Geology (Earth Space Science Secondary Education) with MA in Education

Students identify rock layers with their geology professor at Colorado National Monument.

Part of: Natural & Environmental Sciences Department, Education Department, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Accelerated Degree, Education Licensure

Degree: Bachelor to Master of Arts in Education

Undergrad Pathway: Geology

Licensure: Secondary Licensure

Part of: Natural & Environmental Sciences Department, Education Department, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Accelerated Degree, Education Licensure

Degree: Bachelor to Master of Arts in Education

Undergrad Pathway: Geology

Licensure: Secondary Licensure

This accelerated program allows students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Arts in Education within five years. The program is designed to provide a streamlined path to teacher licensure and advanced educational training.

Years 1–3: Undergraduate Studies

Students focus on completing core academic and disciplinary coursework, along with general education requirements and electives. These foundational years also include experiential learning opportunities and skill development within the student’s chosen field of study.

Year 4: Licensure Preparation

In the fourth year, students transition into education-specific coursework and begin a clinical residency. This hands-on experience involves collaborative teaching in real classroom environments, helping students apply educational theory and meet the requirements for initial teacher licensure in Colorado.

Year 5: Graduate Studies

The final year centers on advanced coursework in education, culminating in a Master of Arts in Education. Students may choose from several emphasis areas—such as Teacher Leadership, K–12 Online Teacher Leadership, or Reading Leadership—to deepen their knowledge and enhance career opportunities.

Geology Education Requirements

Accelerated Degree programs let students earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in less time. After an accelerated undergraduate study, students begin graduate courses, saving time and money. This fast-track option builds skills and experience, helping students start their careers sooner.

Program Requirements Degree Plan

A licensure complements a degree and is awarded by entities other than Western. Often awarded by the state for teaching, it is a public and professional assurance that state teaching standards are met and the student is prepared to teach.

After you have completed the undergraduate portion of your coursework, you apply for the teaching placement and the graduate program. Learn more about application requirements, scholarships, and more.

Licensure and Graduate Requirements

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

Start with the General Application—it will match you with eligible scholarships. You’ll be notified if any department-specific materials are needed.

General Application

General Western Scholarships

Western Colorado University offers merit—and need-based scholarships, recognizing achievement, financial need, and special talents.

Explore Scholarships

Latest News

A Caribbean Vibe in Colorado

Western’s Steel Band to Play at Colorado Music Educators Association Conference in January Nothing warms the spirit on a cold winter night like the sound…
Read More
Western Graduate Students, Faculty Member Receive Distinguished Achievement Award

Recipients conducting important research in four disciplines Western Colorado University’s School of Graduate Studies is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2024 Distinguished Achievement…
Read More
First-generation Western student Georgia Grana beats the odds

“I hope that someday I can be a positive influence on my students.” Georgia Grana knows better than most that being the first isn’t always…
Read More
Pride Month, Tokenism, and Being Queer at Western

A Testimony from Natalie Edwards Pride Month Origins The first declaration of Pride Month was made in 1999 when President Clinton named June Gay and…
Read More
Lacie Wise Earns Education Department’s Exceptional Resident Award

Born and raised in Gunnison, Colorado Lacie Wise graduated with honors from Western Colorado University with a Bachelor’s degree in History with teacher licensure and…
Read More
Liberal Arts Programs at Western Provide Practical Job Skills

When Western Colorado University was the first college established on the Western Slope in 1901, the primary dedication of the school was providing teacher preparation…
Read More
Artists Showcase Their Resiliency During Annual Event

For the second year, artists and art connoisseurs gathered at the Crested Butte Center for the Arts to celebrate Western Colorado University students in a…
Read More
The Western Community Felt Through Music

Western Colorado University’s dedication to community runs deep in the Music department’s faculty. Before Kenneth Todd was the department’s chair, orchestral director, and director of…
Read More
Western’s Band Director Part of a Winning Team

Celebrating a Significant Success A Western Colorado University band director is celebrating success at the U.S. Open Brass Band Championships. Western’s Director of Bands and…
Read More
Leadership and Experiential Learning Projects at Western

Leadership and experiential learning projects are one of the core components of the Western Colorado University experience. With program-specific clubs, on-campus events, off-campus trips, and…
Read More
Western Among Best Colleges that Offer Hands-on Learning Experiences

Colleges that offer hands-on learning experiences give students the opportunity to practice their field of study in an immersive, exciting way. At Western Colorado University,…
Read More
Inaugural Disability Film Festival opens this week in virtual format Hosted by Western Colorado University’s Education and Communication Arts Programs

With nine films by filmmakers spanning four continents, Western Colorado University this week launches its inaugural Disability Film Festival—with a three-hour program airing virtually on…
Read More
New partnership helps Red Rocks Community College students earn accelerated master’s degrees

Western Colorado University (Western) and Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) today launch Elevated and Accelerated, a cross-institutional degree track that enables RRCC students—after taking the…
Read More
Western to host annual Firemen’s Concerts

The Department of Music at Western Colorado University will host the 68th Annual Firemen’s Concerts over the course of two weeks. The first set of…
Read More