The Master's in Applied Science Education
Earth System Science Track
is designed for teachers who are:
• currently certified to teach secondary science or mathematics and
• want to get subject area endorsement in Earth and space science.
Teachers who complete the program earn a master's degree and are eligible to take the Earth and Space Science endorsement test.
The master's program can be completed in two years. Teachers take online courses during the academic year. During the summer teachers take field-based courses or intensive courses taught on the Michigan Tech campus.
An Opportunity for Professional Development in
Earth Sciences Education
Supported by the National Science Foundation
Tuition Break!
Teachers with current certification pay a reduced tuition rate at Michigan Tech. This rate is 30% less than the regular graduate tuition rate! You will need to provide proof of certification at the time you apply in order to qualify for this special reduced tuition rate. Some school districts will also provide financial assistance to teachers who work to improve their qualifications.
Requirements
To complete the master's degree, teachers must complete at least 30 credits.
Recommended timeline and sample schedule
| Year 1 |
| Semester |
Course |
Course Description |
Credits |
| Summer |
Geology of the National Parks (GE 5130) |
Two week field course, taught in Utah |
4 |
| Summer |
Natural Hazards and Human Impacts (SS 5150) |
Two week classroom and field course taught at Michigan Tech |
3 |
| Fall |
Earth System Science I (GE 5020) |
ONLINE course covers basics of physical and historical geology |
4 |
| Spring |
Earth System Science II (GE 5030) |
ONLINE course covers basics of oceanography, astronomy, and meteorology |
4 |
| Year 2 |
| Semester |
Course |
Course Description |
Credits |
| Summer |
Engineering Applications in Earth Science (ENG 5300) |
Two week classroom and field course taught at Michigan Tech |
4 |
| Summer |
Free Elective (3 credits minimum) |
3 |
| Fall |
Education Research (ED 5700) |
ONLINE course on research methods in education |
2 |
| Fall |
STEM Standards and Research (ED 5740) |
ONLINE course on connecting instruction with standards in STEM |
2 |
| Spring |
STEM Learning Materials, Inquiry and Assessment (ED 5730) |
ONLINE course on inquiry based methods |
2 |
| Spring |
Graduate Research in Geology (GE5999) |
Independent research and report preparation supervised by geoscience faculty |
2 |
Earth and Space Science Endorsement
After you complete the program you will have a master's degree and you will be ready to take the subject area endorsement test in Earth and Space Science. Having a master's may help you increase your salary, gain more respect, and open up new avenues for advancing your career. Having subject area endorsement and mastering Earth science content will help you be a better teacher and have more flexibility in your job. The Earth is all around us, and examples drawn from Earth science can be used in almost any science or math course to make concepts more relevant to students.
Teacher Education Contact Information
