Science Education, Secondary Earth Science – Master's
Source: http://www.wgu.edu/online-teaching-degrees/earth-science-education-masters-program.html
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:21
Science Education, Secondary Earth Science – Master's
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Master's Programs
Science Education, Secondary Earth Science
Apply Now
OVERVIEW
Become an Earth Science Teacher with a Master's Degree
Earth science is one of the fundamental sciences all American high school students are expected to learn before graduation. By making geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy interesting and challenging, you can help engage your students' minds, strengthen their confidence, and lead them to a better appreciation of the world in which they live.
The two online master’s degree programs at WGU can prepare you to teach science courses at the junior high and high school levels. The programs help ensure your proficiency in geosciences, astronomy, and more. You learn critical skills necessary to teach this content to students in junior high, middle school, or high school*.
*The specific grade levels you will be eligible to teach depend on your state’s licenses and certifications.
If you have a bachelor's degree but do
NOT have a teaching license, you'll choose the Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Earth Science program.
If you are
currently a licensed teacher looking to add to your license, you'll choose the Master of Arts, Secondary Earth Science program.
Both of these programs will help you progress toward your goal of becoming an earth science teacher!
Please note:
The Master of Arts in Mathematics Education and the Master of Arts in Science Education programs are designed for P–12 teachers. The content and coursework in these programs do not meet the qualifications required to teach college-level courses, including dual enrollment or dual credit courses.
Two Programs to Choose From
Master of Arts in Teaching, Science Education (Secondary Earth Science):
This version of our earth science education program is for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree, but are NOT licensed teachers. This program helps you get your teaching license and proceed with licensure in secondary earth science.
Master of Arts, Secondary Earth Science:
This version of our earth science education program is for individuals who are already licensed teachers and are looking to add secondary earth science to their licensure. This program helps you be prepared to add a secondary earth science certification to your existing license.
Education
COMPARE
Science Education (Secondary Earth Science) — Master of Arts in Teaching
VIEW DEGREE
An online master's degree designed for aspiring teachers who already have...
An online master's degree designed for aspiring teachers who already have a bachelor's degree, and are looking to teach earth science.
MORE DETAILS
APPLY NOW
Time:
62% of students earn a similar degree in 24 months.
Tuition:
$4,125
per 6-month term.
Courses:
20 total courses in this program.
This program is designed for aspiring teachers who want to earn a teaching license, and become an earth science teacher in their state.
Concepts in this program include:
Physical Geology
Earth Systems
Astronomy
Ocean Systems
Chemistry
Propel your career as a junior high or high school earth science teacher with this education master's degree.
Education
COMPARE
Science Education (Secondary Earth Science) – M.A.
VIEW DEGREE
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching earth science to middle or high school students.
MORE DETAILS
APPLY NOW
Time:
60% of students earn this degree within 14 months.
Tuition:
$4,125 per 6-month term.
Courses
: 12 total courses in this program.
This program is designed for already-licensed teachers who want to add secondary earth science to their license.
Concepts included in this program:
Physical Geology
Earth Systems
Astronomy
Ocean Systems
Chemistry
Propel your career as a junior high or high school geoscience teacher with this education master's degree.
Not Sure If You Need a Teaching License?
If you aren't sure which program is right for you, or if you'll require a teaching license, you can learn more about licensure and if it's needed for your career goals.
Learn About Teaching Licenses
Tuition per six-month term is
$4,125
Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of earning your degree online. Finish faster, pay less!
Cost & Time
Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?
Next Start Date:
{{startdate}}
Start Dates the 1st of Every Month
Apply Today
COURSES
Earth Science Education Courses
A nationally recognized curriculum designed to help you upgrade your teaching career with geoscience credentials.
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
MAT Program Guide
MA Program Guide
WGU's master's programs in earth science are an affordable, flexible path for current teachers who want to add a geoscience specialization to their license. (The specific grade levels you will be eligible to teach depend on your state’s licenses and certifications.) Our curriculum focuses on effective strategies for teaching middle school or high school earth sciences and geology.
The programs are made up of the following courses. You will complete them one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. For the majority of courses in your program, you’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. This means that, for those flexible courses, you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost. Within your program, there may be a few number of courses in which we partner with outside organizations or testing agencies, and there may be restrictions for available offerings or necessary time for completion of the courses. Please work with your Program Mentor to plan ahead regarding these less flexible courses in your program.
