Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. How long is the program?
A. The program has been designed to be completed in four years and a fifth Licensure year. About two thirds of the classes are in Earth and allied Sciences with the balance being in the College of Education. Students must coordinate with the advisor in the College of Education.Q. I am a transfer student from a Community College in Utah. How do I determine which of the courses I have taken will count toward the ESCT major?
A. In most cases all your math, chemistry, physics, meteorology, and American Institution courses will count. Lower division Earth Science and some Education courses will count (see schedule). An advisor will work out a schedule for you. Just over half of the courses in the program can be taken at the Community College level. The "transfer checklist" should serve as a starting point, but check with an advisor for any possible changes to the current list.Q. I am a transfer student from out of state. How do I determine which of the courses I have taken will count towards the ESCT major?
A. In most cases all your math, chemistry, physics, meteorology, and American Institution courses will count. Lower division Earth Science and some Education courses will count (see schedule). An advisor will work out a schedule for you.Q. I have taken MATH 1210. Does that transfer/count?
A. Yes! In most cases higher-level MATH, CHEM and PHYSCS courses can be substituted for lower level courses.Q. Are scholarships available?
A. Yes! Aside from scholarships available through the University all ESCTM students are eligible for College and Department Scholarships. Historically all students with a GPA of 3.0 and higher have been awarded scholarships.Q. Why should I get an Earth Science Composite Teaching degree at the University of Utah?
A. This question has two parts- a) obtaining the degree and b) doing it at the University of Utah. a) i. Science teachers are in high demand in the State. Large projected increases in students in the K-12 over the next decade requires that more teachers be trained. Particular shortages occur in the field of earth sciences. It is highly desirable to fill the earth science teaching positions with candidates that are both excited to teach earth science and that are certified to teach in the field. We plan to take advantage of this opportunity to meet the demand especially for Earth Science teachers. ii. The Earth Earth Science Composite Teaching Major integrates knowledge from all fields of science and therefore is uniquely suited to address socially relevant issues such as water quality, global warming, earthquake hazards, landslides, drought to name a few. b) i. The Earth Science Composite Teaching Major has been entirely revised for 2003 and updated in 2011. Subject matter and teaching pedagogy are now closely aligned with Utah State Office of Education (USOE) and National Science Education Standards (NSES). ii. Transition from Community College preparation to the University of Utah has been streamlined. iii. Program instructors are dedicated to providing the highest quality instruction. Many Faculty have have been recognized for their teaching at the Departmental level, the College level and at the University level. The facuty teaching in the major (Earth Science [GEO] courses) is large and has diverse interests (10 faculty members). Almost all instructors have given presentations in Elementary, Junior High or Senior High School. iv. Many courses have field trips to Salt Lake Valley locations exposing students to the diverse geology in their immediate backyards. v. The Department of Geology and Geophysics provides students access to sophisticated analytical equipment and computer facilities. vi. The College of Education has recently revised their course offerings to closely allign with NCATE standards and streamline the process for students. Scholarships are avaliable for all students that maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better. viii.The University is easily reached by public transportation.Q. What are my teaching career options in Utah?
A. Completion of the program will lead to endorsement in Physical Science, Earth Science and Integrated Science. Courses in these subject areas are taught in the 7th, 8th and 9th grades in most Utah schools. Some schools have high school earth science or geoscience courses. Private schools also offer numerous possibilities.Q. Is there available parking at the U?
A. Yes! If you live in the dorms you can take the free campus shuttle to all of your classes. If you commute, take TRAX or bus- they are free to U of U students. If you commute by car there is plenty of parking on the north end of campus where the College of Earth Science and Engineering is located. The College of Education has scheduled many of its courses in the late afternoon and evening to accommodate working students.