Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Earth Science Education [M.S.]


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 research questions with the guidance of an advisor. Students will also expand and enhance their expertise in Earth Science through coursework and field experiences in both the Earth Sciences and education during this process. 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.

Program Admission


Graduate School Application

After reviewing the admission requirements below, please select the appropriate application. The University is transitioning application platforms; pay close attention when selecting the application below.

The program you are applying to may not accept applicants every semester.

For additional information regarding the application process, please see Graduate Admissions or International Admissions.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

A four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution. In addition, a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate program, is required for full admission. Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements may be considered for conditional admission. See International Admissions for international applicant requirements.

Applicants must also meet the following program requirements:

  • The 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 Recommendation
  • 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. A minimum score of 600 on the TOEFL to be considered for teaching assistantship.

Department Information


Geography & Geology | Christine Clark, Ph.D., Department Head | 140D Strong Hall, 734.487.0218, cclark7@emich.edu

Advisor Information


Christine Clark, Ph.D., 140M Strong Hall, 734.487.8590, cclark7@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