Earth Sciences Microcredential for Teachers

This 18-credit (to 19-credit) microcredential, which can be completed fully-online, supports in-service teachers by providing coursework to be applied toward their Supplemental Certification and/or Professional Certification in Earth Science in New York State. Supplemental certification includes 12-credits and requires specific district shortages. Professional Certification can be accomplished through successful completion of 18-credits total (12 required and minimum of 6 elective). MCC offerings allow in-service teachers to complete their coursework at one institution, as opposed to piecing together coursework from multiple colleges and universities. 

Note: NYSED does not pre-approve coursework for supplementary or additional teacher certifications. In-service teachers must submit their transcripts to NYSED directly to apply for these certifications. For more information on supplementary and additional teaching certifications, please contact your regional certification office. 

The coursework addresses multiple Earth Science competencies and existing course learning outcomes designated by the New York State Education Department, including:

  • Explain complex phenomena, such as tides, variations in day length, solar insolation, apparent motion of the planets, and annual traverse of the constellations.
  • Describe current theories about the origin of the universe and solar system.
  • Use the concepts of density and heat energy to explain observations of weather patterns, seasonal changes, and the movements of Earth’s plates.
  • Explain how incoming solar radiation, ocean currents, and land masses affect steady and variable weather and climate conditions.
  • Describe and explain the formation of Earth’s physical features of the continents and oceans.
  • Explain the properties of Earth materials in terms of the arrangement and properties of the atoms that compose them.

Required Courses*:

Elective Courses*:

*  A final grade of C or higher must be earned in each course. Courses may be taken in any order except GEO 101 is required to be completed prior to GEO 102. Course offerings are subject to change depending on demand and staffing.

Note:  Each course link above will bring you to a course description.

Questions? Contact Professor Szymanski (jszymanski@monroecc.edu), Professor Colosimo (acolosimo@monroecc.edu), or Professor Barone (jbarone@monroecc.edu).