Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 Graduate Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Master of Science in Earth Science Education


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This program is designed for people interested in better understanding how people teach and learn Earth science content, develop attitudes and beliefs about the Earth, and develop their identity as an Earth science teacher or professor. It is a thesis-based program in which students develop and explore their own research questions with the guidance of an advisor. During this process, students will also expand and enhance their expertise in Earth science through coursework and field experiences in both the Earth sciences and education. Students will develop skills and competencies to be at the forefront in evaluating, incorporating and promoting new developments in Earth science content and pedagogy in secondary, post-secondary, or informal classroom settings as appropriate to their individual goals.

Admission Requirements


Applicants must complete the following to be considered for admission

  • Meet Graduate School Requirements
  • Equivalent of an undergraduate major or minor in Earth Science, Geology, or Physical Geography from an accredited university (students can be granted conditional admission requiring additional course work)
  • Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or a 3.0 in the second half of the undergraduate degree program (students not meeting these GPA requirements can apply for non-degree admission and can be admitted after 9-12 hours of graduate courses and maintain a 3.0 GPA)
  • Three Professional Letters of Recommendations
  • Personal Statement (1-3 pages) 
  • Have or be actively working toward state-level teaching certification. If interested in K-12 teaching.

International Applicants

  • Must receive a minimum of 213 on the TOEFL, a rating of 4 on the test of written English, and a score of 230 on the Test of Spoken English. Alternatively, a minimum score of 80 on the MELAB and a rating of 3.0 on the oral interview portion of MELAB. A minimum score of 600 on the TOEFL to be considered for teaching assistantship.

Department Information


Geography & Geology, College of Arts & Sciences

Richard Sambrook, Ph.D. | Department Head | 311A King Hall | 734.487.0218 | rsambroo@emich.edu

Advisor Information


Katherine Ryker, Ph.D. | 301W Science Complex | 734.487.6712 | kryker@emich.edu

Degree Requirements: 30 hours


The M.S. in Earth Science Education requires the completion of 30 hours of course work to be distributed among required courses, elective courses and cognate courses as follows

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