Online Geology Courses at Accredited Schools
Western Governors University is effective at equipping students
via its geology courses
to be successful
geologists,
mine geologists,
project geologists,
exploration geologists, etc.
and connect them to future employers.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, at present there are 14,460 people employed as
geological and petroleum technicians alone in the US, and their average annual salary is
$58,400.
Geoscientists make on average $92,710
per year and there are about 31,860
of them employed today.
Geology Organizations
Geology Common Job Tasks
- understanding Earth's geological past
- examining volcanic eruptions
- studying the properties of water in a region
Popular Journals & Magazines
Ranked by Excellence
Geology Courses at Western Governors University
Program Name:
B.A. in Science (5-12 Geosciences)
| Earth and Space Science Theories and Concepts |
| Course Number |
BRC1 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Earth And Space Science This Subdomain Is A Study Of Astronomy, Geology, Meteorology, And Oceanography. Earth And Space Science Theories And Concepts (brc1) Proctored, Computer-based Assessment Earth And Space Science Lab (brt1) Performance Assessment Tarbuck, E., Tasa, D., & Lutkens, F. (2006). Earth Science (with Cd-rom, 11th Ed.). Isbn-13: 9780131497511. Garrison, T. (2005). Oceanography: An Invitation To Marine Science With Infotrac College Edition (5th Ed.). Isbn-13: 9780534408879. Wgu Science Pack (interactive Physics And Starry Night Pro Cd). Interactive Physics Is A Simulation Program That Helps You Learn By Allowing You To Model And Experiment With Physical Situations. Starry Night Pro Is A Planetarium Program With Impressive Features. Labpaq: Science Methods. These Self-contained Laboratory Kits Include The Lab Manual, Science Equipment, Specimens, Supplies, And Chemicals Necessary To Complete College Laboratory Experiments At Home. The Experiments Reinforce Science Content And Teach Laboratory Techniques. The Following American Museum Of Natural History (amnh) Online Resources Use Multimedia And Discussions To Connect Teachers And Future Teachers From Around The World To Cutting-edge Research, Classroom Resources, And Each Other. • Amnh: The Ocean System • Amnh: Earth Inside And Out • Amnh: The Solar System |
| Earth and Space Science Lab |
| Course Number |
BRT1 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Earth And Space Science This Subdomain Is A Study Of Astronomy, Geology, Meteorology, And Oceanography. Earth And Space Science Theories And Concepts (brc1) Proctored, Computer-based Assessment Earth And Space Science Lab (brt1) Performance Assessment Tarbuck, E., Tasa, D., & Lutkens, F. (2006). Earth Science (with Cd-rom, 11th Ed.). Isbn-13: 9780131497511. Garrison, T. (2005). Oceanography: An Invitation To Marine Science With Infotrac College Edition (5th Ed.). Isbn-13: 9780534408879. Wgu Science Pack (interactive Physics And Starry Night Pro Cd). Interactive Physics Is A Simulation Program That Helps You Learn By Allowing You To Model And Experiment With Physical Situations. Starry Night Pro Is A Planetarium Program With Impressive Features. Labpaq: Science Methods. These Self-contained Laboratory Kits Include The Lab Manual, Science Equipment, Specimens, Supplies, And Chemicals Necessary To Complete College Laboratory Experiments At Home. The Experiments Reinforce Science Content And Teach Laboratory Techniques. The Following American Museum Of Natural History (amnh) Online Resources Use Multimedia And Discussions To Connect Teachers And Future Teachers From Around The World To Cutting-edge Research, Classroom Resources, And Each Other. • Amnh: The Ocean System • Amnh: Earth Inside And Out • Amnh: The Solar System |
| Interdisciplinary Geosciences Science Theories and Concepts |
| Course Number |
BSC1 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Geosciences This Subdomain Focuses On Earth Systems Structure And Functions, Earth Systems Equilibrium, The Solar System, The Universe, And Oceanography. Interdisciplinary Geosciences Science Theories And Concepts (bsc2) Proctored, Computer-based Objective Exam Interdisciplinary Geosciences Science Lab (bst2) Performance Assessment Sample Learning Resources: Arny, T. (2000). Explorations: An Introduction To Astronomy (4th Ed.). Isbn-13: 9780072509854. This Textbook Can Be Purchased With The Starry Night Cd; However, You Should Have Already Received The Starry Night Pro Cd With Your Wgu Science Pack. Garrison, T. (2005). Oceanography: An Invitation To Marine Science With Infotrac College Edition (5th Ed.). Isbn-13: 9780534408879. Tarbuck, E., Tasa, D., & Lutkens, F. (2006). Earth Science With Cd-rom (11th Ed.). Isbn-13: 9780131497511. Labpaq: Geosciences. This Self-contained Laboratory Kit Includes The Lab Manual, Science Equipment, Specimens, Supplies, And Chemicals Necessary To Complete College Laboratory Experiments At Home. The Experiments Reinforce Science Content And Teach Laboratory Techniques. American Museum Of Natural History (amnh) Online Resources Use Multimedia And Discussions To Connect Teachers And Future Teachers From Around The World To Cutting-edge Research, Classroom Resources, And Each Other. • Amnh: The Ocean System • Amnh: Earth Inside And Out • Amnh: The Solar System |
