Online Geoscience Degrees: Top Schools and the Challenges of Studying Remotely

What is Geoscience? How does it differ from Geology, Geography, and GIS?

Geosciences is a comprehensive term for multiple earth science disciplines, including geography, geology, and climate science. From geologic history and the development of the earth’s land masses to oceanography, soil science, and weather, geoscientists study the systems and processes of our planet and forecast how they will shape its future.

Studying and pursuing a career in geosciences may involve conducting field research on ecosystems, minerals, and natural resources, or it can encompass analyzing data remotely with geographic information systems (GIS)—or both! If you’re interested in pursuing physical science education, as well as learning to leverage geospatial technology, a geosciences degree may be right for you.

Geoscience and Its Subdisciplines

There are many different concentrations that a geoscientist may specialize in. Depending on the degree program, students can focus on particular disciplines or pursue a general geosciences education that includes the opportunity to hone their skills and specialties after selecting a career path.

Like many scientific fields, geosciences is always evolving. This is due to an ever-changing planet, new research, and evolving technology. New branches may emerge as scientists develop new methods of study, but the following are a few specialties that currently exist.

Geoscience Category	Example Subdisciplines
Environmental Science	Geology is the science and study of earth’s layers and structures (including rocks and minerals), as well as its history (including plate tectonics and volcanic processes).
	Soil Science is the study of the chemical and physical composition of soil
Water Science	Oceanography is the science of currents, seafloor geology, water chemistry, and marine biology.
	Hydrology focuses on rivers and lakes, including the movement of water through landscapes, and how this impacts ecosystems.
Atmospheric Science	Meteorology includes the study of weather patterns and atmospheric forecasting.
	Climatology expands upon meteorology to examine weather patterns over 30+ years and predict long-term changes.
Planetary Science	Astrogeology is the science of rocks and minerals on celestial bodies, such as comets and asteroids, which informs planetary history and reveals insights about the Earth’s structure.
	Cosmology is a specific niche of planetary science that focuses on the history and origin of the universe, using clues from the geology of planets.
Geospatial Science	Geography is the study of the earth’s landforms and water bodies, as well as location science and mapping.
	Geospatial Data Science is a specialty incorporating statistics, big data management, and computer programming to solve spatial challenges and make predictions.

Online Bachelor’s in Geoscience Degrees

A bachelor’s degree in geosciences is a four-year scientific program that teaches students about the earth’s systems, resources, and structures. The core coursework generally includes a foundation in physical and environmental sciences, such as landform geography, hydrology, geology, and even chemistry.

As studies progress, students will be offered the opportunity to take more specialized courses. Some programs include built-in specialties, such as the online Bachelor of Science in Geosciences with a concentration in Broadcast and Operational Meteorology from MS State (a program like this is ideal for a student looking to pursue a career in meteorological applications of geoscience). Alternatively, some programs are more open-ended, allowing students to specialize by offering a variety of concentrations, such as Applied Geology, Astronomy, or Geospatial Science.

Course delivery methods vary from school to school, but many institutions offer live broadcasts, recorded lectures, and online forums for students to collaborate and ask questions. Most require between 120 and 130 credit hours, including both class and lab time, and a balance of core coursework and electives. Some require a final Capstone project.

Limitations of Studying Geoscience Online

It is important to note that many physical sciences can benefit from hands-on experience, from studying rocks and minerals in a lab to exploring geology on field excursions.

Traditionally, these critical educational components are difficult to replicate in an online environment; however, universities have developed workarounds that enable a range of online learning possibilities. Between offering labs entirely online, shipping lab equipment to students’ homes, and requiring minimal on-campus visits, there is a spectrum of options to fulfill lab requirements in an online degree (options vary depending on the university).

For example, the University of North Dakota’s Environmental Geosciences program requires students to attend at least one on-campus lab (Mineralogy), while being highly encouraged to attend a summer geology field course. Other labs, such as Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, Applied Geophysics, and Biology, can be completed online, as well as the rest of the coursework. Alternatively, students in SNHU’s Geosciences program are mailed at-home lab kits to conduct hands-on research anywhere.

Careers for Online Geoscience Students

Holding a degree in geosciences can be a ticket to a career in many different industries, though this is completely dependent on your specialty, concentration, and interests.

If your concentration is in atmospheric sciences, you may be interested in building a career in meteorology or climatology and studying the weather patterns of either a local area or a larger region. This field can inform the daily decisions of local communities or large climate-resiliency actions of entire nations.

If your specialty is more planetary, you may be interested in pursuing roles in astronomy or cosmology. Research institutions and government agencies, including NASA, require geoscientists to explore and investigate space particles, work that helps us better understand our universe, its origins, and its future.

Many geoscientists pursue roles in heavy industry, manufacturing, and mining by leveraging their geology and soil science training to inform safe, efficient, and sustainable construction practices. Similarly, the oil and gas industry relies on geologists and earth scientists to accurately and precisely identify sites, predict energy levels (including from solar, wind, and hydropower), and consult on hazard remediation and decontamination from chemicals.

Alternatively, geoscientists who specialize in oceanography and hydrography may work for environmental firms to consult on conservation projects, groundwater distribution, or ongoing ecosystem changes. The study of wetlands is becoming increasingly important in the fight to protect endangered species; geoscientists can provide a deep understanding of soil composition and water movement. Using geospatial technology, geoscientists can also predict and map surface and subsurface phenomena around the Earth to inform decisions at the local, regional, and national levels.

Some of these roles, particularly in hydrogeology and site remediation, may require a professional geologist (PG) license, depending on the state where you pursue work. If obtaining such a license is important to the specific industry and state you’d like to work in, you want to ensure your geosciences degree specializes in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, or engineering geology. In addition to the degree requirement, this license requires five years of work experience and passing an exam.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in geosciences, you may be interested in pursuing a graduate degree. A broad topic like geosciences may leave you wanting to learn more about your particular concentration, and a specialty graduate program (Geology, Astronomy, Hydrology, etc.) could give you the space to research specific topics.

There are so many directions to go with a geosciences education, and many universities are ready to expand your knowledge.