We've compiled the most up-to-date information on these fully or mostly online Online Geosciences degree programs across the U.S. This data is accurate as of March 21, 2025. We carefully reviewed quality, affordability, and student outcomes to bring you the best options. Explore our updated rankings below to find the program that's right for you.
This bachelor’s degree program, offered by one of the top 10 geography schools in the nation, gives you the tools to map your own path. Geographic Information Systems Technology (GIST) is on the rise in every industry, so you’ll have career options ranging from app developer to volcanologist. Arizona’s program stands out from the pack via expert faculty who balance GIST fundamentals with key growth areas, allowing students to gain the experience needed to enter the high-tech workforce. This is achieved by emphasizing cutting-edge coursework in cartography, geo-visualization, web and mobile applications, and open source programming, all of which give you an edge over the competition. They also offer a strong remote sensing science component developed by top research faculty. This undergraduate program focuses on professional GIS and applied GIS, which are vital for students looking to obtain a job right out of college. You’ll complete applied, project-based coursework and a senior capstone project tailored to you and the professional skills you want to build for your career. Arizona’s GIST programs are based on the U.S. Department of Labor’s Geospatial Technology Competency Model, meaning you’ll have a clear path to your career as soon as you graduate. The BS-GIST is a 120-credit hour bachelor’s degree program. Students take 14 classes in their major, training in GISystems and technologies, basic programming for GIS, and application of GIST to web and mobile environments.
["ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online", "Data science", "Data visualization", "Geoprocessing", "GIS analysis", "Python programming", "Quality assurance and control", "Remote sensing", "Web mapping"]
The Bachelor of Science in Geosciences offers an in-depth concentrated study of geological sciences. Coursework includes igneous and metamorphic geology, petrology and petrography, as well as stratigraphy and sedimentation.
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WGU's online earth science education degree program focuses on competencies including astronomy, geology, meteorology, and oceanography. The curriculum is designed to prepare you for a meaningful career teaching geosciences in middle schools and high schools across America. This affordable, online program leads to teacher licensure. You will study general science, advanced earth science, and teaching methods necessary to become a highly qualified earth science teacher. The online earth science curriculum was developed with significant input from experts and educational leaders and is nationally recognized by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). The program also includes a home science lab kit to complete lab experiments at home. Students will take seven professional core courses that will prepare them to handle unique educational situations and become better teachers. These education courses focus on a variety of important topics including social and emotional learning, and technology and diversity inclusion in the classroom. Augmented reality experiences are incorporated to give students the opportunity to practice their work before entering the classroom. Some courses may be waived through transfer from previous college experience.
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The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences degree in Earth, Society and Environmental Sustainability (ESES) that can be taken online. The online option is available to both current and future students of the university. Students can specialize in environmental consulting, sustainability policy, geographic information science, sustainable business, and more. The online degree is the same as the on-campus degree, with the same world-class professors, courses, resources, and B.S. degree. The program is open to students transferring to the University of Illinois with at least one year (about 30 credit hours) of previous college credit. The majority of classes are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework off-campus and in any timezone, including readings, lectures, lessons, discussion forums, quizzes, and assignments. Courses may also have final papers, projects and exams. Some elective major classes have optional live discussions in the evenings or weekends.
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The Broadcast and Operational Meteorology Program (BOMP) online at Mississippi State University provides a wide variety of meteorology courses tailored for professionals and weather enthusiasts alike. It's designed for broadcast meteorologists seeking specialized training and anyone wanting deeper knowledge in operational, applied meteorology. The program aims to further develop skills in operational meteorology and is open to individuals from various professional backgrounds, including journalists, educators, military personnel, National Weather Service employees, private sector meteorologists, and general hobbyists. The curriculum requires 124 credit hours to earn the Bachelor of Science degree.
["Operational Meteorology", "Applied Meteorology", "Weather Forecasting", "Climatology"]
Southern New Hampshire University's Bachelor of Science (BS) in Geosciences degree program offers a strong foundation in the physical sciences with a focus on geography, geology, earth systems science, physics, chemistry and spatial awareness. Once enrolled, you'll learn analytical, technical and communication strategies that can help you tackle complex environmental issues from instructors with real-world experience. Emphasizing geoscience data and practical problem-solving, this program's curriculum provides essential skills for safeguarding public health, managing resources and protecting the environment. You'll work with hands-on lab kits and may participate in volunteer, internship and experiential learning opportunities that can further enhance your marketability to employers. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to tailor your degree through 21 free elective credits or the addition of a concentration.
["Research methods to solve geoscience problems", "Tools, technologies and scientific principle applications", "Data analysis techniques to study Earth's systems/resources", "Evidence-based and ethically responsible practices", "Communication of technical information to diverse audiences"]
The environmental sciences bachelor’s degree online from Oregon State University equips students with the skills to think critically, analyze complex problems, and devise innovative solutions to protect our natural world. This interdisciplinary program combines science, math, and policy to develop a holistic understanding of environmental systems. Students learn from Oregon State faculty who are experts in biological, physical, and social sciences, and they specialize in an area that aligns with their passions.
