Geology Certificate

Get Started on Your Certificate Today!

The Geology Certificate is a fully online, post-baccalaureate program designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Earth sciences. Whether you're passionate about geology or looking to advance your career in K-12 education, environmental consulting, or government agencies, this program covers essential topics such as coastal environments, natural hazards, oceanography, and more.

While this certificate does not lead to professional licensure in geology, it serves as an excellent opportunity to deepen your geological knowledge and expand your career options.

Program Highlights

Fully Online - All courses are 100% online, making it convenient for students across Mississippi and beyond.
Flexible – Gain a strong foundation in geology at the post-baccalaureate level with a curriculum designed to fit your schedule.
Stackable Credential - Seamlessly transition into the online M.S. in Environmental Geosciences, accelerating your path to advanced qualifications and career growth.
Affordable Tuition - Enjoy in-state tuition rates, no matter where you live.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition per credit hour	$558.50
Instructional Support Fee per credit hour	$25.00

Tuition and fees listed are subject to change and do not include all possible charges. Additional fees may apply. Please refer to the master class schedule for individual course charges.

Who should pursue this certificate?

This program is ideal for:

Educators seeking credentials to teach geology at the K-12 or community college level.
Professionals looking to enhance their expertise for careers in environmental consulting, government agencies, and industry sectors.
Lifelong learners with a strong interest in Earth sciences.

What are some potential careers?

Graduates of the Geology Certificate program can pursue careers in:

Community College and K-12 Geology Education
Environmental Consulting
Oil and Gas Industry
Hazard Assessment & Land-Use Planning
Government Agencies & Research Institutions

Program Structure

Course Number	Course Title	Hours
GG 8103	Geology and Geoheritage of the National Parks	3
GG 8503	Landforms	3
GG 8123	Geology II Earth and Time	3
GG 8613	Hydrology	3
GG 8133	Rocks and Minerals	3
Total Hours		15

Courses

GG 8103 Geology and Geoheritage of the National Parks: 3 hours. Three hours lecture. Investigation into geologic history, tectonics, processes and resulting landscapes, and geoheritage of US National Parks

GG 8503 Landforms: 3 hours. Three hours video and online. Geomorphological principles with an emphasis on landforms of North America and their formation

GG 8123 Geology II, Earth and Time: Earth, Time and Life: 3 hours. (Prerequisite: GG 6103). Three hours lecture, video and online. Principles of historical geology with emphasis on geological time, earth history, fossils, evolution, and extinction. Primarily for K-12 science teachers

GG 8613 Hydrology: 3 hours. Three hours lecture, video and online. Investigation of the occurrence, distribution, movement, and chemistry of earth's waters. Emphasis on geological controls of surface and groundwater. Primarily for K-12 science teachers

GG 8133 Rocks and Minerals: 3 hours. Three hours video and online. Principles of mineralogy with an emphasis on rock formation and classification

Admissions Process

Applications for the degree programs are reviewed two times a year. The application deadlines for those semesters are as follows:

Fall Semester - August 1
Spring Semester - December 1

Graduate Admissions

Submit an online application. You will choose Geology Certificate as your program of interest and Online Education as your campus.
One official transcript showing bachelor’s degree or progress toward degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
One official transcript showing ALL work after bachelor’s degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
- Electronic transcripts should be sent to: gradapps@grad.msstate.edu Mississippi State University, Graduate School. Only one copy of an electronic transcript is required.
- Paper Transcripts Address (USPS):
  Mississippi State University
  The Office of the Graduate School
  P.O. Box G
  Mississippi State, MS 39762
- Physical Street Address (for DHL, Fed Ex, UPS, DHS, etc.):
  Mississippi State University
  The Office of the Graduate School
  175 President Circle
  116 Allen Hall
  Mississippi State, MS 39762
Pay $60 non-refundable application processing fee

Attention International Students

International students are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and score greater than 550. Detailed information regarding international applications can be found in the Graduate Catalog. Questions regarding international applications can be addressed to the Office of the Graduate School at gradapps@grad.msstate.edu.

ETS is providing home testing for the TOEFL iBT test, and MSU is encouraging students to take advantage of this testing option. For those students applying who have taken the TOEFL within five years of the semester they plan to enroll and are unable to access the TOEFL iBT test from home, we will accept your previous test scores.

Academic Advising

After gaining admission to the university, you must contact your assigned advisor to determine the courses most appropriate to take. Before the upcoming semester, your advisor will send an email to your MSU email account, making course recommendations based on your program of study.

Mississippi State University uses email as its official means of communication with all MSU students. Please check your MSU email account (NetID@msstate.edu) daily. Information on setting up your MSU email can be found at the link for student services.