Applied Geosciences Program

MSGO

Advance your career and make an impact in environmental geology, hydrogeology, and engineering geology—all online

Whether you are an experienced geoscientist or preparing to expand your science or engineering geology experience, you can advance in the field without relocating or interrupting your career. Get connected with the world-class resources of an Ivy League institution while you gain theoretical and technical expertise in geochemistry, geophysics, hydrogeology, and engineering geology.

Penn’s Applied Geosciences Program now offers multiple ways to access the rigorous academics and professional opportunities that will help you achieve your goals:

Master of Science in Applied Geosciences

The online Master of Science in Applied Geosciences (MSAG) prepares you to take on a range of pressing environmental problems in a field where you are already making a real, practical difference. This program will deepen your theoretical and technical expertise and hone essential skills for leadership and advancement as you receive ongoing advisor support. The MSAG is structured to give you a foundation in applied scientific knowledge and to train you to put that knowledge into action.

Learn more about the MS in Applied Geosciences

Applied Geosciences Program Graduate Certificates

The Applied Geosciences Program offers two online graduate certificates for students with a focused set of outcomes in mind who want to earn a credential more quickly than a full degree allows. Four-course certificates are offered in engineering geology and environmental hydrogeology and can be earned in as few as two semesters.

Learn more about the graduate certificates

Individual Course-Taking

Students who are looking to advance their knowledge in a specific area can enroll in individual applied geosciences graduate courses. The entire catalog of online applied geosciences courses available to degree and certificate students is open to course-takers.

Learn more about course-taking

See information about the University of Pennsylvania's accreditation.


The Penn LPS Applied Geosciences Program is offered by the University of Pennsylvania, an institution of higher education authorized to confer degrees and certificates conferring academic credit under applicable laws of the United States. Students who are interested in participating in the program from countries other than the United States are advised that each jurisdiction may have its own laws and regulations governing online educational programs, and some jurisdictions may not recognize course credit or an online degree awarded by the University as satisfying local requirements for professional licensure, employment qualification, or other purposes. Before enrolling in this program, prospective students should investigate their jurisdiction’s treatment of foreign online programs to ensure that participation in this program will meet their objectives.

Fast Facts

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12
Number of graduate-level courses required to earn the degree
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56%
Percentage of students studying part time
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2
New certificates in engineering geology and environmental hydrogeology
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16
Number of courses available to individual course-takers

Program opportunities

Applied Geosciences Program students can work in collaboration with research institutions and groups both on and off-campus, including The Water Center at Penn, Stroud Water Research Center, the Global Water Alliance, the Philadelphia Field Station-USFS, and the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership. Students can also acquire writing and editing experience working with a peer-reviewed academic journal, The International Journal for Water Equity and Justice (IJWEJ) an online, open-access publication managed by Penn faculty and students that focuses on the intersection of water equity.

Learn more about program opportunities >

Upcoming application deadline

Upcoming application deadline

The application deadline for spring 2025 is December 1, 2024.

learn more about the program, curriculum, and application process.

Virtual Information Session

Join us on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, for a virtual information session to hear more about the program, curriculum, and application process.

Applied Geosciences Program Virtual Café

Applied Geosciences Program Virtual Café

Join us on the first Thursday of every month for an online chat, hosted live from noon - 1 p.m.

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