Online Geology Associate’s Degree
Brandon Mario D’Souza
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FacebookBrandon is a registered social worker with Social Work England. He obtained his master’s in social work (personnel management & industrial relations) and used it in fields such as water treatment, construction, software, and education. Then he transitioned to the health and social care sector with an M.Sc. in health psychology. Brandon loves to write, cook, and play musical instruments (piano, guitar, melodica, ukulele, and kazoo) and enjoys the calmness and serenity of nature.
Degrees
Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology
Areas of Expertise & Credentials
None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.
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Geology studies materials, processes, structures, and life on Earth over time. In this subject, research on solid earth materials and extraterrestrial natural materials occurs through various geological methods. An online geology associate’s degree provides a broad knowledge of various scientific topics in geology, including the composition and behavior of rocks, minerals, landscape formation and modification, volcanoes, and more. The learning is usually supplemented with on-site learning opportunities. The online geology associate’s degree prepares students for successful transfer to four-year programs at colleges across the United States. Geologists work in specialized agencies that protect the public from natural disasters like volcanoes, floods, and earthquakes. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 5% increase in employment opportunities from 2021 to 2031 for geologists[1].
Find the Best Online Associate
Programs in Geology
The transition from high school to an associate’s degree could be tricky. It involves evaluating multiple factors, including the quality of the faculty, transferable credits, available student resources, learning modes, curriculum, and accreditation. An outstanding college education can contribute significantly to one’s academic or career choices. FBD teams have scrutinized many colleges and degrees from all over the U.S. and, using our unique approach of ranking, prepared a list of colleges that offer the best online geology associate’s degrees. Here is the list: *
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from an Online Associate
Program in Geology
Associate degrees in geology are generally two-year programs designed to provide fundamental knowledge in Earth sciences, physical science, mathematics, and more, for transferring credits into a general geology or Earth Science four-year degree. It typically requires 60 semester or 90 quarter credit hours. The curriculum provides knowledge about the Earth and its processes, the state of our natural resources, and more. Along with the necessary courses, students will also be expected to choose electives offered by the college. Most institutions across the U.S. offer online, offline, and hybrid modes of program delivery to match the schedules of varied applicants. One can expect various on-site learning opportunities, field experiences, and research starting their first semester. Usually, most institutions’ associate’s degrees in geology have a small class size that enables personalized attention from professors.
Curriculum and
Coursework
Learning Outcomes and
Skills Gained
Types of Degrees Geology Students
Can Obtain
Areas of Specialization for
Geology Students
Academic specializations refer to the topic in which one specializes and learns in-depth concepts. They are focused areas of study attached to a specific major. In specializing, students would be expected to meet a particular amount of coursework about one sub-field in geology. Since a geology associate’s degree is an entry-level program, one might generally not find specializations at the associate’s level. A further advanced degree, like a bachelor’s, is required to specialize in sub-fields of geology. However, one should be aware of the kind of concentrations available in the field, some of which are:
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Geology | In this concentration, students learn how to locate and manage the various natural resources of Earth, including minerals, petroleum, coal, and more. This study aims to understand the usage of Earth’s materials for economical or industrial purposes. | Economic geologists at museums, governmental departments, scientific bodies, consulting companies, etc. |
| Petroleum Geology | This specialization studies the origin, movement, exploration, and accumulation of different hydrocarbon fuels. A specific set of geological principles is taught to understand how hydrocarbons or oil explorations occur. | Petroleum geologists and related careers |
| Mining Geology | In this specialization, students learn about economic geology and mining engineering principles. It focuses on developing a defined mineral resource and understanding how ore deposits are economically extracted. | Mining geologists, geologist miners, and related careers |
| Hydrology Geology | In this specialization, one studies the interaction of water with the natural environment of soils and rocks. Various movements, quality, and behavior of underground water are discussed. | Various occupations such as hydrogeologists |
Full-Time and Part-Time
Programs
The associate’s in geology degree prepares students to transfer into four-year programs successfully and, in most cases, share their credits. Obtaining an associate degree typically requires 60 semester or 90 quarter credit hours. Generally, it takes two years to complete an associate of science degree in geology when taken up full-time. A part-time option that takes more than two years to complete is available for those who want more time to finish their program. Most institutions across the U.S. now provide an option of taking courses online, where one can complete the learning in asynchronous or synchronous learning formats.
Requirements for Getting into an Online
Associate Geology Program
How to Ensure an Online Associate Geology
Program Is Accredited
Where to Find Free Online Courses for
Geology Associate Students
Ways to Pay for an Online Associate
Geology Degree
Career Opportunities and Salaries
After Graduating
Certifications and Licensing for Online Associate
Students in Geology
Additional Resources for Associate
Students in Geology
FAQs About Online Associate
Geology Programs
What do geologist study?
How do I understand if an associate’s geology program is for me?
How long does completing the associate’s degree in geology online take?
Are there accelerated online geology associate degrees?
What can you do with an online geology associate’s degree?
Is an associate’s degree in geology online worth it?
Is the associate’s degree in geology readily available online?
Author Bio:
Brandon Mario D’Souza
Brandon is a registered social worker with Social Work England. He obtained his master’s in social work (personnel management & industrial relations) and used it in fields such as water treatment, construction, software, and education. Then he transitioned to the health and social care sector with an M.Sc. in health psychology. Brandon loves to write, cook, and play musical instruments (piano, guitar, melodica, ukulele, and kazoo) and enjoys the calmness and serenity of nature.
Degrees
Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology
Areas of Expertise & Credentials
None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.
Citations:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Occupational Outlook for Geoscientists
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Education Pays
- Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
- Council for Higher Education Accreditation
- edx- Reservoir Geomechanics
- Coursera- Our Earth: Its Climate, History, and Processes
- Class Central- Extreme Geological Events
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Occupational Outlook for Geological and Hydrologic Technicians
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Occupational Outlook for Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Occupational Outlook for Drafters
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Occupational Outlook for Surveying and Mapping Technicians
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Occupational Outlook for Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- American Institute of Professional Geologists
- National Association of State Boards of Geology
- The Geological Society of America
- American Geosciences Institutes
- American Geophysical Union
- Association for Women Geoscientists
- Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography
Disclaimer:
the average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners. | Page last updated: Dec 2023.