Online Geoscience Degree Bachelor of Science

Master geospatial tools and technology in our online Bachelor of Science in Geosciences degree with a concentration in Geospatial Technology.

"The geospatial technologies concentration incorporates geographic information system (GIS), remote sensing and global positioning system (GPS) to construct maps and solve authentic problems," said Dr. Kelly Thrippleton-Hunter, technical program facilitator for science at SNHU. Those issues may involve "studying land cover and deforestation, mapping and managing natural resources, and assessing and monitoring natural disasters like floods, wildfires or coastal erosion."

Throughout the program, you'll gain practical experience in geospatial analysis using geographic information systems, satellite imagery, sensors and analytical methods for the geosciences. You'll also explore how the acquisition, integration and analysis of geospatial data can apply to a wide range of environmental issues.

Career outlook:

As a graduate of the geosciences degree program with a concentration in geospatial technology, you'll be prepared to pursue or advance your career in a variety of roles, including:

• Exploration geologist
• Geospatial technician
• Geotechnician
• Technical operator

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for environmental scientists and specialists, including those in health fields, will grow 8% by 2028 – faster than the average growth for all occupations.²

Demand for geospatial experts cuts across a wide range of industries, from finance and insurance to healthcare, law enforcement and national security.

Courses may include:

• Geospatial Programming
• Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
• Remote Sensing and Imagery Analysis
• Spatial Analysis

Learn how to manage, conserve and remediate hazards to natural resources in our online Bachelor of Science in Geoscience degree with a concentration in Natural Resources and Conservation.

"The natural resources and conservation concentration focuses on ways in which humans and human activities are threatening earth’s natural processes and impacting our environment," said Dr. Kelly Thrippleton-Hunter, technical program facilitator for science at SNHU. "It also highlights ways in which sustainable practices can be utilized to help reduce environmental impact and preserve our natural resources."

The coursework covers climate change, alternative energy, sustainability and more of today's most important environmental challenges. You'll gain the skills and experience to meet intensifying demand for geoscience professionals specialized in energy, environmental protection, and land and resource management.

Career outlook:

As a graduate of the program, you'll be prepared to pursue or advance your career in a variety of roles, including:

• Environmental specialist
• Environmental inspector
• Field examiner
• Environmental compliance manager

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for environmental scientists and specialists, including those in health fields, will grow 8% by 2028 – faster than the average growth for all occupations.²

Courses may include:

• Energy and Society
• Environmental Issues
• Global Climate Change
• Waste: Sources, Reduction & Remediation

Flexible

With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.

Affordable

Take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, plus financial aid for those who qualify. We also make it easy to transfer to SNHU by accepting up to 90 credits from your previous institution.

Respected

Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 100,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.

Recently, Southern New Hampshire University has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:

• “Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
• A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
• Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium

Network

As an Southern New Hampshire University student, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 200,000 peers, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate your industry. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.

See why 96% of students would recommend SNHU.*

Part of our mission to expand access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials.

Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.

Simply contact an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options, answer all your questions and walk you through the application process. Start by:

• Completing a free undergraduate application
• Providing previous institutions attended – so we can retrieve transcripts for you at no cost

Test scores are not required as part of your application.

While geoscience and geology have some overlapping components, they are not entirely the same.

Geoscience is an interdisciplinary field that covers a broad spectrum of disciplines – like 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 their BS in Geosciences online because the program's coursework easily translates to a virtual environment.

SNHU began offering courses online in 1995. By developing online general education courses that would be needed for programs – like English, math, social science and the humanities – SNHU has been able to expand degree offerings, including STEM programs like geoscience.

You'll take science classes like chemistry, physics and geology – and you get the hands-on experience you need through lab kits mailed to your home. And 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.

Geoscience 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 geoscience degree is one way to study its past and protect its future.

According to a survey done by the American Geosciences Institute, graduates in the field are often motivated by intellectual engagement, interdisciplinary nature and solving societal issues.³

The same survey cited that, in 2017, those with undergraduate geoscience degrees were employed in:

• Science and engineering related fields (41%)
• Health-related occupations (32%)
• Pre-college teaching occupations (7%)³

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for geoscientists will grow 6% by 2028.²

Geoscientists can help mitigate natural disasters like earthquakes, floods or landslides. They can provide scientific counsel and advice on ways to preserve the environment or sustainably manage natural resources. 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, and jobs can include a combination of field, laboratory and office work – or all of one and none of the others.

"It just depends on what you want to do and where you end up working," said Dr. Kelly Thrippleton-Hunter, technical program facilitator for science at SNHU.

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

• Advising policy makers 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

Thrippleton-Hunter also offered suggestions for careers that you could be positioned for with a geoscience degree:

• Atmospheric scientist/meteorologist
• Cartographer
• Earth scientist
• Environmental chemist
• Environmental consultant
• Environmental scientist and specialist
• Geoinformatician (GIS)
• Geological and petroleum technician
• Geoscientist
• GIS analyst
• Park ranger
• Remote sensing specialist
• 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, include²:

• 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

The skills you build when you earn a geoscience 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 – some expected, some unexpected – in which geoscientists are employed⁴:

• Art, like graphic designers
• 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.