An online geology degree is extremely difficult to obtain. There are few programs that offer such a degree, and those that do should be subjected to the usual tests to determine whether or not they are accredited. Some degrees aren’t well suited to online learning, which is typically limited to visual learning or reading from books. One of these is geology, which necessitates the use of more senses than sight and sound to learn material.
This isn’t to say that there aren’t some geology studies available online; however, these are rarely offered for credit. Those who are interested in this field can enroll in open coursework at universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which offers structural geology classes. A course like this could keep people interested in the subject.
However, as previously stated, a few geology or earth science programs may be available through online universities. If people want to pursue a high school or junior high teaching credential, most undergraduate programs will have a stronger teaching focus. Although a few graduate programs may offer an online master’s degree in geology, geology may rely heavily on fieldwork or laboratory studies, which are much more difficult to accomplish in an online setting.
People should not consider the difficulty of earning an online geology degree as a barrier to their future education because there are numerous offline degrees available at affordable and/or nearuniversities. Students should keep in mind that they don’t have to start most degree programs until they’ve completed their first two years of college and met all of the requirements for promotion to junior year.
Attending a local junior or community college is one option for students to consider. If a student is unable to attend classes on campus at all times, many community colleges offer online or television courses. This could mean that many classes could be taken off campus during the first couple of years of school, giving students more scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, studies at a junior or community college are typically inexpensive, which can help save money for later attendance at a four-year university.
Another advantage of this scenario is that students will have more time to prepare for a geology degree (even if it is not an online geology degree) at their preferred school. Many people turn to online schools because their current schedule prevents them from attending an offline school full time. However, with a few years of planning, many people can restructure their lives so that they can attend a traditional university.
Of course, another possibility is that more schools will begin to offer online geology degrees. If this is the case, students will not be harmed having completed their studies at a community college. This simply means that when they enroll in an online geology program, they will have less to study, and their degree will cost less money and time.