WGU is the nation’s largest provider of math and science teaching degrees.* Our master's programs for aspiring secondary geoscience/earth science teachers are designed (and is regularly updated) with input from experts who know what it takes to successfully teach earth sciences in junior high, middle school, or high school. (The specific grade levels you will be eligible to teach depend on your state’s licenses and certifications.)
The programs also includes a home science lab kit. You will be provided access to order a self-contained laboratory kit—including science equipment, specimens and chemicals—to complete lab experiments at home. These at home lab-kits will be ordered at the beginning of the course in which it is needed, and it is encouraged for students to plan ahead with their Program Mentor when ordering these kits.*Source:
NCES data
Sample Earth Science Courses
Science Education
Three Dimensional Science and Engineering
Three Dimensional Science and Engineering focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding of science and engineering pedagogical knowledge. This course is the first of three science teaching methods courses and provides a robust foundation in integrating disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices in phenomena-based curriculum and instruction. Candidates will delve into planning learning experiences, designing instructional strategies, and utilizing phenomena-based teaching to promote engagement and understanding. Reflective practices, such as evaluating observed teaching, analyzing personal teaching methods, and reviewing course content, are emphasized to foster continuous improvement. The course will be assessed via an integrated performance assessment task, requiring candidates to demonstrate their instructional skills.
Laboratory Safety
The course "Laboratory Safety" aims at equipping learners with essential safety knowledge and skills for various learning environments, including laboratories, classrooms, and field settings. Learners in this course will deeply understand safety protocols, legal responsibilities, and effective teaching strategies for safety in educational settings.
Secondary Education
General Secondary Methods
General Secondary Methods prepares students for secondary teaching by equipping them with essential instructional skills and knowledge tailored to adolescent learners. Students will explore how adolescent development influences learning, how secondary school settings influence instructional choices, and how to implement effective teaching strategies in these environments. Through a blend of theory and practical application, students will create and assess lesson plans, focusing on differentiated instruction, formative and summative assessments, and the integration of technology, including AI tools, to promote affective learning in diverse secondary education settings.
Secondary Earth Science Curriculum
MAT Secondary Earth Science Curriculum prepares students to develop and evaluate Earth Science curricula for secondary education by exploring the core principles of Earth's processes, materials, and the relationships between the Earth, Sun, and Moon, as well as the broader context of stars, planets, and the universe. Learners will delve into the hydrosphere and atmosphere, examining their dynamics and the intricate interactions that drive Earth's systems. The course also emphasizes the evaluation and alignment of Earth Science curriculum resources with secondary standards and individual student needs. Learners will gain the skills to critically assess and adapt instructional materials, ensuring they meet diverse learning styles and needs in secondary Earth Science classrooms. Through practical examples and interactive activities, this course equips learners with the knowledge and tools to effectively design, evaluate, and implement a comprehensive Earth Science curriculum.
Secondary Disciplinary Literacy
Secondary Disciplinary Literacy is a cutting-edge course designed for candidates seeking to enhance their literacy skills within specific secondary academic disciplines. The course examines the distinct literacy needs of various secondary content areas, focusing on how reading, writing, speaking, and listening function differently in each discipline. Candidates will explore specialized language structures and text features relevant to each field and develop strategies to help students master these complexities. The curriculum integrates the science of reading to support critical engagement with and production of disciplinary texts, while also incorporating technology and digital literacy to aid students in accessing and interpreting discipline-specific information. The course combines research-based evidence with practical, structured literacy activities to equip educators with the skills necessary to improve student achievement and understanding across all subjects. This course is a required component in SCED programs and will be assessed through a performance assessment task for both undergraduate and graduate versions.
Teacher Performance Assessment
MA, Science Education Teacher Performance Assessment
MA, Science Education Teacher Performance Assessment contains a comprehensive, original, research-based curriculum unit designed to meet an identified educational need. It provides direct evidence of the candidate’s ability to design and implement a multi-week, standards-based unit of instruction, assess student learning, and then reflect on the learning process. The WGU Teacher Performance Assessment requires students to plan and teach a multi-week standards-based instructional unit consisting of seven components: 1) contextual factors, 2) learning goals, 3) assessment, 4) design for instruction, 5) instructional decision-making, 6) analysis of student learning, and 7) self-evaluation and reflection.
