Earth Sciences
According to NYSED, acceptable studies for certification in earth sciences (grades 7-12) include courses in scientific methods, space systems, atmospheric systems, geological systems, and water systems. Courses in environmental science, conservation and wildlife management, and agriculture are generally applied science courses and, therefore, are not acceptable.
Courses with departmental subject codes (e.g., GEO) are valid for the content area for professional license provided they are not methods courses. In addition, Stony Brook University has found that the courses listed below have met the NYSED requirements in the past; however, this DOES NOT GUARANTEE that these courses will continue to meet this requirement in the future. When in doubt, please check with NYSED prior to registration for any course to determine its acceptability.
New York State Education Department Contact Information
Office of Teaching Initiatives
NYS Education Department (NYSED)
Albany, NY 12234
Telephone: 518.474.3901
Email: tcert@mail.nysed.gov
Web: www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/
Courses
CEB 505 History of the Long Island Environment
CEB 545 The Nature of Science
CEB 556 Ecology
CEB 586 Differentiated Instruction in Science and Math
CEM 573 Long Island's Ocean Beaches*
CEY 507 Long Island's Groundwater*
CEY 525 Ocean Stewardship: Global Science, Local Issues*
*Denotes course that is regularly offered online.
Note: If you have taken a course that is no longer listed above, please submit a NYSED Graduate Course Verification Form (PDF) to the appropriate academic department chairperson to verify that the course meets graduate-level content requirements (include a self-addressed stamped envelope). Once you have received the signed form, submit it to NYSED for final approval. Be sure to keep copies of all documentation and correspondence.
Because NYSED’s Office of Teaching Initiatives is the final authority, Stony Brook University cannot guarantee that NYSED will accept any particular course, even if it has been approved by an academic department.
The information contained on this page was valid as of 8/14/2014.
Statement of Student Responsibility
Students themselves—whether new, returning, or continuing—are responsible for reviewing, understanding, and adhering to their degree and/or certificate program requirements. Students should keep in mind that degree requirements are separate and distinct from requirements for teacher/administrator certification and resulting initial and/or professional licenses. Each student is responsible for reviewing, understanding and adhering to his/her certification requirements. For further information, visit NYSED at http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/relatedmasters.html.