OnlineBachelorsDegree.Guide

Top Online Geosciences Degree Programs Ranked For 2025

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.

$525 per credit
Online

Key Highlights

["Taught by expert faculty in the field of Geographic Information Systems Technology.", "Emphasis on cutting-edge coursework in cartography, geo-visualization, web and mobile applications, and open source programming.", "Applied, project-based coursework and a senior capstone project tailored to individual professional skills.", "Based on the U.S. Department of Labor\u2019s Geospatial Technology Competency Model for a clear career path."]

Program Description

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.

Program Features

  • Concentrations: null
  • Transfer Credits: Not Accepted

Skills You'll Gain

["ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online", "Data science", "Data visualization", "Geoprocessing", "GIS analysis", "Python programming", "Quality assurance and control", "Remote sensing", "Web mapping"]

Tuition & Costs

  • Cost Per Credit: $525
  • Additional Cost Information:
    This College of Social and Behavioral Sciences major requires a minor (or double major).
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#2
$2,805 - $10,125 per credit
In-Person

Key Highlights

null

Program Description

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.

Program Features

  • Concentrations: ["Concentration in Geography", "Concentration in Geology and Environmental Science"]
  • Transfer Credits: Not Accepted

Skills You'll Gain

null

Tuition & Costs

  • In-State Cost Per Credit: $2,805
  • Out-of-State Cost Per Credit: $10,125
Visit Program Website
Contact school for tuition information
Online

Key Highlights

["Leads to Teacher Licensure", "Nationally recognized curriculum", "Includes a home science lab kit", "Augmented reality experiences for practice", "Flexible, online learning"]

Program Description

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.

Program Features

  • Accreditation: Nationally recognized by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA).
  • Concentrations: null
  • Transfer Credits: Accepted

Skills You'll Gain

null

Tuition & Costs

    Visit Program Website
    #4

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    Earth, Society and Environmental Sustainability B.S.

    $424 per credit
    Online

    Key Highlights

    ["Same degree as on-campus students", "World-class professors and resources", "Flexible, asynchronous online format", "Choice of concentrations", "Financial aid and veteran benefits available"]

    Program Description

    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.

    Program Features

    • Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
    • Concentrations: ["Science in the Earth System", "Society and Environment"]
    • Transfer Credits: Accepted
    • Prerequisites: At least one year (about 30 credit hours) of previous college credit. Composition 1 (or have met this requirement through a sufficiently high ACT score or through AP credit)

    Skills You'll Gain

    null

    Tuition & Costs

    • Cost Per Credit: $424
    • Additional Cost Information:
      Minor course costs such as textbooks or exam proctoring.
    Visit Program Website
    $419 per credit
    Online

    Key Highlights

    ["Tailored for professionals and weather enthusiasts.", "Develops skills in operational, applied meteorology.", "Open to individuals from various professional backgrounds.", "Courses are delivered online via Canvas.", "Instructors are experts and real-life practitioners."]

    Program Description

    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.

    Program Features

    • Concentrations: ["Broadcast and Operational Meteorology"]
    • Transfer Credits: Accepted
    • Prerequisites: High school transcript, ACT or SAT scores (if never attended college), Official transcripts from all previously attended universities or schools

    Skills You'll Gain

    ["Operational Meteorology", "Applied Meteorology", "Weather Forecasting", "Climatology"]

    Tuition & Costs

    • Cost Per Credit: $419
    • Additional Cost Information:
      Instructional Support Fee per credit hour: $25.00. Additional fees may apply. Please refer to the master class schedule for individual course charges.
    Visit Program Website
    #6

    Southern New Hampshire University

    Bachelor of Science (BS) in Geosciences

    $330 per credit
    Online

    Key Highlights

    ["Strong foundation in physical sciences", "Focus on geography, geology, earth systems science, physics, chemistry and spatial awareness.", "Learn analytical, technical and communication strategies", "Tackle complex environmental issues", "Instructors with real-world experience"]

    Program Description

    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.

    Program Features

    • Concentrations: ["Data Analytics in Science", "Natural Resources & Conservation"]
    • Transfer Credits: Not Accepted

    Skills You'll Gain

    ["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"]

    Tuition & Costs

    • Cost Per Credit: $330
    Visit Program Website
    $366 per credit
    Online

    Key Highlights

    ["Gain in-demand skills to stand out in the job market.", "Learn from expert Oregon State faculty with real-world experience.", "Choose a specialization that aligns with your interests.", "Develop a holistic understanding of environmental systems.", "Learn to articulate the connections between human and natural systems and their resulting impacts."]

    Program Description

    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.

    Program Features

    • Concentrations: ["Applied ecology", "Aquatic biology", "Conservation, resources and sustainability", "Earth systems", "Environmental agriculture", "Environmental policy and economics", "Environmental water resources", "Chemistry and the environment", "Education minor", "Geographic information science certificate"]
    • Transfer Credits: Accepted

    Skills You'll Gain

    ["Field sampling (water/air/soil/vegetation)", "Data analysis", "GIS", "Remote sensing", "Wetland delineation", "Environmental technical writing", "Environmental problem-solving"]

    Tuition & Costs

    • Cost Per Credit: $366
    • Additional Cost Information:
      Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.
    Visit Program Website
    #8

    University of Florida

    Geology UF Online

    $4,477 in-state tuition per year
    Online

    Key Highlights

    ["Practical and flexible curriculum", "Strong faculty", "Coursework in several areas of General Education", "Skills linked to employment"]

    Program Description

    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.