Geosciences Content
Geology I: Physical
Geology I: Physical provides undergraduate students seeking initial licensure or endorsement in secondary science education with an introduction to minerals and rocks, the physical features of the Earth, and the internal and surface processes that shape those features. This course has no prerequisites.
Geology II: Earth Systems
Geology II: Earth Systems provides graduate students seeking licensure or endorsement and/or to earn their MA degree in secondary science education with an examination of the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere and the dynamic equilibrium of these systems over geologic time. This course also examines the history of Earth and its lifeforms, with an emphasis in meteorology. A prerequisite for this course is Geology I: Physical.
Astronomy
Astronomy provides graduate students seeking initial licensure or endorsement and/or to earn their MA degree in secondary or middle grade science education with essential knowledge of astronomy. This course explores Western history and basic physics of astronomy; phases of the moon and seasons; composition and properties of solar system bodies; stellar evolution and remnants; properties and scale of objects and distances within the universe; and introductory cosmology. A prerequisite for this course is General Physics.
The Ocean Systems
This course investigates the complex ocean system by looking at the way its components—atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere—interact. Specific topics include the origins of Earth’s oceans and the early history of life; physical characteristics and geologic processes of the ocean floor; chemistry of the water molecule; energy flow between air and water and how ocean surface currents and deep circulation patterns affect weather and climate; marine biology and why ecosystems are an integral part of the ocean system; the effects of human activity; and the role of professional educators in teaching about ocean systems.
Earth Science: Content Knowledge
This course covers the advanced content knowledge that a secondary earth science teacher is expected to know and understand. Topics include basic scientific principles of earth and space sciences, tectonics and internal earth processes, earth materials and surface processes, history of the Earth and its life-forms, Earth's atmosphere and hydrosphere, and astronomy.
“The mentors and instructors are great and when you ask for help their reply is timely and almost immediate.”
—Hilda Williamson
M.A. Science Education (Secondary Earth Science)
WGU vs. Traditional Universities:
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Traditional Universities
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Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor-led lectures at a certain time and place
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options
As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years
Apply Now
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
TUITION STRUCTURE
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
SUPPORT
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
EXAMS
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor-led lectures at a certain time and place
SCHEDULE
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options
TIME TO FINISH
As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years
Apply Now
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A Master's Degree Is Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.
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WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).
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A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time
At WGU, we understand that you have professional responsibilities, family obligations, and personal commitments. That’s why we offer a personalized, flexible approach to higher education. You'll be challenged. You'll put in hours of hard work. And you'll get a solid, career-focused education that fits your life. Complete your coursework online, anytime and anywhere your schedule allows, and move through assignments and assessments as quickly as you're able.
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"Perfect for a working schedule. There wasn't anything extra that wasn't expressly an assessment. I was able to prove that I knew much of the material and was able to move quickly through subjects I had experience with.”
—Jenny
M.A. Science Education (Secondary Earth Science)
CAREER OUTLOOK
A Master’s in Earth Science Education Paves the Way for Current Teachers to Take the Next Step
If you have a passion for earth science, you are ready to advance in your career by specializing in middle school or high school science.
School districts in the United States consistently rank the sciences among their areas of highest need. Obtaining a master's degree in earth science will prepare you for secondary certification to teach junior high or high school science.
Individuals who earn a master’s degree in earth science education qualify to teach high school earth science as well as teach in junior high and middle schools, depending on grade-level requirements in your state.
MORE ABOUT CAREERS
Return on Your Investment
Many WGU graduates may see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary from all degrees. Source:
2024 Harris Poll
of 1,655 WGU graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.
5%
Employment of all high school teachers is projected to grow 5% from 2021 to 2031.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
WGU Has Alumni Teaching Across the Country
Graduates of the WGU School of Education have found meaningful, rewarding teaching careers in classrooms at:
Inclusive K–12 classrooms
Middle/junior high schools
High schools
Private and charter schools
Impressive Class of Graduates
Graduates of the WGU School of Education include recipients of many professional honors, including:
Gates Millennium Scholars
Intel Grant for Mathematics and Technology
Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award
Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award
Association of Public Charter Schools Educator of the Year Award
ADMISSIONS
Online Master's in Earth Science Program Admission Requirements
Master of Arts, Secondary Earth Science Education
The Master of Arts, Secondary Earth Science Education is for currently licensed teachers only. In order to be eligible for this program you must provide:
A copy of a valid teaching license.
