DESCRIPTION
The MAT in Earth Sciences is designed for the prospective middle school
earth science teacher. Candidates for this degree will normally
be holders of baccalaureate degrees in earth science, geology,
geography, marine science or astronomy, who wish to enter
pre-college teaching. Each candidate's course of study is
individually constructed based on her or his previous academic
record and tailored to ensure that the candidate is adequately
prepared across the spectrum of the earth sciences and is
qualified for initial certification. The program is also
designed to help prospective teachers better understand the
cognitive development and teaching styles of their students and
become more effective in teaching science.
The MAT/Earth Sciences degree program is jointly administered by the
Center for Science Education in the College of Arts & Sciences,
the Department of Geography in the College of Humanities and
Social Sciences, and the College of Education. An advisory
committee, chaired by the director of the Center for Science
Education and including two additional faculty representatives,
provides guidance in the development of each candidate's academic program.
ADMISSION
Requirements for admission conform with general regulations of the Graduate
School. Candidates must hold a baccalaureate degree from an
accredited institution in one of the earth science content areas
and present transcripts showing satisfactory academic
achievement in all previous graduate and undergraduate courses,
satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination (Aptitude
portion only), and two letters of recommendation.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The MAT/Earth Sciences program is a non-thesis program normally
requiring 45-55 semester hours of coursework in science and
professional education. Candidates must also complete all
requirements for initial certification. At least one-half of all
course work must be at the 700 (full graduate) level. In the
final semester, the candidate must pass an oral comprehensive
examination administered by her or his advisory committee.
COURSEWORK
Candidates in this degree program must complete a course of study that will
assure eligibility for the generic natural science certification.
Content Area Requirements for the Natural Science certification include:
- 6 hours of biology
- 6 hours of chemistry
- 6 hours of physics
- 6 hours elective science, and
- at least 12 hours in one science content area
Formal coursework in all areas of earth science (geology, geography/meteorology/weather
science, oceanography/marine science, environmental science and
astronomy/space science) is required. Candidates must eliminate
deficiencies in any of the above areas.
Additionally, candidates must include in their program at least:
- 6 graduate hours in geology
- 6 graduate hours in geography
Professional Education Candidates must complete coursework in:
- Science teaching methods
- Student teaching and seminar
- Foundations of education
- Educational psychology
- Reading education
The University of South Carolina provides affirmative action and
equal opportunity in education and employment for all qualified
persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national
origin, age, disability or veteran status.
