Master of Education in Earth Sciences
The M.Ed. in Earth Sciences program is designed for secondary science teachers who seek to enrich their knowledge and practice through rigorous courses and individual projects supervised by Penn State faculty members. Combining graduate courses from academic departments in Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, College of Education, and Eberly College of Science, the curriculum will prepare teachers to help students in grades 7 through 12 master educational objectives related to Earth and space science, as specified in National Science Education Standards (National Academy of Sciences, 1996). To accommodate working teachers who are only able to study part-time and at a distance, courses are offered online through Penn State's World Campus.
The M.Ed. in Earth Sciences degree is conferred upon students who earn a minimum of 30 credits with grades of “B” or better in all courses, including at least 18 credits at the 500-level or higher, and who complete a quality culminating individual project in consultation with a graduate advisor. Students will have the opportunity to participate in face-to-face field experiences and workshops at University Park or other locations during Summer sessions.
All courses are intensively instructor-led. Students are expected to devote approximately eight to twelve hours of effort per course per week. M.Ed. in Earth Sciences courses are offered primarily during the Spring (January through early May), Summer (mid-May through early August), and Fall (late August through mid-December) semesters, although some electives in geography are offered during compressed ten-week terms. Although assignments are due weekly, students are free to study at their convenience. You can earn the M.Ed. in Earth Sciences degree in as little as three years by completing four courses per year.
Admission to the Penn State M.Ed. in Earth Sciences Program is highly competitive. The links in the left-hand menu lead to information concerning the curriculum, admissions criteria and application procedures specific to this program. You can also link out to the World Campus, our delivery unit, for more information.