Skip to main content
Bethanie Thomas, online bachelor's in geosciences student and future graduate of the 2023 class, using her laptop on a park bench.

Online Geosciences Degree Bachelor of Science

Clock Icon
Register By: May 04 Classes Start: May 06

Earn Your Geosciences Degree Online

  • $330/credit (120 total credits)
  • Transfer up to 90 credits
  • Work on real-world geoscience projects
  • Gain valuable hands-on experience
  • Participate in instructor-led labs with custom kits
  • No application fee or SAT/ACT scores required

Geosciences Degree Online Program Overview

Gain the analytical, technical and communication skills you need to take on complex environmental issues with a Bachelor of Science in Geosciences degree online from Southern New Hampshire University. Our program provides a strong foundation in the physical sciences with a focus on geography, geology, earth systems science, physics, chemistry and spatial awareness.

Along the way, you'll have custom kits mailed directly to your home, so you can conduct experiments and study the physical and chemical aspects of our planet. You'll use data and technology, like GIS and remote sensing techniques, to examine and solve current problems in the geosciences. Plus, you'll have opportunities to volunteer, participate in internships and engage in experiential learning courses that align with your career goals.

Upon graduation from our bachelor's in geosciences program, you'll have obtained skills and experience that can help you step directly into the professional world.

Checklist Icon

What You'll Learn

  • Research method implementations to solve problems in the geosciences
  • Tools, technologies and scientific principle applications to visualize data/address geoscience issues
  • Data analysis techniques to study Earth's systems and resources
  • Skills to make data-informed and ethically responsible geoscientific decisions
  • Methods to communicate technical information to a variety of audiences

Laptop Icon

How You'll Learn

At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom, and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.

Concentration Options

Career Outlook

From identifying petroleum extraction sites to predicting earthquakes, geoscientists perform valued – and often critical – functions for our society. The demand for skilled geoscience professionals will intensify over the next few decades due to our rapidly growing population and the need for creative solutions for energy, land and resource management, and environmental protection.

Among the roles in greatest demand are:

Climate Change Analyst

Examine the effects of the changing climate on ecosystems.

GIS Analyst

Use geographic information systems (GIS) to create, manage, analyze and map data.

Geologist

Study the history of Earth, including materials, processes and formation.

Environmental Engineer

Help improve lives by designing solutions to environmental problems.

Depending on the specific responsibilities of a job, you might find yourself working in an office, laboratory, in the field or a combination of the 3. If your position involves extensive research, you could end up traveling often and working outside of typical work hours. But where your career leads you is ultimately up to you.

Mike Pinto with the text Mike Pinto"By obtaining my degree in geoscience, it has opened the doors to careers in geology, local water district companies and environmental engineering companies," said Mike Pinto '21.

At SNHU, you have the ability to shape your skill set for your career by using your elective courses to your advantage. Maximize the potential of your program by choosing subjects that complement your core courses.

"The program is designed to offer the flexibility to hone in on the areas of geoscience that are most interesting to you. For example, students who are interested in energy and resource management may choose to take courses in sustainability, natural resources or energy and society," said Tyra Davey, associate dean of science. "On the other hand, those looking to work in the field of GIS, remote sensing or analytics may want to focus on using technology and data."

Wyatt Martensen '21 took advantage of that opportunity.

"The work that I do requires a pretty thorough background in the systems that we use, and thankfully enough, Southern New Hampshire University has those types of software that I use in my day-to-day workflow," he said. "It really gave me a head start with the career path that I've chosen."

Job Growth and Salary

As the need for energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and resource management rises, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes an expected increase in demand for geoscientists.

Growth Icon

Job Growth

The BLS projects that employment for geoscientists will grow 5% by 2032, faster than the national average.1

Salary Icon

Salary

The median pay in 2022 for those in geoscientist roles was $87,480, according to the BLS.1

Understanding the Numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

Start Your Journey Toward an Online Geoscience Degree

Tyra Brown

A Field With Endless Possibilities

Tyra Davey, associate dean of science

"Geoscientists have the opportunity to make new discoveries, solve meaningful problems and find innovative solutions in the field of earth science. Using the advancing tools and technology, geoscientists can analyze the vast data and information that's available to help protect our planet."

Courses & Curriculum

The BS in Geosciences gives you a solid foundation in the physical sciences with a focus on geography, geology, earth systems science, physics and chemistry. Through our instructor-led lab courses, you'll gain valuable hands-on experience.