Official transcripts that demonstrate you have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized accredited university.
An
Enrollment Counselor
will instruct you as to when and how to submit your teaching license prior to or during your program.
Master of Arts in Teaching, Science Education (Secondary Earth Science)
The Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Earth Science Education program is for individuals who have earned a bachelor's degree but are not currently licensed teachers. In order to be eligible for this program you must provide official transcripts that demonstrate you have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized, institutionally accredited (also known as regionally accredited) university AND demonstrate readiness through one of the following:
Option 1: Content-related undergraduate or graduate degree with GPA of at least 2.5 (or higher, depending upon your state)
Option 2: Undergraduate or graduate degree with GPA of at least 2.5 (or higher, depending upon your state) and 24-30 hours of content specific coursework, equivalent to a major.
Option 3: Undergraduate or graduate degree with GPA of at least 2.0 (or higher, depending upon your state), a passing score on the WGU program required basic skills test (e.g., Praxis CORE) and demonstrate content competency via one of the following pathways 1) 24-30 hours of content specific coursework, equivalent to a major OR 2) an undergraduate or graduate degree in a content-related area to which area of program you are seeking admission.
This program requires a 2.5 minimum GPA (or higher, depending upon your state), or the competency-based equivalent, in your bachelor's program. Applicants with a GPA lower than a 2.5 but a 2.0 or above may seek admission by submitting passing scores from the WGU program required basic skills test (e.g. Praxis CORE). An
Enrollment Counselor
can help you best determine whether you have the sufficient background for entry into your program of choice.
GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Transfer Credits
TRANSFER INFORMATION
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Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
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Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.
CONTACT AN ENROLLMENT COUNSELOR
Compare Earth Science Education Master's Programs
Average Time to Completion
Tuition Per 6 Months
Average Salary Increase
Career Opportunities
Average salary increase two years post-graduation, provided by Equifax.
Average time for graduate completion calculated internally by WGU.
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Master's Programs
Science Education, Secondary Earth Science
Apply Now
OVERVIEW
Become an Earth Science Teacher with a Master's Degree
Earth science is one of the fundamental sciences all American high school students are expected to learn before graduation. By making geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy interesting and challenging, you can help engage your students' minds, strengthen their confidence, and lead them to a better appreciation of the world in which they live.
The two online master’s degree programs at WGU can prepare you to teach science courses at the junior high and high school levels. The programs help ensure your proficiency in geosciences, astronomy, and more. You learn critical skills necessary to teach this content to students in junior high, middle school, or high school*.
*The specific grade levels you will be eligible to teach depend on your state’s licenses and certifications.
If you have a bachelor's degree but do
NOT have a teaching license, you'll choose the Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Earth Science program.
If you are
currently a licensed teacher looking to add to your license, you'll choose the Master of Arts, Secondary Earth Science program.
Both of these programs will help you progress toward your goal of becoming an earth science teacher!
Please note:
The Master of Arts in Mathematics Education and the Master of Arts in Science Education programs are designed for P–12 teachers. The content and coursework in these programs do not meet the qualifications required to teach college-level courses, including dual enrollment or dual credit courses.
Two Programs to Choose From
Master of Arts in Teaching, Science Education (Secondary Earth Science):
This version of our earth science education program is for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree, but are NOT licensed teachers. This program helps you get your teaching license and proceed with licensure in secondary earth science.
Master of Arts, Secondary Earth Science:
This version of our earth science education program is for individuals who are already licensed teachers and are looking to add secondary earth science to their licensure. This program helps you be prepared to add a secondary earth science certification to your existing license.
Education
COMPARE
Science Education (Secondary Earth Science) — Master of Arts in Teaching
VIEW DEGREE
An online master's degree designed for aspiring teachers who already have...
An online master's degree designed for aspiring teachers who already have a bachelor's degree, and are looking to teach earth science.
MORE DETAILS
APPLY NOW
Time:
62% of students earn a similar degree in 24 months.
Tuition:
$4,125
per 6-month term.
Courses:
20 total courses in this program.
This program is designed for aspiring teachers who want to earn a teaching license, and become an earth science teacher in their state.
Concepts in this program include:
Physical Geology
Earth Systems
Astronomy
Ocean Systems
Chemistry
Propel your career as a junior high or high school earth science teacher with this education master's degree.
Education
COMPARE
Science Education (Secondary Earth Science) – M.A.
