Online geology degree and courses
Online geology degree and courses are offered at multiple forums. Geology is study of the rocks, minerals, and the forces that shape the earth, like water, wind and earthquakes. Learn about the levels of geology degrees online you can pursue partly or fully online, common courses and career options in the field. Schools offering Environmental Science degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
A geology degree is widely valued by employers when looking for employment as a geoscientist, hydrogeologist, or an environmental attorney. Geology majors also go on to work as a sedimentologist, a geophysicist, and many other important careers that help our environment. The schools we list on our site are accredited degree programs in geology and related fields at the associate and bachelor’s degree levels.
Definition of Geology
Geology is a science that studies the Earth and the materials that it’s made of. It looks at the rocks that the Earth is composed of, the structure of the earth’s materials, and the processes acting upon those materials that cause the Earth to evolve. Through the study of geology we can understand the history of the Earth. Geologists decipher evidence for plate tectonics, the evolutionary history of life, and the past climates the Earth has been through. Geology also includes the study of organisms that have inhabited the planet, and how they’ve changed over time.
Currently we use geology for mineral and hydrocarbon exploration, evaluating water resources, predicting natural hazards, finding remedies for environmental problems, providing insights into past climate change, and geotechnical engineering. Through geology degrees people can study geology, become a geologist, and use their knowledge to improve our Earth.
A Geology Education - An Overview
If you’re interested in studying online geology degree, there are a few different degree options open to you in both undergrad and graduate education. The following are a few options:
- Bachelor of Arts in Geology: The BA in geology degree is intended for students who plan to pursue teacher certification, natural resource management, scientific or technical writing, and other fields that combine a strong liberal arts background with science training. BA classes may include earth materials, minerals, igneous and metamorphic rocks, oceanography, principles of astronomy, deformation of the Earth, sedimentary processes, earth surface processes, and field methods.
- Bachelor of Science in Geology: The BS in geology degree differs from the BA in that it has a strong mathematical component. It’s typically designed for students planning to pursue graduate study in geology, or work as a professional geologist. Courses may include: History of the Earth, Earth materials, deformation of the Earth, sedimentary processes, Earth surface processes, field methods, chemistry, physics, physics in electricity and magnetism, and calculus classes.
- Master of Science in Geology: This is a graduate degree in geology. Master programs are advanced geology degrees with a focus on geology classes. They typically come in both thesis and non-thesis options. Those who want to get a master’s in geology degree must have an undergraduate degree in geology or a closely related science field. Sometimes they’ll let applicants without a bachelor’s degree in geology to take pre-requisite classes before beginning a master’s program. Pre-requisite classes include: physical geology, mineralogy, paleobiology, petrography, geologic field methods, stratigraphy, igneous/metamorphic petrogenesis, structural geology, sedimentary petrogenesis, and introduction to geophysics.
- Doctorate in Geology: A PhD is the highest level of degree a person can get in geology. These programs are designed to develop creative scholarship and to prepare the student for a professional career in the geological sciences. Typically a person chooses a specialization or focus such as geochemistry, geology, geophysics, planetary geology, minerals, or more. Students can be admitted into PhD programs with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in geology. Depending on the previous degree earned, a PhD may take one to two years of study.
In all geology degree levels, the goal is for students to master basic concepts and vocabulary in geology. Through these programs you’ll learn the following materials:
- Plate tectonics
- Origin and classification of rocks and minerals
- Geological time scale and how this relates to major events in the history of Earth and its life
- Geophysical properties of the Earth and crustal deformation
- Processes that shape the surface of the Earth
- Environmental hazards and issues
You’ll also be expected to:
- Develop skills in observing and recording geologic features and processes
- Develop competency in the interpretation of earth science data, including both qualitative and quantitative analyses
- Achieve competence in: locating and interpreting scientific literature,
- Giving oral presentations,
- Using computers at a level consistent with current professional practice
- Be able to express earth science concepts in writing
What Geology online Degrees Are Available?
You can pursue a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science in geology and Ph.D. in geology. People who earn a B.S. in Geology usually pursue advanced degrees. However, in a Master of Science program in geology, your classmates may have a B.S. in Geology or an undergraduate degree in a related field like engineering or physics. The online geology degree or online geoscience degree can be obtain in B.S.
While some schools offer some geology courses online, entire undergraduate degree programs online are extremely rare. Many science lab courses can't be completed online, and fieldwork requires in-person attendance. However, it is possible to earn a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Master of Science in Geology entirely online with taking online geology courses.
Online Degrees Bachelor's and Master's degrees available online
Online Computer, software, completing assignments by due date, degree
Requirements completion within 8 years
Common Courses Soils, hydrology, plate tectonics, chemistry, physics
Career Options Geochemist, mineralogist, government geologist, geology teacher
How Do I Complete My Degree Online?
In an online degree geology program, classes start and end at the same calendar time as the on-campus courses. You do not have to be logged in to the class at a specific time, and instead may view the lectures at your convenience. However, during the course, you may be given assignments that have specific due dates. All of your assignments must be completed by the last day of class.
You may have up to eight years to complete your degree. Students attending part-time take 3-4 years to complete their geology master's degree online. If you choose to attend full-time, you may be able to complete your geology online degree faster. You will need access to specific software, usually available for purchase through the school.
What Topics Will I Study?
In a bachelor's online degree in geology program, you learn how certain rocks and minerals are formed and how to classify them. You study the forces that shape Earth's surface, such as weather and plate tectonics, the movement of the Earth's crust. You may also take classes about soil, hydrology or palaeontology. You can also expect to take classes in math, computers, chemistry and physics.
You will likely have to complete a field course, in which you may spend an entire semester or a summer in the field, practising your skills on a real-world geology project. Some schools offer field courses on-campus, while others offer them only at off-campus sites.
Master's degree students concentrate coursework and thesis projects on a particular area of interest, like earthquake prediction or environmental geology. Ph.D. students take their interest to the next level by completing a dissertation that contributes original research to their chosen area of geology.
What Kinds of Careers Will Be Open to Me?
While you will be qualified for entry-level employment with only a geology bachelor's degree, many graduates choose to pursue either an advanced geology degree or a professional degree for a career that joins the two interests. For example, you could pursue your law degree and work in environmental law.
Geology graduates can find employment as an oceanographer, geochemist or mineralogist, doing direct science research. You could work for the U.S. Geological Survey, or advise state and local agencies on infrastructure planning and policy. Some graduates with advanced degrees also pursue teaching careers.