    Program Features

    • Concentrations: null
    • Transfer Credits: Accepted
    • Prerequisites: Complete one General Education Mathematics course. Complete 1 of 3 critical-tracking courses with a 2.5 critical-tracking GPA. Select one from a general introductory course (GLY 2010C, GLY 2030C, or any 1000-2000 level GLY, OCE or ESC course), a historical geology course (GLY 3105C or GLY 2100C), or a 3000-level geology course.

    Skills You'll Gain

    ["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."]

    Tuition & Costs

    • In-State Tuition: $4,477/year
    • Out-of-State Tuition: $25,694/year
    Visit Program Website
    #9

    University of Florida

    Bachelor of Arts in Geology

    $4,477 in-state tuition per year
    Online

    Key Highlights

    ["Flexible online education", "Top faculty", "Detailed understanding of climate change", "Sustainability of the Earth\u2019s resources", "Understanding the close interplay between human activity and the environment"]

    Program Description

    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.

    Program Features

    • Concentrations: null
    • Transfer Credits: Accepted
    • Prerequisites: Upper division transfer applicants (students with 60 or more college credits earned) and Second Bachelor’s degree seeking applicants should have at least a 2.5 overall GPA and have completed two courses from the following list* with at least a 2.5 GPA: Any Geology course (must have a GLY prefix) Introduction to Oceanography (OCE 1001) Introduction to Earth Science (ESC 1000)

    Skills You'll Gain

    ["Research", "Analytics", "Data Management", "Critical Thinking", "Collaboration"]

    Tuition & Costs

    • In-State Tuition: $4,477/year
    • Out-of-State Tuition: $25,694/year
    Visit Program Website
    $2,522 in-state tuition per year
    fully online

    Key Highlights

    null

    Program Description

    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.

    Program Features

    • Concentrations: ["Geography", "Geology", "Climate Change"]
    • Transfer Credits: Not Accepted

    Skills You'll Gain

    null

    Tuition & Costs

    • In-State Tuition: $2,522/year
    • Out-of-State Tuition: $14,374/year
    Visit Program Website
    $3,728 in-state tuition per year
    100% Online

    Key Highlights

    ["120-credit program", "Focus on human-earth interaction", "Development of communication, critical thinking, field and technical skills", "Specifically designed for community college transfer students", "Undergraduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) option"]

    Program Description

    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.

    Program Features

    • Concentrations: ["Geoscience"]
    • Transfer Credits: Not Accepted
    • Prerequisites: See university admission deadlines for freshman or transfer students.

    Skills You'll Gain

    ["GIS/mapping technician", "Transportation analyst", "Junior geologist", "Geological field technician", "Junior hydrologist", "Environmental project manager", "Water resource manager", "Geohazard mitigation planer", "Earth science teacher"]

    Tuition & Costs

    • In-State Tuition: $3,728/year
    • Out-of-State Tuition: $16,764/year
    • Additional Cost Information:
      Tuition & Fees are subject to change

    Contact Information

    Visit Program Website
    Contact school for tuition information
    100% Online

    Key Highlights

    null

    Program Description

    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.

    Program Features

    • Concentrations: null
    • Transfer Credits: Not Accepted

    Skills You'll Gain

    null

    Tuition & Costs

      Visit Program Website
      $15,015 in-state tuition per year
      100% Online

      Key Highlights

      ["100% online, 8-week courses", "Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total", "Gain a fundamental understanding of how geography influences people\u2019s lives", "Learn from expert professors with real-world experience", "Potential career paths include urban planner and geographer"]

      Program Description

      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.

      Program Features

      • Concentrations: ["Human Geography", "Physical Geography"]
      • Transfer Credits: Accepted
      • Prerequisites: Apply online or over the phone. Send official high school transcripts or official GED test scores. Send official college transcripts.

      Skills You'll Gain

      ["Understanding of regional and global geography", "Geographic Information Systems (GIS)", "Geographic research methods", "Human geography"]

      Tuition & Costs

      • In-State Tuition: $15,015/year
      • Out-of-State Tuition: $15,015/year
      • Additional Cost Information:
        A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required).
      Visit Program Website
      #14

      University of North Alabama

      Bachelor of Science in Sustainability

      $340 per credit
      4 years
      Online and In Person

      Key Highlights

      ["Flexible online format", "Focus on key economic sectors of Sustainability", "Preparation for careers and graduate studies", "Experiential learning opportunities", "Small class sizes and dedicated faculty"]

      Program Description

      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.

      Program Features

      • Concentrations: null
      • Transfer Credits: Not Accepted
      • Prerequisites: General Education Component courses including Written Composition, Humanities and Fine Arts, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, History, Social, and Behavioral Sciences

      Skills You'll Gain

      ["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"]

      Tuition & Costs

      • Cost Per Credit: $340
      • Additional Cost Information:
        plus additional fees
      Visit Program Website
      $4,477 in-state tuition per year
      Online

      Key Highlights

      null

      Program Description

      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.

      Program Features

      • Concentrations: null
      • Transfer Credits: Not Accepted

      Skills You'll Gain

      null

      Tuition & Costs

      • In-State Tuition: $4,477/year
      • Out-of-State Tuition: $25,694/year
      Visit Program Website

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