VIEW DEGREE
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in...
An online master's degree for current teachers who want to specialize in teaching earth science to middle or high school students.
MORE DETAILS
APPLY NOW
Time:
60% of students earn this degree within 14 months.
Tuition:
$4,125 per 6-month term.
Courses
: 12 total courses in this program.
This program is designed for already-licensed teachers who want to add secondary earth science to their license.
Concepts included in this program:
Physical Geology
Earth Systems
Astronomy
Ocean Systems
Chemistry
Propel your career as a junior high or high school geoscience teacher with this education master's degree.
Not Sure If You Need a Teaching License?
If you aren't sure which program is right for you, or if you'll require a teaching license, you can learn more about licensure and if it's needed for your career goals.
Learn About Teaching Licenses
Tuition per six-month term is
$4,125
Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of earning your degree online. Finish faster, pay less!
Cost & Time
Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?
Next Start Date:
{{startdate}}
Start Dates the 1st of Every Month
Apply Today
COURSES
Earth Science Education Courses
A nationally recognized curriculum designed to help you upgrade your teaching career with geoscience credentials.
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
MAT Program Guide
MA Program Guide
WGU's master's programs in earth science are an affordable, flexible path for current teachers who want to add a geoscience specialization to their license. (The specific grade levels you will be eligible to teach depend on your state’s licenses and certifications.) Our curriculum focuses on effective strategies for teaching middle school or high school earth sciences and geology.
The programs are made up of the following courses. You will complete them one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. For the majority of courses in your program, you’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. This means that, for those flexible courses, you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost. Within your program, there may be a few number of courses in which we partner with outside organizations or testing agencies, and there may be restrictions for available offerings or necessary time for completion of the courses. Please work with your Program Mentor to plan ahead regarding these less flexible courses in your program.
WGU is the nation’s largest provider of math and science teaching degrees.* Our master's programs for aspiring secondary geoscience/earth science teachers are designed (and is regularly updated) with input from experts who know what it takes to successfully teach earth sciences in junior high, middle school, or high school. (The specific grade levels you will be eligible to teach depend on your state’s licenses and certifications.)
The programs also includes a home science lab kit. You will be provided access to order a self-contained laboratory kit—including science equipment, specimens and chemicals—to complete lab experiments at home. These at home lab-kits will be ordered at the beginning of the course in which it is needed, and it is encouraged for students to plan ahead with their Program Mentor when ordering these kits.*Source:
NCES data
Sample Earth Science Courses
Science Education
Three Dimensional Science and Engineering
Three Dimensional Science and Engineering focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding of science and engineering pedagogical knowledge. This course is the first of three science teaching methods courses and provides a robust foundation in integrating disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices in phenomena-based curriculum and instruction. Candidates will delve into planning learning experiences, designing instructional strategies, and utilizing phenomena-based teaching to promote engagement and understanding. Reflective practices, such as evaluating observed teaching, analyzing personal teaching methods, and reviewing course content, are emphasized to foster continuous improvement. The course will be assessed via an integrated performance assessment task, requiring candidates to demonstrate their instructional skills.
Laboratory Safety
The course "Laboratory Safety" aims at equipping learners with essential safety knowledge and skills for various learning environments, including laboratories, classrooms, and field settings. Learners in this course will deeply understand safety protocols, legal responsibilities, and effective teaching strategies for safety in educational settings.
Secondary Education
General Secondary Methods
General Secondary Methods prepares students for secondary teaching by equipping them with essential instructional skills and knowledge tailored to adolescent learners. Students will explore how adolescent development influences learning, how secondary school settings influence instructional choices, and how to implement effective teaching strategies in these environments. Through a blend of theory and practical application, students will create and assess lesson plans, focusing on differentiated instruction, formative and summative assessments, and the integration of technology, including AI tools, to promote affective learning in diverse secondary education settings.
Secondary Earth Science Curriculum
MAT Secondary Earth Science Curriculum prepares students to develop and evaluate Earth Science curricula for secondary education by exploring the core principles of Earth's processes, materials, and the relationships between the Earth, Sun, and Moon, as well as the broader context of stars, planets, and the universe. Learners will delve into the hydrosphere and atmosphere, examining their dynamics and the intricate interactions that drive Earth's systems. The course also emphasizes the evaluation and alignment of Earth Science curriculum resources with secondary standards and individual student needs. Learners will gain the skills to critically assess and adapt instructional materials, ensuring they meet diverse learning styles and needs in secondary Earth Science classrooms. Through practical examples and interactive activities, this course equips learners with the knowledge and tools to effectively design, evaluate, and implement a comprehensive Earth Science curriculum.
