This degree firmly grounds future teachers and curriculum specialists in earth science—including physical and applied geology, oceanography, the planets, field methods, etc. Students also explore biology, chemistry, physics, math, and the philosophies of science for a well-rounded program.
This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
This program is nationally recognized by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
If you're fascinated by geology and interested in teaching high-school students about science, earning a degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis on Earth Science is the way to go. Not only will you take Earth Sciences classes, you'll also complete teacher-preparation courses to earn recommendation for your certification.
As an Earth Sciences teacher, you'll motivate and inspire your students to love the sciences. You'll graduate with the knowledge and teaching skills necessary to lead a productive classroom and shape an exceptional educational experience for every student you reach.
Note: In addition to being admitted to the university, you must also meet the additional admission requirements and apply for admission to the Professional Education Programs.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
This degree plan is support through the NAUTeach program.
Candidates in this program are required to demonstrate content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and skills, professional knowledge, and professional dispositions to be eligible to enter student teaching or internship placements.
Content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge or skills, professional dispositions are demonstrated through candidate performance on key assessments embedded in the following course(s):
Please note that students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Students may transfer up to 69 units of credit from a Maricopa community college. Contact your advisor for details.
Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
Major GPA | 2.5 |
Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 125 |
Additional Admission Requirements | Required |
Student Teaching/Supervised Teaching | Required |
University Honors Program | Optional |
AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Licensure | This program may lead to licensure. |
Purpose Statement
The NAUTeach program is a challenging undergraduate course of study solely designed to prepare mathematics and science teachers for grades 6-12. The program emphasizes the pre-service teacher’s ability to develop research-based pedagogy through a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) focused, field intensive, rigorous curriculum. This allows undergraduate students to be highly supported by faculty who specialize in mathematics and science education research and Master Teachers that have years of professional classroom experience. Our program is designed for students with strong skills in mathematics or science seeking certification to teach biology, chemistry, physics, Earth sciences, general science, or mathematics at the secondary level.
The NAUTeach program, modeled after the successful UTeach program at the University of Texas, provides opportunities for you to:
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Students may transfer up to 69 units of credit from a Maricopa community college.
This major requires 98 units distributed as follows:
Take the 98 units outlined below. A minimum NAU cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required. For all Major Requirements coursework, a passing grade is required or a grade of “C” or better is required for courses evaluated on an A-F scale. Additionally, a GPA of 2.5 in major requirements and a grade of “B” or better in at least two of the following three Teacher Preparation courses TSM 350, TSM 404, and TSM 450 is required. TSM 350, TSM 404 and TSM 450 may be repeated with a grade of “C”.
Major Course Requirements with a Grade of "C" or better
Teacher Preparation Courses (33 units with a grade of “C” or better, except where noted*)
Teacher education programs require a student teaching or internship experience. A minimum number of practicum units are also required, which involves supervised field experience with a practicing teacher. These required experiences are embedded in the major requirements courses.
Before being accepted to student teaching, the following criteria must be met:
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
It is highly recommended that you take POS 220 (3 units) either as one of your electives or to meet one of the liberal studies requirements.
Be aware that Arizona state teacher certification requirements leading to an Institutional Recommendation may change at any time, and may impact program of study requirements.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also take. For prerequisite information, see course information contained in the catalog or your advisor.
This degree plan is supported through the NAUTeach program.