Online Geology Masters

<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/online-geology-masters/">Online Geology Masters </a>

College Name & Address	Tuition	Graduation Rate
#1 University of Florida(on-campus) Tigert Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611	$10,770	89%
#2 Texas A & M University-College Station JKW Administration Building, Suite 200, College Station, Texas 77843	$6,775	83%
#3 Ohio University 020 Chubb Hall, Athens, Ohio 45701	$9,444	66%
#4 Missouri University of Science and Technology(on-campus) 300 W.13th Street, Rolla, Missouri 65409	$10,452	67%
#5 Mississippi State University Lee Boulevard, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762	$8,800	64%
#6 University of Houston(on-campus) 212 E. Cullen Building, Houston, Texas 77204	$8,539	62%
#7 Florida Atlantic University(on-campus) 777 Glades Rd, Administration Bldg., Room 339, Boca Raton, Florida 33431	$5,467	56%
#8 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology(on-campus) 501 E Saint Joseph St, Rapid City, South Dakota 57701	$8,320	50%
#9 Pennsylvania State University-World Campus 128 Outreach Building, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802	NA	NA

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

Geology masters’ programs introduce students to problem-solving, critical thinking, and fundamental concepts in the earth sciences and demonstrate how to present observations that can extend into deep time. These programs provide a solid foundation in the discipline, with a high level of knowledge, skills, and professionalism to enable graduates to advance their careers by integrating courses with cutting-edge research.

From learning and understanding the processes that formed and now modify the Earth to covering topics such as how landscapes are produced and developed, students of a Geology master’s cover a lot. They also study human interactions with the environment, groundwater movement, and geological sustainability, and prepare themselves for advanced research as well as high-profile professions in geology, environmental risk assessment, STEM teaching, public policy, and other fields, while also improving their marketability as practicing geoscientists, earth science educators, and other allied professionals.

Students can pursue a master’s in Geology online program with or without a thesis. Both forms of the program offer advanced, applied instruction and experiences in a wide range of earth science issues to geology graduates and those from related STEM disciplines. Most universities offer online learning and in-person programs.

Geology Masters Programs Degree Types

A Geology Masters is broken down into several specializations, such as geology, geology sciences, earth sciences, etc. However, most of these degree programs are a Master of Science or MS degree.

Specializations in Geology Masters Programs

With Geology being a vast subject, it makes sense for students to focus on a specific area within the subject. Such a specialization or concentration will provide in-depth knowledge in a critical sub-area of Geology, leading to particular jobs that command high respect and remuneration. Students can focus their studies on a variety of topics that include but are not limited to:

• Geographic Information Science and Technology
• Data Management for Geosciences
• Petroleum Geology
• Marine and Coastal Geology
• Seismology
• Planetary Science
• Environmental Science and Hydrology
• GIS in Land Management
• Geological Engineering
• Paleoceanography
• Geochemistry
• Paleolimnology
• Benthic Ecology
• Marine Geophysics
• Geochronology
• Biostratigraphy
• Geophysics
• Mining Management
• Environmental Geology
• Applied Environmental Geology
• Spectral Geology

Curriculum and Skills Gained in Geology Masters Programs

The core coursework of a Geology master’s program tends to overlap with the departments of geophysics, geosciences, atmospheric science, and other related fields. Students can highly customize their program by picking from a plethora of coursework options. Depending on the school and degree, a thesis may be required to be submitted at the end of the program. Some of the standard geology courses online:

• Groundwater Fundamentals and Practices
• Stream Geomorphology
• Solid Earth Geochemistry
• Colloquium in Geology
• Geodata Analysis
• Sedimentary Systems and Processes
• Earth Systems Evolution
• Watershed and Stream Hydrology
• Planetary Geology
• Mineralogy
• Paleobiology
• Stratigraphy
• Structural Geology
• Sedimentary Petrogenesis
• Ocean Data Science
• Hydro-geochemistry
• Geologic Evolution of North America
• Surface and Groundwater Interactions
• Plate Tectonics
• Solar System Science
• Research in Geological Sciences
• Hydrological Processes
• Continental Tectonics
• Groundwater Flow/Transport
• Metamorphic Petrology
• Petroleum Geology
• Professional Issues in Earth and Environmental Science
• Well Hydraulics
• Advances in Paleoclimatology
• Glacial and Quaternary Geology
• Remote Sensing for Geographical Analysis
• Petroleum Data Management

The Geology degree prepares students for a variety of settings both on and off the field. They also develop transferable skills, which can be of immense use in areas outside of Geology. In general, Geology graduates will be able to:

• Interpret, analyze, discuss, and critique scientific articles about geological problems and research procedures.
• Answer geological research questions, analyze, discuss, and draw conclusions concerning geologic data.
• Write and speak scientifically to produce high-quality data analysis, results, interpretations, and conclusions.
• Identify geological issues, develop hypotheses to address geologic issues, and write high-quality written proposals to investigate geologic topics.
• Collect data and answer geological problems using various geological approaches.

