地球科学在公众认知和积极科学研究中都正在成为一个极为重要的领域。我们的生活和未来取决于我们对家乡星球的深刻理解。国家科学教育标准通过高度重视地球科学作为所有年级科学教育的核心领域来强调这一转变，为准备初始教师执照，高级教师教育或辅助教育课程的学生提供该硕士学位。
Earth science is emerging in both public perception and active science research as a profoundly important field. Our lives and future depend on the depth of our understanding of our home planet. The National Science Education Standards underscore this transformation through a strong emphasis on Earth Science as a core domain of science education at all grade levels.This master's degree is offered to students preparing for initial teacher licensure, advanced teacher education, or ancillary educational programs.