Best Online Geology Degree In 2023: Cost, Requirements, & Timeline

In today’s world, becoming a geoscientist requires more education than it did in the past. For this reason, Geology schools have created online geology degree options, allowing students to take some or even all of their courses online.

Professionals can now complete a degree program and pass the National Certification Exam while working full-time.

Suppose you are looking forward to becoming a geoscientist or considering expanding your skills or even upgrading your certifications. In that case, you can use the accredited online geology degree programs highlighted in this article.

Furthermore, each program has varying admissions requirements, duration, and curricula. we will guide you on how to choose an option that is best for you.

But before we dive into that, there is useful information about online degrees in geology that you need to know. The table below will guide you through the available options.

What is Geology?

Geology, as defined by Wikipedia, is a science concerned with studying the Earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the processes by which they change over time.

Geology, as a career, is a very interesting and rewarding career. Geologists find career opportunities in a variety of settings. (https://lapress.org) They can find work in natural resource companies, environmental consulting agencies, government agencies, and universities, where they can take positions as lecturers.

So, we can say a geologist is someone who works to understand the history of the planet we live on and further use this knowledge to predict the future better and explain current occurrences.

Why Online Geology Degree?

Generally, online education saves costs, you don’t have to worry about accommodation, transportation, and every other cost associated with on-campus learning.

Today, online geology programs are ranked among the world’s most prominent and renowned study practices. They rank in annual publications such as the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings, U.S. News & World Report, Washington Monthly, and many others.

These programs are loaded with experienced staff and also have the latest technologies for students to gain knowledge and experience.

Additionally, graduates of top online geology schools work in numerous fields of hydrology. 

Others go on to successfully obtain positions in post-graduate residency programs across the US. 

In fact, after graduation from a top geology school online, you can boast of skills to help those in need and make a real difference in people’s lives. 

How Does Online Geology Programs Work?

Just like every other distant program, an online geology class uses the Learning Management System.

The LMS method includes the use of Blackboard, Canvas, and Moodle, which provides an accessible exchange of information between you and your instructor.

During online classes, you receive your study materials, lectures, and assignments via email or some file transfer system. You submit course assignments through LMS by posting on discussion forums and submitting tasks through applicable links.

Another option for online classes involves the use of an online proctoring service.

This helps to monitor students as they work. It also permits degree candidates to take assessments away from campus and provides schools with confidence that students honestly earned their grades.

If you exhibit any form of cheating or malpractice, the service may alert the school.

What Is the Average Cost of Enrolling In a Good Online Geology program?

The total average cost of enrolling in an accredited geology degree online varies according to school. Some institutions charge higher than others, which most often depends on the number of programs offered.

In summary, the cost of acquiring a geology degree online can range from $65,000 to $200,000. Despite the costs, a geology degree is generally considered one of the most promising within the healthcare field.

How Long Does It Take To Complete An Online Geology Program?

Online Geology programs offer you the degree to become a Geoscientist or Geologist. Most schools offer a Master’s program, while others provide both undergraduate and postgraduate options. Online geology coursework typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete.

Online Geology Program Accreditation

A good online geology program must be accredited and recognized by the designated accrediting organization(s).

The top geology schools we have highlighted in this article are all recognized. This is part of the reason why they make a list, as well as why you should apply to them.

Individuals interested in online education should check out 4 Great European Distance Learning Universities

What Are The Top Geology Degrees Online?

Below is a list of schools that offer online Geology programs arranged in no particular order. However, the basics of our selection of these schools are their rankings, accreditation, acceptance rate, tuition, graduation rate, and other relevant factors.

We got our data from reliable sources, testimonials, interviews, and also by contacting individual schools.

  • University of Florida
  • Texas A&M University
  • Southern New Hampshire University
  • Penn State University-World Campus
  • Western Governors University

#1.University of Florida

Tuition: $6,360

The University of Florida’s online program is one of the best in the country. UF ranks top for best value online degree in geology.

This school offers a program leading to a bachelor of arts in geology. Graduates of this program begin their professional lives as coastal geologists, mineralogists, volcanologists, wellsite geologists, or geochemists. 

Visit School

#2.Texas A&M University

Tuition: $18,144

 Texas A&M University provides a flexible 18months online program through its College of Geosciences. It’s a non-thesis professional program designed specifically for professionals in the petroleum industry. 

Students can choose between study tracks in geographic information science and technology, petroleum data management, and ocean data science.

Visit School

#3. Southern New Hampshire University

Tuition: $320 per credit

Another renowned online geology degree program is that of the Southern New Hampshire University(SNHU).

This flexible program features a total of 120 credits and allows students to earn a degree while working.

Students learn how to analyze data and use the latest technology to study all aspects of the earth and present their findings.

Visit School

#4. Penn State University-World Campus

Tuition: $13,545

Penn State University offers accredited online geology degree programs for individuals seeking a master of education in earth sciences.

Amazingly, the degree or certificate issued to online students is the same one the on-campus students receive.

The program curriculum features a wide range of topics at all levels. Students can explore the available programs by topic area, or proceed directly to the graduate or undergraduate listings.

Visit School

#5. Western Governors University

Tuition: $6,450

Western Governors University(WGU) offers a respected business degree to individuals who wish to expand their skill set and prepare for teacher licensure in all 50 states.

This program is very flexible. That means students don’t have to log into classes, so that they can do their coursework any time, day or night.

The curriculum features over 30 bachelor’s, post-baccalaureate, endorsement-preparation, and master’s degree programs in education.

Visit School

How Much Can I Earn With a Degree In Geology?

People who study geology find job opportunities with robust pay. Usually, geologists earn an average yearly salary of $91,130.

 Depending on how skilled a geologist is, his salary may start from $49,430 and then up to $187,990 over time. This is according to a report from careerexplorer.

According to BLS, the employment of geoscientists is projected to grow by 6 percent from 2018 to 2028, as fast as the average for all occupations.

What Is The Job Outlook Of Graduates With an Online Geology Degree?

Before you enroll in an online geology degree program, ensure that you also consider the job outlook for that position.

Nevertheless, data from the US Bureau of Labour Statistics shows that the Overall employment of geoscientists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2018 to 2028, as fast as the average for all occupations.

Also, Careerexplorer speculates that the job outlook for geologists is positive. Although salaries may tend to be lower because commodity prices do not drive them, graduates will still have stable opportunities.

Conclusion

Getting a geology degree online is possible. However, not all institutions feature these options. Therefore, if you are a working professional in this field and considering a distant learning option. Carefully follow our guidelines in this article and take advantage of our top program. You learn in a way that benefits you.

Frequently Asked Questions on Online Geology Degrees

Do online and on-campus geology courses have the same calendar?

In most cases yes! Online classes start and end at the same calendar time as the on-campus courses. Online students receive the same certification as on-campus students.

Why should I choose online degrees?

Generally, online degrees are flexible. However, a typical online geology degree program may take about 12 months to complete.

How much is an online geology degree program?

The Average Cost across all online geology degree programs ranges from $2,000 to $10,000.

References

We Also Recommend

Does this article meet your immediate needs? If yes, please kindly share it with your friends. Also, do well to share your opinion in the comment section below.

You May Also Like