10 Best Online Geography Degrees 2025

There are a number of top online degrees offered around the country. However, if your passion is geography, you'll want to find a top online bachelor's in geography.

If cost is a concern, there are many affordable online geography degrees, as well as financial aid options that can help lower costs. Keep reading to discover the best online geography degrees.

Best Online Accredited Geography Degree Programs

About two dozen colleges and universities across the U.S. offer online geography degrees. We've highlighted our top picks below.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research institution in Tempe, AZ. It offers an online bachelor's and master's degree in geography.

The bachelor's degree program studies the Earth's surfaces, including landforms, water, plants, weather, and climate. Students can choose from various electives that focus on different geographic specialties, such as geospatial techniques or geographic information systems (GIS).

In the Master of Arts (MA) in geography, students deepen their understanding of the world with courses that not only cover geography but also cover urban planning, climatology, and GIS. An accelerated bachelor's-to-master's track is available that allows students to complete both degrees in less time.

2. Fort Hays State University

At Fort Hays State University, students can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in geoscience with a concentration in geography online. This program primarily covers physical geography, which is about patterns in the natural world, including the atmosphere, oceans, and solid land.

This public university is located in Hays, KS. Students in this bachelor's program can complete certificates in geographic information systems, leadership studies, and sustainability as part of their degree program.

3. Kennesaw State University

An online Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is available through Kennesaw State University. KSU is a public research institution in Kennesaw, GA.

This program allows students to develop an understanding of various aspects of the Earth, including its physical features, how humans modify the Earth, and the relationships between peoples and places. Students also select related electives in the humanities and social sciences, the arts, the physical sciences, business, and other disciplines.

4. Marshall University

Marshall University, a public research institution, offers both bachelor's and master's degrees in geography online. It is based in Huntington, WV.

Two undergraduate degrees are available: a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. The BS focuses on the science of geography with coursework on geographic information systems (GIS), climate, meteorology, waterways, landforms, soils, and ecology.

The BA, meanwhile, explores concepts and issues related to population dynamics and migration, world cultures, political systems, economic development, transportation systems, connectivity and accessibility, development, urban planning, and land use.

Similarly, the Master of Science (MS) in geography focuses on geographic information science and physical geography, while the MA concentrates on human geography and geography education.

5. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University offers an online BA and BS in geography. Both programs provide students with a broad base of knowledge in geography and an understanding of human-environment interrelationships.

ODU, located in Norfolk, VA, is a public research university. It's a national leader in studying the impact of sea level rise due to climate change and is a partner in the Commonwealth Center for Recurrent Flooding Resiliency.

6. Oregon State University

Oregon State University is a public research institution in Corvallis, OR. It offers a BA and an MS in geography and geospatial science online.

In the bachelor's program, students develop the skills to address business, land use, natural resources, planning, transportation, natural hazards, national defense, and public safety challenges worldwide.

The MS at OSU is one of the top online masters in geography available. It teaches students how to blend spatial data analysis and modeling techniques with Earth system science to address issues, such as climate change, resource consumption, geopolitical conflict, public health, environmental justice, and equity.

7. Park University

Students at Park University can earn an online BS in geography. This program provides a strong foundation in geographic and spatial analysis principles within the context of the humanities as well as social and physical sciences.

Park University, located in Parkville, MO, is a private institution. Its geography program is interdisciplinary by nature and covers a range of topics that help graduates understand global political issues that occur between countries, cultures, cities, and regions within countries.

8. South Dakota State University

A BS and a BA in geography are available online at South Dakota State University. The public research institution is based in Brookings, SD.

Both programs study the physical and human features of the Earth's surface. They also offer a variety of elective credit hours so students can tailor their online learning to their intended career path. Multiple internship opportunities are also available.

9. University of Colorado Colorado Springs

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs offers an online BA in geography and environmental studies. It includes four areas of specialization:

• conservation, parks, and outdoor recreation
• general geography and environmental science
• geology
• sustainability

UCCS is the Colorado Springs campus of the University of Colorado system. It offers internships and research opportunities that interested students can use to supplement their online courses.

