The Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences offers a master's degree specialization in Geoscience Education. Applicants admitted to the program must be licensed to teach secondary school Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) (6-12) or licensed to teach in the elementary school (K-9) and who are actively seeking a science endorsement. Successful completion of this specialization will provide the student with the courses and background necessary to pass the State of Illinois Science Content Exam. After successful completion of the program and passing the Illinois State Exam, students may apply for their Earth and Space and/or Environmental Science Endorsement(s) through the State of Illinois. Other endorsements such as teacher-leadership are also possible depending upon the individual's selection of elective course work. The central goal of the program is to empower teachers to implement generative and transformative pedagogy by using research-based instructional practices and geoscience content. Five strands permeate the program: (1) active learning through such approaches as project-based learning and inquiry, (2) adolescent identity development, (3) meeting the challenges of diverse and special needs students, (4) assessment of student learning in science, and (5) geoscience content knowledge. All participants will show mastery of these strands through experiences targeting action research and teacher leadership.