Online Geosciences Degree Bachelor of Science

While geosciences and geology have some overlapping components, they're not entirely the same.

Geoscience is an interdisciplinary field that covers a broad spectrum of disciplines, including earth science, atmospheric science, geology, geography, physics and chemistry. It allows you to study the dynamic nature of the earth, understand its history to predict current and future changes, and find ways to manage our natural resources in a sustainable way.

On the other hand, geology is a subdiscipline of earth science that specifically focuses on the history of the earth, the rocks and minerals that compose it, and the processes that act upon it.

Yes, students can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Geosciences online because the program's coursework easily translates to a virtual classroom.

"I was excited to study online since going to school in person didn’t fit my schedule," said Mike Pinto '21.

You'll take science classes like chemistry, physics and geology and get the hands-on experience you need through lab kits mailed to your home. You'll finish up your bachelor's degree with geoscientific research methods and capstone courses, giving you the opportunity to develop a research project in a chosen area of specialization.

For Wyatt Martensen '21, the online platform was crucial. He began his studies at SNHU when he was deployed to Afghanistan.

"As time went on throughout my deployment, I managed to find time," he said. "I had a little extra time at the end of each day to study and to take the classes that I was enrolled in, and even when I was flying back and coming back into the states, all my professors helped me along the way. There were no complications."

Note: Due to shipping laws, lab courses requiring lab kits must be completed within the contiguous United States. New students living outside the lower 48 states may be eligible to transfer in lab credits from accredited institutions. If a currently enrolled student moves outside of the contiguous U.S., they may petition to take the labs at another institution for credit.

Geosciences is an excellent major choice if you're interested in working in a growing STEM field. If you have a passion for our planet, earning a geosciences degree is one way to study its past and protect its future.

"I absolutely recommend this program to anyone who is interested in studying weather, climate, causes and effects of climate change and the use of renewable energy," said Mike Pinto '21.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for geoscientists will grow 5% by 2032.¹

Geoscientists can help mitigate risks related to natural disasters like earthquakes, floods or landslides. They can also provide scientific counsel and advice on ways to preserve the environment or sustainably manage natural resources. Additionally, they can work with geospatial technology to prepare maps, analyze geographic data and study issues like climate change, disaster relief and resource management.

With such a diverse field of study, career opportunities abound for geoscientists. Geoscientists can work in all sectors, including nonprofit, government, industry, academia and research. Jobs can include a combination of field, laboratory and office work – or all of one and none of the others.

"The field of geoscience can open doors to many career paths," said Tyra Davey, associate dean of science at Southern New Hampshire University.

Geoscientists can pursue careers in a multitude of areas and disciplines, including:

• Advising policymakers on decisions relating to protecting the earth
• Communicating the importance of geoscience to the public through scientific writing, education and public outreach
• Environmental assessment and remediation
• Forecasting weather or global climate patterns
• Observing and forecasting natural hazards
• Modeling Earth’s systems
• Sustainably manage energy and natural resources

Davey also offered suggestions for careers that you could be positioned for with a geosciences degree:

• Cartographer
• Climate researcher
• Earth scientist
• Environmental consultant
• Environmental data analyst
• Environmental specialist
• Geoscientist
• GIS technician/analyst
• Natural resources or sustainability manager
• Park ranger
• Remote sensing specialist
• Spatial statistician
• Waste management specialist

Some of these roles may require additional education or training beyond a bachelor's degree.

Earning a bachelor's degree is essential to becoming a geoscientist. Some in the field go on to earn their master's degree, as well.

Employers require a specific skill set learned through coursework and hands-on training at universities. Desirable qualities for geoscientist, according to BLS, include:¹

• Communication skills for reports and research papers
• Critical-thinking skills to evaluate data
• Outdoor skills to conduct fieldwork
• Physical stamina for hiking and carrying equipment
• Problem-solving skills to handle complex challenges

"It would be very hard to have the position that I hold now without the degree I have from Southern New Hampshire University," said Wyatt Martensen '21.

The skills you build when you earn a geosciences degree are appealing in a wide range of industries. Because of that, geoscientists are employable all across the workforce.

The American Geosciences Institute lists dozens of professions in which geoscientists are employed:²

• Business, like defense contractors and environmental managers
• Education, like outreach specialists and professors
• Engineering, like geological and petroleum engineers
• Law, like environment and land use lawyers
• Medicine, like epidemiologists and toxicologists
• Policy, like congressional staffers and science advisors
• Science, like mineralogists and soil scientists
• Writing, like science communicators and journalists

Some of these roles may require additional education or training beyond a bachelor's degree.