10. University of Florida

The University of Florida is a public research institution in Gainesville, FL. It offers an online BA in geography that provides students with career-ready skills like geographic information systems, remote sensing, aerial photo interpretation, spatial analysis, modeling, database handling, and computer-based cartography.

The core curriculum focuses on human geography. Students can choose a specialization in environmental geosciences, which adds courses focused on topics like earth materials and GIS.

Our Selection Criteria

To choose the programs on this list, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All schools listed hold regional accreditation.
• Type: Each school is a four-year public or private nonprofit institution.
• Online Offerings: All schools offer a range of online programs and are highly ranked for their online offerings.

What To Expect from an Online Geography Degree Program

Generally speaking, online geography programs provide students with a strong foundation in both physical and human geography. Physical geography studies the natural features of the earth, while human geography focuses more on things like human populations and cultures.

Most online programs offer courses asynchronously, meaning that while courses have set due dates, online students can complete their coursework at a time that works for them. For many, this is a much more flexible option than on-campus programs, which require you to appear in person at set times each week.

Many programs require students to participate in case studies, internships, or research/capstone projects to showcase what they've learned throughout their degree. Additionally, some schools offer accelerated online geography degrees that allow students to fast-track their online learning.

Choosing a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Geography

Bachelor of Arts programs usually allow for more elective options than Bachelor of Science programs. Additionally, a BS in geography is more likely to focus on physical geography, natural sciences, and GIS, while a BA will focus more on human geography and social sciences.

Some schools don't give you an option between a BS and a BA in geography. However, others, like Arizona State, Marshall University, Old Dominion, and South Dakota State listed above, allow you to choose between the two.

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Program in Geography?

At many schools, the only admissions requirements for online geography programs are that you're admitted into the school. This requires a high school diploma or equivalent, and may also require a minimum GPA, personal essays, or letters of recommendation.

However, before you start diving into the geography major courses, you may need to complete general education courses or prerequisites. It depends on the school.

If you're pursuing a degree completion program, you will need an associate degree or a certain number of transfer credits. Some schools offer college credit for military training, standardized exams, or life experience.

To apply to a master's program, you'll need a bachelor's degree and usually a minimum GPA. You may also need GRE scores, personal essays, letters of recommendation, or a resume.

Geography Courses and Curriculum

Geography degrees usually cover a range of topics in human and physical geography. Your online education may include courses on:

• cartography
• environmental science and climate change
• geographic information science
• geospatial technology
• global sustainability
• human and physical geography
• regional geography and planning
• remote sensing and spatial analysis

Scholarships for Online Geography Majors

All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what types of financial aid they're eligible for. There are many online colleges that accept FAFSA, including those listed above.

Additionally, there are geography-specific scholarships that students can pursue to lower their tuition rates. We've highlighted a few below.

Abraham Anson Memorial Scholarship

Award Amount: $2,000

Application Deadline: Not listed

The Abraham Anson Memorial Scholarship is offered through the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS). It provides a scholarship and one year of ASPRS membership to students pursuing scientific research or education in geospatial science or technology related to photogrammetry remote sensing surveying and mapping.

Geoscience Inclusion, Diversity, Equality, and Accessibility Scholarship

Award Amount: $2,500

Application Deadline: June 30

The Association for Women Geoscientists (AWG) offers the Geoscience Inclusion, Diversity, Equality, and Accessibility (IDEA) scholarship. This scholarship is for undergraduate women in various geosciences fields, including geography, who identify in one or more historically marginalized or underserved communities.

Marble-Boyle Undergraduate Achievement Award

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Deadline: October 31, 2025

The Marble-Boyle Undergraduate Achievement Award is offered through the American Association of Geographers (AAG). This award is for undergraduate students who are putting forth a strong effort to bridge geographic science and computer science as well as to encourage other students to embark upon similar programs.

What Can I Do With an Online Geography Degree?

You can pursue several careers with an online geography degree. These include:

• atmospheric scientist
• cartographer
• climatologist
• conservation officer
• geographer
• environmental consultant
• geographic information systems officer
• landscape architect
• meteorologist
• surveyor

Explore Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Today

Start your journey toward a career in geography today by exploring the accredited online programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to request info on admissions, enrollment, start dates, and financial aid.