| Interdisciplinary Geosciences Science Lab |
| Course Number |
BST1 |
| Credits |
5.0 |
Geosciences This Subdomain Focuses On Earth Systems Structure And Functions, Earth Systems Equilibrium, The Solar System, The Universe, And Oceanography. Interdisciplinary Geosciences Science Theories And Concepts (bsc2) Proctored, Computer-based Objective Exam Interdisciplinary Geosciences Science Lab (bst2) Performance Assessment Sample Learning Resources: Arny, T. (2000). Explorations: An Introduction To Astronomy (4th Ed.). Isbn-13: 9780072509854. This Textbook Can Be Purchased With The Starry Night Cd; However, You Should Have Already Received The Starry Night Pro Cd With Your Wgu Science Pack. Garrison, T. (2005). Oceanography: An Invitation To Marine Science With Infotrac College Edition (5th Ed.). Isbn-13: 9780534408879. Tarbuck, E., Tasa, D., & Lutkens, F. (2006). Earth Science With Cd-rom (11th Ed.). Isbn-13: 9780131497511. Labpaq: Geosciences. This Self-contained Laboratory Kit Includes The Lab Manual, Science Equipment, Specimens, Supplies, And Chemicals Necessary To Complete College Laboratory Experiments At Home. The Experiments Reinforce Science Content And Teach Laboratory Techniques. American Museum Of Natural History (amnh) Online Resources Use Multimedia And Discussions To Connect Teachers And Future Teachers From Around The World To Cutting-edge Research, Classroom Resources, And Each Other. • Amnh: The Ocean System • Amnh: Earth Inside And Out • Amnh: The Solar System |
| Supervised Teaching Practicum Science, Observations 1 and 2 |
| Course Number |
DWA1 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Supervised Teaching Practicum (dwa1, Dwa3, Dwa5, Dwa7) Includes A Series Of Classroom Performance Observations Gathered Across Time That Serve As Comprehensive Performance Data About The Teacher Candidate’s Skills |
| Supervised Teaching Practicum Science, Observation 3 and Midterm |
| Course Number |
DWA3 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Supervised Teaching Practicum (dwa1, Dwa3, Dwa5, Dwa7) Includes A Series Of Classroom Performance Observations Gathered Across Time That Serve As Comprehensive Performance Data About The Teacher Candidate’s Skills |
| Supervised Teaching Practicum Science, Observations 4 and 5 |
| Course Number |
DWA5 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Supervised Teaching Practicum (dwa1, Dwa3, Dwa5, Dwa7) Includes A Series Of Classroom Performance Observations Gathered Across Time That Serve As Comprehensive Performance Data About The Teacher Candidate’s Skills |
| Supervised Teaching Practicum Science, Observation 6 and Final |
| Course Number |
DWA7 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Supervised Teaching Practicum (dwa1, Dwa3, Dwa5, Dwa7) Includes A Series Of Classroom Performance Observations Gathered Across Time That Serve As Comprehensive Performance Data About The Teacher Candidate’s Skills |
| Education Without Boundaries |
| Course Number |
EWB2 |
| Credits |
2.0 |
| Foundations of College Mathematics |
| Course Number |
BAC1 |
| Credits |
2.0 |
Proctored, computer‐based objective exam. |
| Communications Fundamental |
| Course Number |
BBC1 |
| Credits |
2.0 |
Proctored, computer‐based objective exam. |
| Integrated Natural Sciences |
| Course Number |
INC1 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Proctored, computer-based objective exam. |
| Integrated Natural Sciences Applications |
| Course Number |
INT1 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Performance assessment that utilizes scientific inquiry and analysis of evidence. |
| Language and Communication: Essay |
| Course Number |
LAE1 |
| Credits |
2.0 |
Proctored, computer-based essay exam. |
| Language and Communication: Research |
| Course Number |
LAT1 |
| Credits |
2.0 |
Performance assessment that includes writing a research paper. |
| Language and Communication: Presentation |
| Course Number |
LUT1 |
| Credits |
2.0 |
Performance assessment that includes an oral presentation. |
| College Algebra |
| Course Number |
GBC1 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
College Algebra
This sub-domain focuses on equations, inequalities, polynomials, conic sections, and functional
analysis including logarithmic, exponential, and inverse functions in problem solving.
