As students study these areas, they will understand the science that examines the planet Earth, its composition, history, and structure and prepare to teach earth science in schools.Requirements for the earth science composite major meet the standards of the National Science Teachers Association.

Students receive a BS by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.

In order to obtain a secondary teaching license for grades 6-12, students must complete the 35-credit Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP), which includes one semester of student teaching in a public school. This program is administered by USU’s School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. Student must apply to the School of TEAL the semester before taking STEP courses. This is usually the fall of their junior year. Students learn subject content through the Geology Department, and spend the last year or two studying education techniques through the STEP program.

 With a degree in earth science, students will be qualified for the following careers:

•     Earth science teacher in middle school or high school