Accreditation for Geology Masters Programs

Accreditation means that a program or school meets or exceeds established standards that they need to adhere to. It is a seal of authenticity, credibility, and quality. An online Master’s in Geology, like all other master’s degrees, must be accredited for the degree to be recognized by the industry. While some schools have officially accredited programs, known as programmatic accreditation, most schools are regionally accredited, which is an equally valid option. The Applied & Natural Science Accreditation Commission (ANSAC) of ABET is one agency that accredits geology and geology science programs in the United States. Regional accreditation agencies include:

1. New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
2. Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
3. Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
4. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC)
5. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
6. Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission

It is always prudent for students of a Geology master’s degree to look for a program or school accredited by at least one independent accrediting authority. The Accreditation Guide provides more information on accreditation.

Timeline For Graduating from Online Geology Masters Programs

The master’s degree in Geology generally requires 30 credit hours in total, 6 of which are thesis hours. In cases where students may opt for a non-thesis degree program, there is a fair chance that they will require some 39 credit hours instead. In broad terms, however, the degree can take anywhere from 1 to 2 years to complete.

Admission Requirements for Online Geology Masters Programs

All schools have specific admissions criteria and requirements that applicants need to meet. The master in Geology is no exception, with standard expectations by the school and some additional ones in some instances. Usually, admission requirements for a master’s in Geology degree program are:

• An Undergraduate Degree, preferably in geology, earth or space sciences, physical science, integrated science, science education, etc., or a related degree from an accredited institution.
• All Official Academic Transcripts.
• A Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or more.
• A Resume.
• A Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose.
• Personal References (at least 2).
• A Writing Sample or any Research Work.

Most colleges that offer the Geology master’s degree do not require a GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) score, but some may require one if the applicant’s GPA is lower than needed.

Employers in the geological sciences frequently seek a master’s degree in geological sciences. With a master’s in Geology online degree, the energy, and environmental fields, as well as occupations in or related to geology, such as education, government, scientific communication, and consultancy, offer excellent opportunities. Graduates can expect to work as part of a team, collaborating with other scientists and engineers using their knowledge, skills, leadership, and communication abilities.

For those who want to work in the sciences, they will not find many better possibilities than getting a master’s degree in Geology. Master’s degree holders in geology are in high demand. Jobs in geology will continue to rise as more sectors require people who understand the complexities of environmental protection, energy systems, and responsible land and resource management. Likewise, professional, technological, and scientific industries related to Geology are also expected to grow at a reasonable rate, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The Geology master’s degree is also quite adaptable. Oil and gas, mining and minerals, academia, oceanography, water management, and even government administration are all sectors to find jobs in.

The salary of a geologist varies based on where they reside, the type of job they do, and their level of expertise. And compared to a bachelor’s degree in Geology, a master’s degree holder will earn substantially more, especially when there is a specialization involved.

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for geoscientists in 2020 was around $93,580, with potential growth of 7% in the number of jobs between 2020 and 2030. Although some professionals made slightly less than this (in 2020), it is worth noting that the top 10% of earners made more than $201,150 in a year.

Apart from the many Geology certificate programs online, which act as extensions or near alternatives to an online degree, certifications recognize an individual’s professional knowledge and experience in a particular field or subject. They lead to meaningful opportunities and easier and secure employment as well. For geologists, the number of certifications available to choose from are many but depend on the sector one specializes in or works in. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), for example, awards certifications such as ‘Certified Coal Geologist’, ‘Certified Petroleum Geologist’, and ‘Certified Petroleum Geophysicist. Similarly, the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) offers the Enterprise Administration Professional certification, and the Enterprise Geodata Management Professional certification. Conclusively, getting an online Geology certificate will open up more job avenues in various settings.

In the United States, professional licensure for the engineering and surveying professions related to geology is regulated at the state level. Therefore, students need to graduate from a master’s in Geology degree program that validates their educational experience and prepares them for licensure. In some states, depending on the degree, geologists may be required to have put in four to eight years of work before being eligible for a license.

Geology is related to many other sciences and is a segment of the more extensive subject of Geoscience. For students of a geological sciences degree and working professionals to gain deeper insights into all things geology, share and compare notes with other researchers, and analyze and interpret data with the help of subject experts, it is prudent to network and tap into every possible resource there is. Here are a few resources that can provide ample information and help for students, fresh graduates, and seasoned professionals of geology:

1. Opengeology.org
   Opengeology.org offers free open educational resources for the Geosciences. The site hosts three textbooks – Introduction to Geology, Historical Geology, and Introduction to Mineralogy.
2. Earth Science Resources
   Earth Science Resources is a treasure trove for geologists that offers Books, Courses, Exercises, Interactive, Labs, Lectures, Photos, and Teaching Resources, all neatly put together and presented.
3. The Geological Society of America (GSA)
   The Geological Society of America (GSA) offers memberships, has books and publications, hosts events, and offers a host of resources for education and careers. The site is also an excellent way for geologists to stay connected and updated with the latest in the field of geology.
4. American Geosciences Institute (AGI)
   The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) provides scholarly information aggregating research vital to geoscientists’ work, education and outreach for schools and the public, workforce development research and analysis of career paths, publications that inform on a range of geoscience topics, and news that include geological and geophysical engineering, and much more.