College Algebra (GBC1)
Proctored, computer-based objective assessment |
| General Education Social Sciences |
| Course Number |
SSC1 |
| Credits |
1.0 |
General Education Social Science. |
| General Education Social Science: Analysis and Applications |
| Course Number |
SST1 |
| Credits |
2.0 |
Performance assessment that includes analysis and application of social science
theories and method. |
| Literature, Arts, and the Humanities |
| Course Number |
IWC1 |
| Credits |
2.0 |
Proctored, computer-based objective exam. |
| Literature, Arts, and the Humanities: Analysis and Interpretation |
| Course Number |
IWT1 |
| Credits |
2.0 |
Performance assessment that includes subjective and objective analysis and
interpretation in the humanities. |
| Chemistry Theories and Concepts |
| Course Number |
BQC1 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Proctored, computer-based assessment |
| Chemistry Lab |
| Course Number |
BQT1 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Performance assessment |
| United States Constitution |
| Course Number |
AZC1 |
| Credits |
1.0 |
Proctored, computer based objective exam. |
| Themes in U.S. and World History |
| Course Number |
GKE1 |
| Credits |
1.0 |
Proctored, essay. |
| Applications in U.S. and World History |
| Course Number |
GKT1 |
| Credits |
1.0 |
Performance assessment. |
| Reasoning and Problem Solving |
| Course Number |
CLC1 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Proctored, computer-based objective exam. |
| Schools and Society |
| Course Number |
FST4 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Focuses on fundamental knowledge about the field of education, including education; teaching
standards; legal rights and responsibilities; and the history and organization of education. |
| Human Development and Learning |
| Course Number |
FHT4 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Content relates to various dimensions of child development (e.g., cognitive, social, emotional,
physical, cultural); learning theory and conditions of learning; influences on learning; and the
impact of various developmental influences on instruction. |
| Diversity and Inclusion |
| Course Number |
FDT4 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Content deals with exceptionalities, legal rights of students with disabilities, inclusion tactics,
multiculturalism, bilingual education, and at-risk factors. |
| Classroom Management |
| Course Number |
FCT4 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Content includes competencies related to establishing and managing a classroom environment
(e.g., organization of physical space, organization of time, behavior/academic expectations,
social environment, culture for learning) and managing behavior (e.g., principles for changing
behavior, establishment/management systems for classroom behavior management, systems
for individual behavior change). |
| Testing |
| Course Number |
FTT4 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Content addresses evaluating, selecting, developing, and administering assessments;
analyzing, diagnosing, and reporting assessment results; and using results to plan and improve
instruction. |
| Foundations of Teaching Practice Integration |
| Course Number |
FTC4 |
| Credits |
6.0 |
The FTC4 is a comprehensive exam assessing the student’s knowledge of the subdomains
listed above. The student may participate in a comprehensive review session with a mentor and
peers to prepare for the assessment. |
| Instructional Planning and Strategies |
| Course Number |
EIT4 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Performance assessment. |
| Instructional Presentation and Follow-Up |
| Course Number |
ETT4 |
| Credits |
6.0 |
Performance assessment. |
| Instructional Planning, Strategies and Presentation Integration |
| Course Number |
EIO4 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Proctored, computer-based comprehensive objective exam. |
| Specific Teaching Practices: Science Pedagogy |
| Course Number |
DEC1 |
| Credits |
2.0 |
