Prerequisites and Getting Started
If you have questions throughout the admissions process, please contact our admissions counselors.
For admission to Penn State's Graduate School, an applicant must have received, from an accredited institution, a bachelor's degree with requirements substantially equivalent to those at Penn State. (Penn State is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.) All applicants are expected to have earned a junior/senior grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
For your master's degree application to be considered complete, submit the following:
- Statement of professional experience and goals
This 1–2 page original essay should include a description of your professional experience, as well as a clear statement of how your professional goals may be advanced through participation in the M.Ed. in Earth Sciences program. The essay itself should demonstrate your communication skills.
- Professional Sketch or Vita
Included in this document should be a statement about the current status of the applicant's state science teaching certification—if applicable.
- Two letters of recommendation
These letters (from current and former employers, clients, or educators) should attest to your readiness for graduate study and reflect your secondary science teaching experience. Your recommenders should also describe their relationship to you.
- Official transcripts
Official transcripts from each postsecondary institution attended to date.
- Official GRE or MAT test score
Official Graduate Records Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) score should be included with the application portfolio. Applicants can have scores submitted directly from the testing center using Penn State's Institution Code: 2660. *Note—Applicants who are at least 5 years removed from a baccalaureate degree may request a waiver of this requirement. Include with your application a brief statement explaining exactly why you are requesting the waiver and include information regarding how many years you have been removed from formal education, the number of years of teaching experience you have, any education you have received beyond the undergraduate level, and any other information you think would be applicable.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score, if applicable. TOEFL scores must be submitted by all international applicants unless otherwise specified. Please see the Language Proficiency section of the International Students page of the Web site for undergraduate and graduate program requirements. Visit the TOEFL Web site or call 609-771-7100 for more information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
Transcripts and any questions about the application process should be directed to:
Janet Moyer, M.Ed. Earth Science Program
The Pennsylvania State University
2217 Earth-Engineering Sciences Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-1590
E-mail: jqf2@psu.edu
Fax: 814-863-1564
The admissions committee for the master of education in earth sciences meets 3 times annually to review and rank applications. Application due dates are March 15, June 15, and October 15. E-mail notifications are sent 30 days after the application deadlines, and those accepted into the program can expect an official letter to be sent within 10 days of the e-mail notification.
Technical Requirements
Our courses are designed to use technology in a way that enriches the learning experience and helps students communicate and collaborate with faculty and classmates in a productive and convenient way. Technology is an important cornerstone of this program; therefore, we provide "live" support from HelpDesk support staff through real-time chat. Please view the technical requirements for this program.
Applying
Students interested in taking courses while applying for program admission are encouraged to start the program as a "nondegree" graduate. This allows you to begin taking courses, and gives you more time to gather the application materials that are required for program admission. You may take up to 15 credits in nondegree status before submitting your application portfolio.
Nondegree applications are accepted on a continuous basis. However, it is strongly advised that your application be submitted at least one week prior to the first day of class.
After reading through the admissions requirements above, start the application process.
