Program Overview

Earth and Space Science is an interdisciplinary field which works to advance humanity’s understanding of the Earth and the wider universe.  Students are provided with a solid foundation in earth systems and processes  (geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere)  and  the impacts humans have on these systems, both past and present. Additionally, students will learn about the origins of the planets and the exploration of the solar system. All four tracks in ESS combine classroom, laboratory, and field experiences, as well as provide opportunities for mentored research projects and hands-on learning experiences.
Science teachers are in high demand across the state of Georgia, and across the US. The Muscogee County School District (Columbus, GA) currently guarantees graduates who complete certification requirements that they will have a job with the school district upon graduation. Our graduates have strong enough content knowledge to teach in most science classrooms, or to continue on towards graduate school or industry jobs. UTeach Columbus is an innovative program that prepares students for an exciting career in mathematics or science. Upon completion of the program, students will earn a degree in earth and space science, and be qualified to teach in a middle school or high school after passing the appropriate state certification examinations. Students completing this program are highly qualified for jobs utilizing their science knowledge, or for either informal education jobs or for work in a K-12 school setting. UTeach Columbus also provides close mentoring by Master Teachers, as well as having a dedicated advisor. 

More information about UTeach Columbus can be obtained by calling 706-507-8612 or by visiting our website at http://uteach.columbusstate.edu/index.php.

All educator preparation programs are approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. In addition to the degree requirements, there are further requirements for teaching certification. Visit the Certification page on the CSU Center for Quality Teaching and Learning (CQTL) website for detailed information about certification requirements and the certification process.

Career Opportunities

• middle or high school science teacher
• education outreach at science museums, national parks
• work with geology or environmental science consulting firms

Program of Study

¹

The hours applied in the Institutional Priorities; Mathematics & Quantitative Skills; and Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences areas must add to 18 credit hours. 

²

ITDS 1145 Comparative Arts, though listed under both Fine Arts and Humanities, may be taken only once. 

³

At least 4 of the credit hours in this area must be in a lab science course.

Major Requirements

Program Map with Pre-Calculus

 

• Please note: Many of these courses are only offered once a year, or once every 3-4 semesters, and many of them have prerequisites. While you can rearrange the order in which you take your courses, you should consult with your advisor to ensure that you will be able to take the courses in a timely manner so that you do not delay your graduation. This course map has been arranged so that the most commonly required prerequisites are scheduled in year 1 and year 2 to maximize options later.
• The program map illustrates appropriate coursework for completing a degree within 4 years, provided that course grades allow for earned credit. Please consult with your advisor to determine when courses can be switched out with others and taken in a different semester or sequence than illustrated, since not all courses are offered every semester.
• The map is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute a legal contract on the part of CSU since degree requirements or course offerings could change. As always, check with your advisor.
• Prior to reaching 30 hours of credit, students must complete "Communicating in Writing" (ENGL 1101 English Composition I, ENGL 1102 English Composition II) with a "C" or higher grade in both classes and complete a math course (MATH 1001 Quantitative Skills and Reasoning or higher*) of the "Mathematics and Quantitative Skills" section of the core.
• As of Fall 2013, all undergraduate students are required each semester to meet the 2.0 institutional GPA standard for satisfactory academic progress.

Program Map with Calculus

 

• Please note: Many of these courses are only offered once a year, or once every 3-4 semesters, and many of them have prerequisites. While you can rearrange the order in which you take your courses, you should consult with your advisor to ensure that you will be able to take the courses in a timely manner so that you do not delay your graduation. This course map has been arranged so that the most commonly required prerequisites are scheduled in year 1 and year 2 to maximize options later.
• The program map illustrates appropriate coursework for completing a degree within 4 years, provided that course grades allow for earned credit. Please consult with your advisor to determine when courses can be switched out with others and taken in a different semester or sequence than illustrated, since not all courses are offered every semester.
• The map is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute a legal contract on the part of CSU since degree requirements or course offerings could change. As always, check with your advisor.
• Prior to reaching 30 hours of credit, students must complete the "Communicating in Writing" (ENGL 1101 English Composition I, ENGL 1102 English Composition II) section of the core with a "C" or higher grade in both classes and complete a math class (MATH 1001 Quantitative Skills and Reasoning or higher*) of the "Mathematics and Quantitative Skills" section of the core.
• As of Fall 2013, all undergraduate students are required each semester to meet the 2.0 institutional GPA standard for satisfactory academic progress.

Admission Requirements

Students must meet all requirements for admission to Teacher Education. For a list of current requirements, go to https://cqtl.columbusstate.edu/teacher-education.php

Additional Program Requirements

Students must complete all courses related to their major with a C or better unless otherwise approved.

For teacher certification, students must obtain a minimum overall and CSU grade point average of 2.5.

Students must meet all requirements for admission to Teacher Education. For a list of current requirements, go to https://cqtl.columbusstate.edu/teacher-education.php

Students must meet all requirements for admission to Student Teaching. For a list of current requirements, go to https://cqtl.columbusstate.edu/student-teaching.php

To be recommended for teacher certification, students must pass the GACE Science Test I and Test II (https://gace.ets.org/).