Specific Teaching Practices (science) Content Focuses On The Knowledge And Skills Necessary To Provide Safe, Effective, Researchbased Instruction In Science. Specific Teaching Practices: Science (det1) Performance Assessment Specific Teaching Practices: Science Pedagogy (dec1) Proctored, Computer-based Objective Exam Sample Learning Resources: Coursecompass: Mylabschool. This Learning Resource Includes Video Clips Used For Pre-clinical Experiences. Students View The Video Clips As Directed And Submit Reflections. Gallagher, J. J. (2007). Teaching Science For Understanding: A Practical Guide For Middle And High School Teachers. Columbus, Ohio: Pearson. Isbn-13: 9780131144255. King, K. P. (2007). Integrating The National Science Education Standards Into Classroom Practice. Columbus, Ohio: Pearson. Isbn-13: 9780131173453. Moyer, R. H., Hackett, J. K., & Everett, S. A. (2007). Teaching Science As Investigations: Modeling Inquiry Through Learning Cycle Lessons. Columbus, Ohio: Pearson. Isbn-13: 9780132186278. Pearson: Teaching Science Grades 5–12. This Resource Includes A Cd That Is Shipped Via Ups And Includes The Following Online Text: Chaippetta, E., Koballa, & Thomas, R. (2002). Science Instruction In The Middle And Secondary Schools (5th Ed.). |
| Specific Teaching Practices: Science |
| Course Number |
DET1 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Specific Teaching Practices (science) Content Focuses On The Knowledge And Skills Necessary To Provide Safe, Effective, Researchbased Instruction In Science. Specific Teaching Practices: Science (det1) Performance Assessment Specific Teaching Practices: Science Pedagogy (dec1) Proctored, Computer-based Objective Exam Sample Learning Resources: Coursecompass: Mylabschool. This Learning Resource Includes Video Clips Used For Pre-clinical Experiences. Students View The Video Clips As Directed And Submit Reflections. Gallagher, J. J. (2007). Teaching Science For Understanding: A Practical Guide For Middle And High School Teachers. Columbus, Ohio: Pearson. Isbn-13: 9780131144255. King, K. P. (2007). Integrating The National Science Education Standards Into Classroom Practice. Columbus, Ohio: Pearson. Isbn-13: 9780131173453. Moyer, R. H., Hackett, J. K., & Everett, S. A. (2007). Teaching Science As Investigations: Modeling Inquiry Through Learning Cycle Lessons. Columbus, Ohio: Pearson. Isbn-13: 9780132186278. Pearson: Teaching Science Grades 5–12. This Resource Includes A Cd That Is Shipped Via Ups And Includes The Following Online Text: Chaippetta, E., Koballa, & Thomas, R. (2002). Science Instruction In The Middle And Secondary Schools (5th Ed.). |
| Cohort Seminar in Science |
| Course Number |
FVT1 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Addresses information about schools (e.g., finance, law), professional behavior, and
other common job-related expectations (committee work, reporting, etc.) |
| Professional Portfolio in Science |
| Course Number |
DTT1 |
| Credits |
6.0 |
The professional portfolio is a written document containing a comprehensive Teacher
Work Sample. It provides direct evidence of the teacher candidate’s ability to design
and implement a multiweek, standards-based unit of instruction; assess student
learning; and then reflect on the learning process. The WGU Teacher Work Sample
requires teacher candidates to plan and teach a multiweek, standards-based
instructional unit consisting of seven components: (1) contextual factors, (2) learning
goals, (3) assessment, (4) design for instruction, (5) instructional decision making, (6)
analysis of student learning, and (7) self-evaluation and reflection. |
Program description: Our online geoscience degree prepares you to teach high school earth science. The B.A. in Science (Geosciences, 5-12) with its specialization in earth science (geosciences) teaches you the skills and knowledge in general science, advanced geoscience, and teaching methods necessary to become a highly qualified high school earth science teacher.
Who the program is for:
Individuals with a considerable science background (geoscience-specific is helpful) who need a bachelor’s degree and want to become a high school earth science teacher.
Unlicensed substitute teachers, career changers, retired military personnel, school paraprofessionals, and others who feel the call to teach.