Studying geology online can be difficult due to its physical nature, but options exist for obtaining a geology degree online. Many online programs focus on preparing graduates for teaching, while others require field or laboratory studies. Non-credit courses and academic websites also offer opportunities for online geology study. Students should consider their reasons for pursuing an online degree and may save money by taking foundational courses at a community college before transferring to a university.
Studying geology online can be a daunting task. Geology is the study of the materials that make up the Earth and the processes that affect them. By its very nature, it is a physical discipline that requires the use of multiple senses: touching, hearing and seeing are integral parts of the study. However, those who choose to learn geology online have options open to them in the form of academic websites and distance learning.
Students interested in pursuing a career as a geologist can look into obtaining a geology degree online. Finding an accredited, all-encompassing online study program can be a bit difficult. That’s because the requirements to complete a geology degree can include significant amounts of laboratory work and field work. Geology can be a hands-on discipline, so many prospective students forgo studying geology online and instead take distance learning foundation courses in preparation for attending a physical school.
Prospective students may have some luck finding online geology programs by first looking into online diploma schools. However, they should know that many online college geology programs focus on preparing the graduate for teaching in primary or secondary school. Online geology degrees may also be offered at the master’s level, but prospective students would do well to research what is required for their completion because many programs require at least some time devoted to field studies or laboratory studies .
Of course, students simply looking to enrich their minds by studying geology online have many more options open to them. There are countless websites explaining geology online; some of these sites are maintained by schools of all levels, even if no academic credit is recognized to those who consult the site or use its teaching tools. Interested parties may also consider taking non-credit geology courses at local or state colleges. Some of these courses may be offered electronically, meaning students can technically study geology online by taking them. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), for example, offers open courses in structural geology.
Students who are pursuing geology degrees online should consider their reasons for doing so. If a student is an undergraduate and the primary reason for looking into an online geology degree is time, the student should know that she must first complete foundational courses before moving on to specific geological studies. The student can do this by taking foundation courses online through a community college. Taking online courses at a community college can save a student money as they prepare to transfer to a college or university with an accredited geology program. Additionally, the money saved can broaden the student’s options in choosing a college, because she will have more money to pay for tuition.
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