["Field sampling (water/air/soil/vegetation)", "Data analysis", "GIS", "Remote sensing", "Wetland delineation", "Environmental technical writing", "Environmental problem-solving"]
The Bachelor of Arts in geology is best suited for students interested in careers in education or environmental policy making. The degree also allows students flexibility to pursue advanced degrees in environmental law or environmental medicine. The Bachelor of Arts in Geology provides knowledge of the basic concepts related to earth materials and processes, and how to collect and organize geological data in the field. Through laboratory and field-based exercises, students will learn how to interpret geologic maps and cross sections, and to understand the application of the scientific method to solve these problems in teams and individually. Geology majors learn about the Earth's physical environment including climate, non-renewable geological resources, renewable geological resources, geological hazards and remediation as well as basic skills required by geologists. These skills and the geological perspective open doors to employment in government agencies and private firms that deal with water management, mining and petroleum exploration, climate change, the environment and education.
["Identify, describe and define the basic concepts related to earth materials and processes.", "Collect data in the field.", "Organize geologic, temporal, and spatial data.", "Interpret geologic maps and cross sections.", "Interpret results using the scientific method.", "Produce a clearly and effectively written synthesis of data collected in the field.", "Work in teams to solve geologic problems and to present the results of such collaboration effectively."]
The Bachelor of Arts in Geology online degree program prepares students for a wide array of careers related to earth science, natural resource management, the environment, environmental law, Earth-Space science teaching or other fields where knowledge of the Earth, its resources and their sustainability are required. Geology majors learn about the Earth’s physical environment including climate, non-renewable geological resources, renewable geological resources, geological hazards and remediation as well as basic skills required by geologists. These skills and the geological perspective open doors to employment in government agencies and private firms that deal with water management, mining and petroleum exploration, climate change, the environment and education. The online Bachelor of Arts in Geology is best suited for students interested in careers in education or environmental policymaking. The degree also allows students flexibility to pursue advanced degrees in environmental law or environmental medicine.
["Research", "Analytics", "Data Management", "Critical Thinking", "Collaboration"]
The Department of Geosciences offers undergraduate degree programs leading to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in either Geography, Geology, or Climate Change. Students can pick and choose between traditional and fully online classes, with opportunities to engage in a wide variety of research, both taking place in key areas in South Florida and across the world. A grade of “C” or better is required in all courses taken in the department that are part of the minimum degree requirements. The University’s foreign language graduation requirement for B.A. and B.S. degrees must also be met.
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The B.S. in Environmental and Geographic Sciences, Geoscience Concentration, is a 120-credit program providing students with broad understanding of geosciences with a focus on a human-earth interaction. Coursework is designed for development of communication, critical thinking, field and technical skills, such as GIS and remote sensing. This fully online geoscience concentration is specifically designed for community college transfer students. All courses are offered online, synchronously with on-campus courses, using blackboard as delivery platform.
["GIS/mapping technician", "Transportation analyst", "Junior geologist", "Geological field technician", "Junior hydrologist", "Environmental project manager", "Water resource manager", "Geohazard mitigation planer", "Earth science teacher"]
The online B.S. in Environmental and Geographic Sciences is a 120-credit program providing students with a broad understanding of geosciences, focusing on human-earth interaction. All courses are online and delivered asynchronously using Canvas as a delivery platform.
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Liberty University's online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Geography degree provides a fundamental understanding of how geography influences people’s lives. The program covers regional and global geography, geographic information systems, and more. Students can gain valuable geographic knowledge applicable to multiple career paths. The curriculum includes topics such as geographic research methods, human geography, and regional studies in geography. Students gain fundamental skills needed for specialization courses and explore geographic information systems (GIS). The program also allows students to pick a specialization. A capstone course at the end of the degree program allows you to display your proficiency, ingenuity, and readiness to embark on a successful career.
["Understanding of regional and global geography", "Geographic Information Systems (GIS)", "Geographic research methods", "Human geography"]
The University of North Alabama's Bachelor of Science in Sustainability program prepares students to positively impact the quality of life for future generations in a changing world. The program focuses on primary economic sectors of Sustainability, including Food and Agriculture, Energy Resources, Water Resources, and Waste. Students will study factors contributing to Earth’s changing climate, investigate issues in the sustainability of global ecosystems, explore the application of sustainable practices in business, and learn about the necessity of incorporating environmental justice in public policies. The addition of an online option empowers students to create a flexible schedule and allow time for internships while staying connected to campus and instructors. Through coursework and experiential learning opportunities, graduates will acquire the necessary tools for careers in Sustainability or further graduate studies.
["Understanding of climate change factors", "Investigation of sustainability issues in global ecosystems", "Application of sustainable practices in business", "Understanding of environmental justice in public policies"]
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers an online Bachelor of Arts degree in Geology for students interested in the study of our planet and its physical characteristics. This degree prepares students for careers related to earth science and natural resource management. After graduation, students typically pursue careers in water management, government agencies, and climate research. This undergraduate degree also serves as a precursor to graduate studies in environmental law and environmental medicine.
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