Southern New Hampshire University offers an online B.S. in Geosciences that covers geology, earth system science, atmospheric science and geospatial data analysis. The 120-credit degree runs in 8-week terms with six starts a year, and lab courses use kits mailed to your home.
SNHU lists tuition at $354 per credit for 2026–27, or $42,480 for the full degree before transfer credit (SNHU tuition). There is no application fee, no GPA requirement and no test requirement, and up to 90 transfer credits can count toward the degree. Optional concentrations add data analytics or natural resources and conservation.
Program at a Glance
| Degree | B.S. in Geosciences (online) |
| Credits | 120 (40 courses) |
| Format | Online, 8-week terms |
| Starts | Six terms a year |
| Labs | Kits mailed home (contiguous U.S. only) |
| Concentrations | Data Analytics in Science; Natural Resources and Conservation (optional) |
| Tuition (2026–27) | $354 per credit; $42,480 for 120 credits |
| Military rate | $250 per credit |
| Transfer credit | Up to 90 credits |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
Curriculum
SNHU lists these major courses on its program page (“courses may include”). The full requirements are in SNHU’s academic catalog.
Science Foundations and Labs
| Course | Topic |
|---|---|
| CHM 101 and 101L | Fundamentals of Chemistry with lab |
| PHY 101 and 101L | Principles of Physics with lab |
| PHY 103 | Earth System Science |
| PHY 205 and 205L | Principles of Geology with lab |
Geosciences Core
| Course | Topic |
|---|---|
| SCI 207 | Atmospheric Science |
| SCI 225 | Spatial Awareness |
| GEO 330 | Geohazards |
| SCI 310 | Geostatistics and Data Analysis |
| SCI 320 | Geosciences Methodologies |
| SCI 350 | Leadership and Ethics in the Geosciences |
| SCI 425 | Geoscientific Research Methods |
| SCI 489 | Geosciences Capstone |
Concentrations
The degree includes 21 free elective credits, which students can use for electives or a concentration (program page).
- Data Analytics in Science: applied statistics for STEM, gathering requirements and collecting data, and structured databases.
- Natural Resources and Conservation: energy and society, environmental issues, global climate change, and waste reduction and remediation. SNHU links it to roles such as environmental specialist, environmental inspector and compliance manager (concentration page).
How the Online Format Works
- 8-week terms: SNHU runs six undergraduate terms a year, with upcoming starts including January 4 and March 1, 2027 (term dates).
- No set class times: SNHU says its online courses have no set class times, so you can study around work.
- At-home labs: chemistry, physics and geology labs use kits mailed to you. Because of shipping laws, lab courses must be completed within the contiguous United States.
- No required fieldwork: SNHU does not list any campus visits or field camps; internships and experiential learning are optional.
Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or GED (attestation form); no GPA requirement (online admission)
- No application fee, test scores or essay
- Up to 90 transfer credits accepted, with at least 30 credits taken at SNHU (transfer credit)
- Credit for prior learning, including CLEP, Sophia Learning and military training
- Rolling admission for six terms a year
Tuition and Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition per credit (2026–27) | $354 |
| Military rate per credit | $250 |
| 120 credits, no transfer | $42,480 |
| With 30 transfer credits | $31,860 |
| With 90 transfer credits | $10,620 |
SNHU publishes a single online undergraduate rate, with no separate out-of-state rate listed. Its 2026–27 cost of attendance budgets about $816 a year for books, course materials and supplies. SNHU does not list separate technology or lab-kit fees. The military rate applies to active-duty service members and their spouses, the National Guard and the Selected Reserve (military discounts).
Faculty and Department
SNHU says its geosciences faculty bring decades of STEM experience. The program page does not name a department or list faculty. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (SNHU FAQs).
Careers
SNHU lists geologist, climate change analyst, GIS analyst and environmental engineer as career paths in nonprofit, government, industry and research settings. BLS reports a May 2025 median salary of $101,920 for geoscientists and $82,220 for environmental scientists and specialists. See more paths in our online geosciences degrees guide.
Pros and Considerations
Strengths
- Fully online, with at-home lab kits
- Six start dates a year and 8-week terms
- No application fee, GPA or test requirement
- Accepts up to 90 transfer credits
Things to Consider
- Lab courses must be done within the contiguous U.S.
- No required fieldwork may limit hands-on geology experience
- Full catalog requirements not published on the program page
- Private university; no in-state discount
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SNHU’s geosciences degree fully online?
Yes. SNHU’s B.S. in Geosciences is offered online in 8-week terms, with lab kits mailed to your home.
How much does SNHU’s online geosciences degree cost?
SNHU lists $354 per credit for 2026–27, or $42,480 for 120 credits before transfer credit. Military students pay $250 per credit.
How do labs work in SNHU’s geosciences program?
Students complete chemistry, physics and geology labs with kits mailed to their homes. Lab courses must be completed within the contiguous United States.
Can I transfer credits into SNHU’s geosciences degree?
Yes. SNHU accepts up to 90 transfer credits, and at least 30 credits must be completed at SNHU.
Compare SNHU with other programs in our online physical geography and geosciences degrees guide or our online geography and GIS degree guide.
Official Sources
We verified this profile against the following school pages in October 2026. Program details change, so confirm current requirements and costs with the school before you apply.