Online Geology Degrees 2025

Although you may think of geology as the study of rocks and minerals, it's actually a broader natural science discipline that studies the physical structure and processes of the earth, its environmental components (such as water), and its sources of energy.

In recent years, it has become possible to earn a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Master of Science in geology entirely online.

A geology degree provides you with the opportunity for many exciting careers. Geology is an especially appealing area of study if you like to be outdoors in the field performing hands-on activities, as well as working with data analytics online.

Geology career options may include becoming one of the following:

• oceanographer or coastal geologist
• hydrogeologist
• geochemist
• mineralogist
• volcanologist
• engineering geologist
• petroleum geologists
• environmental geologist
• mining geologist
• paleontologist

Online Undergraduate Geology Degrees

The following universities offer online bachelor's degrees in geology or geosciences.

1. Southern New Hampshire University

You can earn a Bachelor of Science in geosciences online at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). The program requires 120 credits, and tuition per credit hour is $320 per credit.

SNHU's program provides a focus on geography, geology, earth systems science, physics, and chemistry, with concentration options in data analytics in science and also natural resources and conservation.

SNHU features a broad-based geoscience approach that goes beyond geology. This includes: *hands-on lab kits

• a data analysis focus
• volunteer, internship, and experiential learning opportunities

2. University of Florida

The University of Florida offers a 124-credit Bachelor of Arts in geology online. Tuition and fees per credit hour are only $129.18, one of the nation's best educational bargains.

The University of Florida program provides an ideal liberal arts degree for students interested in careers in education, environmental policymaking, environmental law, or environmental medicine.

It features:

• extremely affordable tuition
• a 'Grandparent Waiver' of out-of-state costs for students with grandparents residing in Florida
• in-depth skill development in data management, research, analytics, critical thinking, and collaboration

3. University of North Dakota

The School of Engineering and Mines at the University of North Dakota (UND) is home to an online 125-credit Bachelor of Science in geology degree program. Tuition and fees per credit hour are $683, regardless of state of residence.

UND's program provides two concentrations in petroleum geology and in water resources and an optional teacher certification.

Special features of this online geology program include asynchronous classes, some campus visits, a five-week field camp, and 10-day spring trips to exotic geological formations.

With automatic academic scholarships for qualified incoming students, 74% of undergrad students receive financial aid (averaging $13,000 per year).

Online Graduate Degrees in Geology

If you're interested in an online master's degree in geology or geosciences, be sure to take a look at the following schools' programs.

1. Ohio University

Ohio University is home to an online Master of Science in geological sciences that requires 30 credit hours. This includes seven courses plus two credits of colloquium, followed by passing a research and technical skills portfolio evaluation.

Tuition per credit hour is $508 for in-state and $527 for out-of-state students.

Program highlights include a non-thesis master's program for working professionals, geoscientists, and geology or earth science teachers that can be completed in three semesters.

The department also provides an optional online certificate (either introductory or advanced graduate) in Geospatial Information Sciences.

2. Texas A&M University

You could earn an online Master of Geosciences at Texas A&M University. Requiring 36 credits, the program incorporates 10 eight-week courses followed by a semester-long capstone experience.

Tuition per credit hour is $910 for Texas residents and $1,254 for non-residents.

Highlights of the A&M program include:

• a non-thesis master's, with the concentrations of geographic information science and technology (GIST) and petroleum data management
• an emphasis on data and petroleum energy careers
• many industry and alumni connections
• courses in oceanography

Earn Your Geology Degree Online

Becoming a geologist takes hard work, but as you can see, it will pay off. If you want to earn your geology degree online, be sure to check out one of the online programs listed above.