth science but who also want certification to teach introductory courses in each of the other sciences as well.

Students planning to major in Earth Science Education should take a college preparatory curriculum in high school, with as much science, mathematics and English as possible.

In addition to general education requirements, students take earth science courses in the College of Natural and Applied Sciences and professional education courses in the College of Education.

Required earth science courses include geology, atmospheric science, astronomy, oceanography, geomorphology, conservation of natural resources, science teaching methods and a field course designed to examine the geology of the U.S. mid-continent. Opportunities for field and laboratory studies can be tailored to individual needs.

Please consult the Missouri State Catalog online at www.missouristate.edu/catalog for course descriptions.

The B.S.Ed. program in Secondary Education—Earth Science Education is administered through the Department of Geography, Geology and Planning, and each earth science education student is advised by a faculty member in that department. The department is staffed by 23 full-time faculty members, 12 of whom teach courses in the earth science education program.

The Department of Geography, Geology, and Planning occupies lecture, laboratory and office space in Temple Hall. Students in the earth science education program have access to rock preparation, geochemistry, geophysics, cartography and other equipment utilized in science research projects. A complete line of field and surveying equipment provides support for the department’s numerous field trips and field-oriented research activities.

The recently renovated Duane G. Meyer Library is one of the largest libraries in Missouri, with a collection of more than 711,000 volumes. The earth science education program benefits especially from the extensive Curriculum and Map collections. Greenwood Laboratory School (K-12) is located within the Missouri State Springfield campus and provides a unique setting for observation and educational field experiences. 

Students in the earth science education program have the opportunity to extend their educational experience and to participate in social activities through membership in a variety of student organizations, including the Missouri State University Geology Club, the Ozarks Amateur Astronomy Club, the Heart of the Ozarks Grotto (caving club), and the Science Teachers Association.

A variety of optional science education workshops are offered throughout the year, both at Missouri State and through various local, state and national government agencies. Students also can take advantage of science education workshops and internships sponsered by professional organizations such as the American Meteorological Society, the Geological Society of America and the National Association of Geoscience Teachers.

Missouri State offers a wide range of financial assistance such as scholarships, grants and loans, through both university-wide programs and through  departmental support. Students are advised to look into these opportunities as early as possble. Visit the Missouri State and the Geography, Geology and Planning Department's web sites for up-to-date information.