Secondary Disciplinary Literacy
Secondary Disciplinary Literacy is a cutting-edge course designed for candidates seeking to enhance their literacy skills within specific secondary academic disciplines. The course examines the distinct literacy needs of various secondary content areas, focusing on how reading, writing, speaking, and listening function differently in each discipline. Candidates will explore specialized language structures and text features relevant to each field and develop strategies to help students master these complexities. The curriculum integrates the science of reading to support critical engagement with and production of disciplinary texts, while also incorporating technology and digital literacy to aid students in accessing and interpreting discipline-specific information. The course combines research-based evidence with practical, structured literacy activities to equip educators with the skills necessary to improve student achievement and understanding across all subjects. This course is a required component in SCED programs and will be assessed through a performance assessment task for both undergraduate and graduate versions.
Teacher Performance Assessment
MA, Science Education Teacher Performance Assessment
MA, Science Education Teacher Performance Assessment contains a comprehensive, original, research-based curriculum unit designed to meet an identified educational need. It provides direct evidence of the candidate’s ability to design and implement a multi-week, standards-based unit of instruction, assess student learning, and then reflect on the learning process. The WGU Teacher Performance Assessment requires students to plan and teach a multi-week standards-based instructional unit consisting of seven components: 1) contextual factors, 2) learning goals, 3) assessment, 4) design for instruction, 5) instructional decision-making, 6) analysis of student learning, and 7) self-evaluation and reflection.
Geosciences Content
Geology I: Physical
Geology I: Physical provides undergraduate students seeking initial licensure or endorsement in secondary science education with an introduction to minerals and rocks, the physical features of the Earth, and the internal and surface processes that shape those features. This course has no prerequisites.
Geology II: Earth Systems
Geology II: Earth Systems provides graduate students seeking licensure or endorsement and/or to earn their MA degree in secondary science education with an examination of the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere and the dynamic equilibrium of these systems over geologic time. This course also examines the history of Earth and its lifeforms, with an emphasis in meteorology. A prerequisite for this course is Geology I: Physical.
Astronomy
Astronomy provides graduate students seeking initial licensure or endorsement and/or to earn their MA degree in secondary or middle grade science education with essential knowledge of astronomy. This course explores Western history and basic physics of astronomy; phases of the moon and seasons; composition and properties of solar system bodies; stellar evolution and remnants; properties and scale of objects and distances within the universe; and introductory cosmology. A prerequisite for this course is General Physics.
The Ocean Systems
This course investigates the complex ocean system by looking at the way its components—atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere—interact. Specific topics include the origins of Earth’s oceans and the early history of life; physical characteristics and geologic processes of the ocean floor; chemistry of the water molecule; energy flow between air and water and how ocean surface currents and deep circulation patterns affect weather and climate; marine biology and why ecosystems are an integral part of the ocean system; the effects of human activity; and the role of professional educators in teaching about ocean systems.
Earth Science: Content Knowledge
This course covers the advanced content knowledge that a secondary earth science teacher is expected to know and understand. Topics include basic scientific principles of earth and space sciences, tectonics and internal earth processes, earth materials and surface processes, history of the Earth and its life-forms, Earth's atmosphere and hydrosphere, and astronomy.
“The mentors and instructors are great and when you ask for help their reply is timely and almost immediate.”
—Hilda Williamson
M.A. Science Education (Secondary Earth Science)
WGU vs. Traditional Universities:
Compare the Difference
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor-led lectures at a certain time and place
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options
As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years
Apply Now
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
TUITION STRUCTURE
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
SUPPORT
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
EXAMS
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor-led lectures at a certain time and place
SCHEDULE
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options
TIME TO FINISH
As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years
Apply Now
Why WGU?
You Aren't On Your Own
WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online degree at WGU.
HOW WE DO IT
Flexibility You Need
Students choose WGU for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you.
A FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
Strong Alumni Network
When you enroll in an online master's degree program at WGU, you join an impressive network of teachers. Over 19,000 students graduated from the School of Education in 2024 alone, taking their skills and impacting the educational system all around the United States.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality is institutionally recognized.