SNHU's online geosciences program gives you the opportunity to tailor your degree through 21 free elective credits or the addition of a concentration. After considering your interests, you might take courses in information technology, public administration, anthropology or even history. Through this geosciences degree, you'll get to drive the direction of your studies.

With interdisciplinary coursework, your assignments focus on real-world problems and skills that can then be applied outside of courses. Students also work with hands-on lab kits and may participate in volunteer, internship and experiential learning opportunities that can further enhance their experiences, skills and marketability to employers.

Wyatt Martensen with the text Wyatt Martensen

"The biggest thing that helped me through college is understanding the programs that I now use in my day-to-day job," said Wyatt Martensen '21, who works in mapping as a cartographer. "Southern New Hampshire University has the same software programs that I use at my job to make sure that the maps and the charts are up to date for mariners."

You'll take courses designed by subject-matter experts in the field, and you'll learn from instructors who work in the industry.

"Each instructor did bring knowledge to the class based on their personal experiences and their specialty in that particular area of geoscience," said Mike Pinto '21. "My instructors were always there for help right away if I had any additional questions or if I didn’t have a clear understanding of course content. They also posted announcements a couple of times per week to further explain each assignment."

The convenience of the 24/7 online platform can help you succeed, as well.

Bethanie Thomas with the text Bethanie Thomas

"I am able to balance my school work and actual work in the military," said student Bethanie Thomas. "SNHU's flexible class schedules are key."

Experiential Learning

Another special feature of the geosciences degree is the opportunity to engage in experiential learning, which is essential to gaining the skills and professional experience needed to become a marketable candidate in the workforce. Using your free electives, you'll have the opportunity to take several experiential learning courses, with topics including:

  • Citizen science: This topic encompasses the involvement of the public in scientific research to help address societal needs and accelerate science, technology and innovation. You'll contribute to solving real-world problems by formulating research questions, conducting scientific experiments and more.
  • Research experiences in science: Extend your knowledge of the scientific method by engaging in research projects you design. The corresponding hands-on research and presentation skills you'll gain are vital in the fields of environmental science or geoscience.
  • Certifications and licensures: Select a certification or license of your choosing with help from your instructor — then use the course time to study for it. Note: It's up to you to choose a certification or license for which you qualify.
  • Grant writing in science: This topic provides useful experience in writing grants — a skill valuable across any discipline and profession. Since many non-profit, state and municipal entities rely on grants to support their programs and/or research, this funding can be the key to getting a project off the ground.
  • Animal behavior: The key component of conservation biology (the study of Earth's biodiversity) is animal behavior. In studying animal behavior, you'll gain valuable hands-on research skills.

Curriculum Requirements & Resources

Degree-Specific Courses

The program emphasizes geoscience data for its uses in problem solving and establishing policies that support public health and safety, effective resource management, ethical decision making and environmental protection. You'll study topics such as chemistry, physics, geohazards, geology, atmospheric science and research methods.

General Education

All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.

Technology Resources

We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments.

Earn Math Credits

Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment. For additional information, or to register for a Pathways to Math Success assessment, contact your admission counselor or academic advisor today.

University Accreditation

New England Commission of Higher Education Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.

Tuition & Fees

As a private, nonprofit university, we’re committed to making college more accessible by making it more affordable. That’s why we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.

We also offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.

Online Undergraduate Programs Per Course Per Credit Hour Annual Cost for 30 credits 
Degree/Certificates $990 $330 $9,900
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* $693 $231 $6,930

Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually. *Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional Costs No Application Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Articles

A woman looks at a computer screen studying how to become a software engineer

How to Become a Software Engineer

Software engineering is a versatile and rewarding career that encompasses technological skills coupled with engineering principles. This is a growing and vibrant path for anyone who likes solving problems, thinking creatively and developing software to create new business solutions. 
Angela Foss associate dean of online STEM programs helping a participant during an Hour of Code event.

What is Hour of Code? A Chance to Kickstart Your Coding Literacy

Hour of Code is a series of events that typically takes place annually in early December, which is computer sciences education week. The event is designed to be a fun and friendly place for everyone to explore coding and improve their coding literacy, regardless of skill level.
A cartoon person sitting at their desk on a desktop working on their computer science degree and someone standing behind the desktop asking a question

Is a Computer Science Degree Worth It?

If working with software, technology and a systems mindset interests you, a degree in computer science can be a great fit. Earning a computer science degree can demonstrate your ability to work in a team as well as your aptitude for learning new technological skills and programming languages.

References