The Department of Geology and Astronomy prepares students for careers in geoscience and geoscience education. Geoscience is an integrated study of the Earth, its geologic history, composition and structure, resources, natural hazards, atmosphere and oceans, and its environment in space. Geoscientists study such phenomena as earthquakes, landslides, floods, volcanoes, coastal erosion, and how these natural hazards impact humans. Geoscientists explore for mineral, energy, and water supplies. Geoscientists also attempt to make predictions about Earth's future based on the past. Since most human activities are related to interaction with the physical components of Earth, geoscience plays a unique and essential role in today's rapidly changing world. The Department of Geology and Astronomy offers two bachelor of science degree programs and a certification program in general science. (A degree in astronomy is not available; students may choose an astronomy minor.) All programs emphasize analytical skills and build on course work in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and statistics. Written and oral communication is emphasized in a majority of the course work.
The Department of Geology and Astronomy also offers a master of arts degree in geoscience designed to provide the pre-college teacher with enhanced academic preparation in the earth, space, and related sciences. Each student 's course of study is individually designed based on previous academic preparation in science and the specific teaching assignment and environment. The student may select a thesis or nonthesis option depending on his or her academic goals and requirements. By completing the M.A. program, students with a bachelor 's degree in science can obtain earth and space science and/or general science teaching certification with the appropriate selection of elective courses.
The B.S. in GEOSCIENCE program offers two areas of concentration and prepares recipients for a career as a professional geoscientist. Students completing either bachelor of science degree program possess the educational requirements to seek licensure as certified professional geologists. The geology concentration leads to occupations in geology, geochemistry, and the environmental industry as well as for studies toward advanced degrees. Its curriculum emphasizes depth in the traditional disciplines of geology including mineralogy, rock formation, paleontology, structural geology, and surface and tectonic processes. The earth systems concentration is intended for students who want to concentrate on a broader understanding of geoscience and human interaction with the environment. This concentration is excellent preparation for students pursuing careers in fields such as resource management, environmental law, or environmental consulting. In addition to the geology core, students take required courses in oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy.
The B.S. in EDUCATION in EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCES is a professional degree program designed to prepare certified secondary school teachers with an overall science exposure and specialization in the earth and space sciences. The program meets all guidelines established by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), and the National Science Teachers' Association (NSTA) for earth and space science certification.
The certification program in GENERAL SCIENCE enables recipients to teach science in grades 6-9. The certification program meets all guidelines established by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
The M.A. in Geoscience program consists of course work pertaining to a specific core group of courses supplemented by various electives. All candidates will complete a five-course core. The core introduces the student to each of the earth spheres, thereby providing a basis for further study and specialization. It consists of courses in meteorology, oceanography, the field as a classroom, and environmental geology. Earth Systems, emphasizing the interaction of the various components, is taken last as a capstone experience. Students selecting the non-thesis option will be required to complete Geometrics in addition to the core. Additional course work will be individually designed by the student in conjunction with his or her committee. In general, these courses will be combined graduate and undergraduate courses at the 300 level or above. Each course syllabus will detail the specific requirements for graduate students. Students may take up to six (thesis option) or nine (non-thesis option) elective credits outside the department. As a component of each course taken within the department (both core and elective), candidates are required to write a three-to-five page essay relating the content of five courses to other courses chosen either by the student or assigned by the faculty member teaching the course. One purpose of this requirement is to emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of the degree program. A second purpose is to enhance the student's written communication skills. A department file of essays will be maintained for each candidate so that the department can monitor a student's progress.