Earth Science Teacher’s Certificate Program (BS)

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Geography, Planning and Environment Department information

Program advisor: R. Repic

The Teacher’s Certificate Program (TCP) is designed to meet the needs of future teachers of secondary Earth Science. This program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree.

Completion of a Teacher’s Certificate minor in an MDE-approved program is required. Note: the Michigan Department of Education does not allow a course to be counted toward the credit requirements of both a major and a minor.

Professional requirements are to be completed in three phases, in sequence, during which the student creates an Individual Major Portfolio. A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required in each course.

In addition, for progression from phase to phase and completion of the program, a minimum GPA of B (3.0) or higher in the content coursework and minimum GPAs of B- (2.7) or higher in the professional coursework and overall, are required.

Discipline-Specific Requirements (29-31 credits)

A. Core Courses

ESS 150 - Energy and Climate (4)
ESS 151 - Earth System Science (4)
ESS 265 - Geology of Michigan (3).
ESS 272 - Principles of Hydrology (3).
ESS 282 - Weather, Climate and Oceanography (4)
GEO 304 - Remote Sensing of the Environment (3).
ESS 331 - Geomorphology and Soils (3).
One from:
ESS 370 - Field Problems (3-4).
ESS 372 - Biogeography (3).
ESS 489 - Geoscience Teaching Practicum (1).
AST 120 - Survey of Astronomy (4)
Required of students who have transferred ESS 150 or ESS 151 or who do not have a combined average grade of 3.0 in these courses taken at UM-Flint:
GEO 499 - Independent Study (1-3). (elected for 2 credits)

B. Electives (6 credits)

At least 6 additional credits in astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, physical geography, or resource planning courses selected with the advisor’s consent. These courses may not be used toward the TCP minor.

C. Minor

A Teacher’s Certificate Minor in an MDE-approved program offered at UM-Flint.

D. Additional Requirements

Completion of the General Education Requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), to include one from:

URP 115 - World Regional Geography (3)
URP 116 - Human Geography (3)

Professional Requirements

A. Course Requirements

B. Transition Requirements

Acceptance to Phase II

Completion of at least 55 credits (junior standing), including at least 18 credits in the major and 12 in the minor.
Interview with the TCP advisor, to include discussion of the Dispositions Inventory and pieces for the Individual Major Portfolio.
Successful completion of the MTTC Professional Readiness Examination (PRE).
Completion and acceptance of an application to Phase II, including a felony/misdemeanor form.

Acceptance to Phase III

Completion of at least 85 credits (senior standing), including at least 90% of the major and minor requirements.
Interview with the TCP advisor, to include discussion of the Dispositions Inventory and pieces for the Individual Major Portfolio.
Completion and acceptance of an application to Phase III, including a felony/misdemeanor form.

Recommendation for Teacher Certification

Completion of at least 124 credits, including all major and minor requirements.
Exit interview with the TCP advisor, to include discussion of the completed Individual Major Portfolio and results of the Student Teaching Evaluation.
Completion of the MTTC (Michigan Test for Teacher Certification) subject area test in the major and minor (where applicable), with a passing score on the major area test.
Completion of an advanced and valid course in first aid and adult and child CPR from an approved provider.
Completion of all paperwork necessary for certification, including a felony/misdemeanor form.

Prospective candidates should also study the section entitled General Requirements for Teacher Certification .

Minimum Credits for the Degree: 124 credits