Geology, BS / Earth Science Education, EdM

Become an inquisitive problem solver who is passionate about the earth while you prepare the next generation to address some of the most demanding issues of our time: climate change, resource management and natural disasters.  

A team working with Stephan Kolzenburg, assistant professor of geology, conducted some experiments at UB’s Geohazards Field Station in the Town of Ashford, south of Buffalo, in July 2022. Kolzenburg’s research focuses on understanding the physical processes in the fields of volcanology, igneous petrology and geo-materials science. Photographer: Douglas Levere.

Unearth Your Gateway to Science

The UB Teach geology education program is an accelerated, combined degree program where you can earn a geology BA and earth science education EdM in just five years. This program provides content expertise in geology while preparing you to teach earth science for grades 5-12. You'll study in both the Department of Geology and the Department of Learning and Instruction.

Students enrolled in this program will:

  • Think spatially and creatively to address modern scientific issues such as climate change and resource management.
  • Develop a deep scientific understanding of Earth’s processes to educate others about our planet.
  • Participate in intensive clinical education experiences with Western New York schools, learning the nuances of the teaching profession.
  • Gain skills, expertise and confidence to implement evidence-based practice in the classroom and co-teach with an expert teacher in a one-year residency.
WNY area high and middle school teachers, attending the EarthEd Institute, in July 2023. The group did ice flow experiments in a Cooke Hall classroom with Goo Slime. The activity was run by Kristin Poinar, with the department of geology. Photographer: Douglas Levere.

Program Overview

Academic credential granted Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Master of Education (EdM)
Certification option Successful completion of program leads to an institutional recommendation for New York State initial and professional certification in geology education
Grade levels 7 to 12 with 5 to 6 extension
Credits required for completion 145
Time to completion 5 years
Course delivery On campus, online
Careers
  • Earth Science teacher
  • Environmental consultant
  • Hydrologist
Experiential contact hours
  • Clinical experiences embedded in undergraduate and graduateĀ  coursework
  • A full one-year teaching residency in the final year of the program
Application deadline Early Action: Nov. 15
Scholarship Consideration: Dec. 8
Regular Decision: Feb. 1

Students can continue to submit an application for fall consideration until capacity is reached.
Important Fall Dates

See dates for open house, orientation, test submissions, tuition deposit deadlines and more.

  Important fall dates for incoming freshman

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