earth science student working at computer

Earth Science Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Begin a rewarding career in helping to responsibly tap our precious natural resources and safeguarding the planet.

With the growing need for energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and resource management, companies and government agencies continue to seek earth sciences expertise. If studying our planet fascinates you, a career in earth sciences can be a rewarding profession. The UND program provides a solid foundation in Geoscience and flexibility for students to focus on related areas of interest.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4-5 years
Credit hours:
120

Why earn an earth science degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

For those applying, please select Geology, and then Earth Science on the application.

Planet Earth is at a crucial point in its history. Leaders in the field of earth science will be on the forefront of ensuring its future. Earth scientists combine geology, physics, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy to help better understand nature's forces all around us.

With UND's Earth Science degree, you'll have opportunities to:

  • Learn about the earth, its various natural forces, and the behavior of solids, liquids and gases.
  • Gain the well-rounded knowledge to be able to conduct field research and solve today's environmental and industrial problems.
  • Study key earth science areas like:
    • Historical geology
    • Geomorphology
    • Sedimentology
    • Stratigraphy
    • Mineralogy
    • Petrology
    • Geostatistics
    • Volcanology
    • Glaciology
    • Geophysical principles

Earth Science Degree Online or On-Campus

  • Practice earth science principles by using problem analysis and solving in a range of applications, such as oil, environmental remediation and land management.

  • Benefit from a curriculum that weaves in many essential disciplines for a holistic view of natural resources and a broad-based education. If you wish to pursue it, you'll be prepared for further graduate study.

  • Gain access to facilities and research resources at the Harold Hamm School of Geology & Geological Engineering. We have an extensive collection of geological samples and geoscience testing technologies.

  • Contribute to the economic development of North Dakota and the surrounding region.

  • Let our team of academic advisors help you plan your major. You'll also have access to personalized software to keep you on track to graduate in four years.

  • Raise your grades by getting free academic support at UND. We offer individual tutoring sessions, along with specialized writing and math support programs.

What to do with an earth science degree?

93k

The median annual salary for geoscientists, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

5%

Projected job outlook for geoscientists through 2033

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Earth scientists (or geoscientists) will continue to be in high demand as our planet's natural resources become scarcer, while population and energy demands soar. Earth scientists are needed to find solutions to reconcile these two opposing trends.

UND graduates can expect exciting opportunities to do field studies, test drilling methods, and conduct new research. Others work for top companies in several industries, including:

  • Oil and petroleum
  • Energy
  • Government agencies
  • Land management
  • Waste management and remediation
  • Railroads

Earth Science Degree Courses

GEOL 411. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. 3 Credits.

Describe and classify siliciclastic and carbonate sedimentary rocks; interpret sedimentary structures in ancient sedimentary rocks in terms of depositional, erosional or deformational processes, interpret ancient depositional environments of siliciclastic and carbonate sedimentary rocks; understand and appreciate the difference between rock and time units in sedimentary successions; recognize and appreciate the importance of unconformities in sedimentary successions and for the formation of hydrocarbons; discuss mechanisms responsible for sedimentary basin formation, and describe and classify sedimentary basins (if we get to that last point). This course is also designed to teach you how to reference adequately in the text and how to make a reference list (plus what should be in there). Prerequisite: GEOL 320. S.

GEOL 311. Geomorphology. 4 Credits.

In this course you will learn about the Earth's surface: what processes created the landforms we see today and how those landforms are evolving through time. The topics include: rivers, glaciers, wind, weathering, soils, groundwater, slope processes, dating of the surface deposits, and current and past climate change. The course objective is to provide students with a good understanding of the processes and materials that shape the Earth's surface. Includes field trip and hands on laboratory. Prerequisite: GEOL 101 or GEOE 203 or consent of instructor. F.

GEOL 318. Mineralogy. 2 Credits.

Survey of the origin, distribution and uses of rock-forming minerals. Introduction to mineral structures, crystal chemistry, and crystallography. Prerequisite: GEOL 101 or GEOE 203, and CHEM 121 or consent of instructor. Corequisite: GEOL 318L for on-campus students; distance students will take GEOL 318L during the summer session. S.

GEOL 330. Structural Geology. 3 Credits.

Mechanics of rock deformation, analysis of rock structures, preparation and interpretation of geologic maps and cross sections showing structural and tectonic features. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: GEOL 320 or GEOE 301 and PHYS 211 or PHYS 251. S.

GEOL 102. The Earth Through Time. 3 Credits.

The tracing of changes in the Earth and life through time, with emphasis on the record from North America. GEOL 102L may be taken concurrently. F,S.

GEOL 320. Petrology. 2 Credits.

Description, classification and origin of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Field and laboratory study of rocks. Engineering properties of earth materials. Advanced aspects of optical mineralogy. Prerequisite: GEOL 318. Corequisite: GEOL 320L for on-campus students; distance students will take GEOL 320L during the summer session. F.

Online Earth Science Degree

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

160+

online programs

UND is one of the most affordable online colleges in the region. For this program, we offer the same online tuition rates regardless of your legal residency. Compare and you’ll see UND is lower cost than similar four-year doctoral universities.

Flexible Online Earth Science Degree Classes

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family, and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Campus Visit

While the majority of your courses are offered online, you’ll come to campus to complete portions of the program. Here, you’ll extend and apply the knowledge you’ve learned online through hands-on activities. Our students find tremendous value in having the opportunity to personally interact with their instructors and fellow students.

SUMMER LAB REQUIREMENTS

Top-Tier Online Earth Science Degree

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)
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