COST & TIME
When We Say Affordable We Mean It
By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
Apply FREE
Tuition Calculator
Pay less by completing your program faster
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A Master's Degree Is Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.
Responsible Borrowing Initiative
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Financial Aid
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.
Scholarships
*
WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time
At WGU, we understand that you have professional responsibilities, family obligations, and personal commitments. That’s why we offer a personalized, flexible approach to higher education. You'll be challenged. You'll put in hours of hard work. And you'll get a solid, career-focused education that fits your life. Complete your coursework online, anytime and anywhere your schedule allows, and move through assignments and assessments as quickly as you're able.
REQUEST MORE INFO
"Perfect for a working schedule. There wasn't anything extra that wasn't expressly an assessment. I was able to prove that I knew much of the material and was able to move quickly through subjects I had experience with.”
—Jenny
M.A. Science Education (Secondary Earth Science)
CAREER OUTLOOK
A Master’s in Earth Science Education Paves the Way for Current Teachers to Take the Next Step
If you have a passion for earth science, you are ready to advance in your career by specializing in middle school or high school science.
School districts in the United States consistently rank the sciences among their areas of highest need. Obtaining a master's degree in earth science will prepare you for secondary certification to teach junior high or high school science.
Individuals who earn a master’s degree in earth science education qualify to teach high school earth science as well as teach in junior high and middle schools, depending on grade-level requirements in your state.
MORE ABOUT CAREERS
Return on Your Investment
Many WGU graduates may see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary from all degrees. Source:
2024 Harris Poll
of 1,655 WGU graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.
5%
Employment of all high school teachers is projected to grow 5% from 2021 to 2031.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
WGU Has Alumni Teaching Across the Country
Graduates of the WGU School of Education have found meaningful, rewarding teaching careers in classrooms at:
Inclusive K–12 classrooms
Middle/junior high schools
High schools
Private and charter schools
Impressive Class of Graduates
Graduates of the WGU School of Education include recipients of many professional honors, including:
Gates Millennium Scholars
Intel Grant for Mathematics and Technology
Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award
Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award
Association of Public Charter Schools Educator of the Year Award
ADMISSIONS
Online Master's in Earth Science Program Admission Requirements
Master of Arts, Secondary Earth Science Education
The Master of Arts, Secondary Earth Science Education is for currently licensed teachers only. In order to be eligible for this program you must provide:
A copy of a valid teaching license.
Official transcripts that demonstrate you have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized accredited university.
An
Enrollment Counselor
will instruct you as to when and how to submit your teaching license prior to or during your program.
Master of Arts in Teaching, Science Education (Secondary Earth Science)
The Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Earth Science Education program is for individuals who have earned a bachelor's degree but are not currently licensed teachers. In order to be eligible for this program you must provide official transcripts that demonstrate you have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized, institutionally accredited (also known as regionally accredited) university AND demonstrate readiness through one of the following:
Option 1: Content-related undergraduate or graduate degree with GPA of at least 2.5 (or higher, depending upon your state)
Option 2: Undergraduate or graduate degree with GPA of at least 2.5 (or higher, depending upon your state) and 24-30 hours of content specific coursework, equivalent to a major.
Option 3: Undergraduate or graduate degree with GPA of at least 2.0 (or higher, depending upon your state), a passing score on the WGU program required basic skills test (e.g., Praxis CORE) and demonstrate content competency via one of the following pathways 1) 24-30 hours of content specific coursework, equivalent to a major OR 2) an undergraduate or graduate degree in a content-related area to which area of program you are seeking admission.
This program requires a 2.5 minimum GPA (or higher, depending upon your state), or the competency-based equivalent, in your bachelor's program. Applicants with a GPA lower than a 2.5 but a 2.0 or above may seek admission by submitting passing scores from the WGU program required basic skills test (e.g. Praxis CORE). An
Enrollment Counselor
can help you best determine whether you have the sufficient background for entry into your program of choice.
GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Transfer Credits
TRANSFER INFORMATION
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
VIEW CHECKLIST
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.
CONTACT AN ENROLLMENT COUNSELOR
Compare Earth Science Education Master's Programs
Average Time to Completion
Tuition Per 6 Months
Average Salary Increase
Career Opportunities
Average salary increase two years post-graduation, provided by Equifax.
Average time for graduate completion calculated internally by WGU.
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