Thread: Geology-Earth Sciences Degree

My current search to locate distance learning options for a Geology/Earth Sciences bachelors degree have been frustrating.

My results are limited. With the exception of Birbeck/University of London, does anyone know of other schools that offer this degree via distance learning?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Geology involves a lot of field trips... so I'd doubt you'd find one online[maybe?]
However... i'd be nice to see it pulled off ;P

Originally Posted by Anicho

Geology involves a lot of field trips... so I'd doubt you'd find one online[maybe?]
However... i'd be nice to see it pulled off ;P

You ever heard of Google Earth? :)

Originally Posted by Maniac Craniac

You ever heard of Google Earth? :)

I'd imagine it'd be very hard to proctor, and what I was meant to say is it's very "hands on"

I would be fine with a field based component... As long as the large majority of the program was delivered via DL.

The University of Saskatchewan used to have a DL Bachelors degree program in Geology. I didn't see it referenced in this link but then I didn't look very hard either. It might be worth sending them an email.

Centre for Continuing & Distance Education (CCDE) - University of Saskatchewan

Macquarie University has a Bachelors degree program in Geology that is 100% DL. The application deadline is Oct. 15th.

BA and BSc - Centre for Open Education, Macquarie University

Good luck

Originally Posted by GTS747

My current search to locate distance learning options for a Geology/Earth Sciences bachelors degree have been frustrating.

My results are limited. With the exception of Birbeck/University of London, does anyone know of other schools that offer this degree via distance learning?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

The big issue is the labortary portions, in chemistry, physics, minerology, and the such. Procotring should not be an issue, as proctors do not have to know anything about the topic, only that you are not cheating on the tests.

Mississippi State University offers a distance learning B.S. in Geosciences.

Mississippi State University offers a distance learning B.S. in Geosciences.

There can be a significant difference between "Geology" and "Earth Sciences".

"Earth Sciences" (or "Geosciences") is a broad term, which includes the study of earth's land (= geology), interior (= geophysics), waters (oceanography, limnology, hydrology), and atmosphere (= meteorology, climatology). In practice, it can also include the study of planets other than earth, as well as planetary satellites.

Some earth sciences can be taught by DL. For example, the Mississippi State University DL program in "Geosciences" are focused on meteorology. However, geology does not work well by DL, for reasons described in the next post.

My results are limited. With the exception of Birbeck/University of London, does anyone know of other schools that offer this degree via distance learning?

If you are interested in geology specifically, then this is very hard to teach by DL. Geology students are expected to study rocks and soils, both in the laboratory (using specialized equipment such as polarized-light microscopes) and in exposures outdoors. There is simply no easy way to replicate such experiences by DL.

The Birkbeck program states:

Practical learning, for example handling specimens or using microscopes, is replicated as well as is possible using photographs and video for distance learning students

Let's face it, you have to wonder whether looking at photos or videos of specimens is the same as handling the real thing.

Distance learning students will be required to attend undergraduate residential field classes if taking BSc Geology

I can't imagine any geology BS program having credibility without a significant field class component. Geology students are expected to spend a lot of time outdoors looking at rocks and soils under the guidance of their instructors, and eventually mapping them independently. DL doesn't work for this.

Originally Posted by GTS747

My current search to locate distance learning options for a Geology/Earth Sciences bachelors degree have been frustrating.

My results are limited. With the exception of Birbeck/University of London, does anyone know of other schools that offer this degree via distance learning?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

I've looked at Birkbeck degree and think it looks like a good program.
There are several geology related degrees that can be earned by DL in the USA. I will have to see if I can find the list I compiled a few years ago.

I recall COSC was on this list Geology Concentration (Major) at Charter Oak State College

I am working on earning a field geology certificate from UCR then intend to transfer them to the TESC BA in Natural Science along with courses from a CA community college. I'm doing this for personal interest, not for a job although I may volunteer at a geology museum some day.

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Note that the Birkbeck programme is in Earth Science if done without any residency. In order to have it designated a BSc in Geology you need to attend the stipulated field trips. This is, I believe, why you will find more available DL options if you look for an Earth Science degree with a geology major. Ideally you could do the field trips or do a short post-grad diploma in geology with practical after the B degree to get the credibility needed for field or lab geology. Or carry on the the masters degree. Either way you're going to need some practical experience somewhere along the way for the degree to be taken seriously in a geology environment.

Originally Posted by CalDog

For example, the Mississippi State University DL program in "Geosciences" are focused on meteorology. However, geology does not work well by DL, for reasons described in the next post.

The Miss State program focuses on both. You have to take both Meteorology I and II as well as Geology I and II. Here is the structure. Scroll down the page to see the required classes.

Program Structure - Geosciences Distance Learning Programs - Mississippi State University

The Miss State program focuses on both. You have to take both Meteorology I and II as well as Geology I and II. Here is the structure.

The Original Poster asked about bachelor's programs. MSU has two bachelor's programs in "Geosciences": one in "Broadcast Meteorology" and one in "Operational Meteorology".

Your link is to a master's program, which is designed for secondary school earth science teachers, as shown by its title (the "Teachers in Geosciences" program). It apparently includes two introductory-level classroom courses in geology and two field courses, plus several classes covering other earth sciences (including meterology, climatology, ocean science, hydrology, and planetary science) at an introductory level.

This may well be a perfectly worthwhile degree for high school teachers . However, it is clearly oriented towards broad coverage of all earth science disciplines. It does not address geology (or any other specific earth science) in depth. This degree is not equivalent to a conventional geology degree, at either the bachelor's or master's level.

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My mistake. Thanks for the correction.

Originally Posted by Maniac Craniac

You ever heard of Google Earth? :)

That's a great line on a job if you have a duel major in Geography and G.I.S.

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