You know everything about your home: how things are arranged, be it your clothes, your books and other things. Similarly, Earth Science helps you know everything about the home that you share with all: The Earth. With the knowledge you gain by exploration, you can improve the living standards of your society. Every country depends on its natural resources. So knowing everything about them (structure, chemical composition, exhaustibility, and more) can help each nation use these resources prudently and without harming the environment. For this, they need your expertise. So to be prepared for the role, there are numerous Earth Science courses you can take. You can also opt for free online earth science courses from top universities and MOOC providers.
What is Earth Science?
Also known as geoscience, Earth Science is the study of the physical and chemical constitution of Earth (its land, waters, and the air that envelops it). It encapsulates mainly four branches of study - the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. Earth Science explores all fields of natural sciences such as geology, hydrology, atmospheric science, geography, geology, palaeontology, seismology, and others in the quest to comprehend features of the earth from its past to the present as well as its future. This knowledge can then be used for the good of humanity. Earth science also focuses on other planets as well, in the hope that in the future humanity might be able to use the resources in outer space.
Who can pursue Earth Science courses?
- You are a high school student who loves different aspects of geography and wishes to delve deeper into the mysteries of the planet
- You simply love to know more about the planet
- You are already a professional (geographer, scholar, and others) in the field of earth science and now want to bridge any gap, if there is any
- You see the endless opportunities in this field and don’t want to miss out
Does this sound like you? Then, Earth Science courses are for you.
Eligibility Criteria for Earth Science courses
For UG Earth Science Courses (B.Sc), you must have (10+2) qualification with a minimum passing percentage (50%) in the science stream (physics, chemistry)
For PG Earth Science courses (M.Sc./ M.Tech), you must have a minimum passing percentage (55%).
For PhD in Earth Science courses, you must have a master’s in the respective field with a minimum passing percentage (55%)
Depending on the institute you might have to take entrance exams as well.
Entrance Exams for Earth Science courses
- JEE Main (UG) (NITsIITs)
- GATE (PG)
- Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) Entrance Test:
- MET (UG and PG)
- Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER), Bhopal Aptitude Test (UG and PG)
You can also take online earth science courses to learn more about the course at any stage of your education.
Important skills for Earth Science courses
- Logical and Analytical skills
- Research skills
- Problem solving skills
- Attention to detail
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Perseverance
Also Read: Popular providers offering Earth Science courses and certifications
- Edx Earth Science Courses & Certifications
- Swayam Earth Science Courses & Certifications
- Futurelearn Earth Science Courses & Certifications
- Udemy Earth Science Courses & Certifications
What will you learn in Earth Science courses?
The major aim of Earth Science courses online is to give a foundational understanding of the Earth and all of its elements. When the level of intensity of Earth science courses increases (from UG to PhD), you become a qualified professional who can conduct research in the field. Here are some of the important concepts covered in Earth Science:
- Geography
- Geology
- Geochemistry
- Palaeontology
- Ore Geology
- Geomorphology
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Sedimentology
- Seismology
- Marine Geology
- Economic Geology
- Drilling Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Hydrogeology
- Geo-Mechanics
- Statistical Methods of Geosciences
Popular Earth Science certification courses
Are you a beginner? Are you a professional, looking to gain more knowledge about geoscience? Then there are earth science certification courses that can teach you the basics to advanced concepts. These earth science online courses can help you in acquainting yourself with all the latest trends in the industry. Qualified and experienced experts, and academics have designed these earth science certification courses, keeping you in mind.
Course | Offered by | Duration | Fees |
IIT Kanpur via Swayam | 8 weeks | Free (charge for certificate) | |
MIT via Edx | 13 weeks | Free | |
IIT Kanpur via Swayam | 8 weeks | Free (charge for certificate) | |
Delft University of Technology via Edx | 6 weeks | Free |
Career Opportunities after Earth Science courses
As a Seismologist, you will research natural phenomena such as planetary activities, earthquakes, tsunamis, and more. You will also gather data and monitor the Earth's crust with technological instruments.
You study the composition of the Earth’s crust and research different solid, liquid, and gaseous matter on Earth as well as other terrestrial planets. You also study the processes and factors that have shaped them into their present form. You publish and present research papers and this knowledge is used in the industry
Mining and Geological Engineer
As a mining and geological engineer, you will oversee mining operations (supply procurement to project management). You will analyse, calculate and make reports about supplies, reserves and operations. You will also work with the team to enhance productivity, balance the budget, and more.
Other careers
- Environmental Scientist
- Petroleum Engineer
- Geologist
- Oceanographer
- Research Associate
- Environmental Lawyer
- Environmental Engineer
Salary Trends
You can expect and demand great compensation in the field of Earth Sciences, mainly because of the high demand in both India and abroad. While a public sector job also provides job security, many are attracted towards the private sector as the companies offer attractive salaries to get the talent. Here are some of the prominent professions related to earth science and their compensations
Profession | Average Base Salary p.a. |
Seismologist | Rs 1,063,653/- |
Mining Engineer | Rs 533,496/- |
Oceanographer | Rs 2,000,000/- |
Geologist | Rs 589,623/- |
Petroleum Engineer | Rs 811,392/- |
** Source of Salary Details: Payscale and Glassdoor
Note: The given salary details may vary depending on experience, skill, company, location and other factors.
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Scope after Earth Science courses
The world is facing natural and man-made disasters and issues such as pollution, earthquakes, global warming, and floods. And also note how humanity depends on earth’s natural resources to progress in life. You can see numerous meteorological departments, disaster management departments, mining companies, oil and natural gas companies, and more all around the world due to the demand. So both at the local as well as global level, your talent will be in high demand. So take some of the best Earth Science courses and become that professional everyone is seeking after.
Top Recruiters
- ISRO
- Hindustan Zinc Ltd.
- Mineral Exploration Ltd.
- Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)
- Environmental protection agencies
- Geological Survey of India (GSI)
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FAQs
Q: Is it difficult to pursue earth science courses?
A: If knowing everything about Earth is your passion, then the endless knowledge wouldn’t become so tedious. You can take some basic online earth science courses to have an understanding of the field, i.e. if you are having doubts about choosing a degree in college.
Q: What is the duration for Earth Science courses?
A: For a bachelor’s in UG earth science courses, the duration is 3 years. For a Master in an earth science course, it is 2 years. For research in earth science courses, earth science can take anywhere from 2 to 8 years. You can complete most earth science certification courses in a few months.
Q: How can I pursue online Earth Science courses?
A: You could be a beginner or a professional. But your passion for earth science can lead you to online earth science courses. Luckily for you, many prestigious institutes offer online Earth Science courses. Take, for example, the Swayam initiative by the Indian government with many institutes which provides many Earth Science certification courses.
Q: What is the fee structure for various Earth Science courses?
A: Bachelor’s degree in Earth Science courses cost from Rs 3.24 lakhs (private) and 8.31 lakhs (public) respectively. For Masters in Earth Science courses, it can cost from Rs 24,120/- to Rs 30,000/-(private) and Rs 13,600/- to 8.25 lakhs (public). For research, it can range from Rs 1.81 lakhs (private) and Rs 52,070/- to 1.76 lakhs (public). Most online earth science courses are free of cost.
Q: What is the necessity for earth science courses?
A: Humanity thrives on the resources of the earth. So it is important to have sustainable development to avoid environmental harm. Because most resources are exhaustible and their usage causes problems such as pollution, and global warming. Hence the necessity for Earth science courses.
Q: What are some of the best institutes for pursuing UG/PG Earth Science courses?
A: Here are some of the top institutes that offer Earth Science courses: