Find the Best GIS Degree Programs

Welcome to GIS Degrees (GISDegrees.org), an online resource dedicated to helping students find undergraduate and graduate Geospatial Information Science degree programs. This resource covers GIS and related fields such as: geospatial science, geography, geographic information science, GIS mapping, GIS visualizations, and more.

Geospatial Information Science (GIS) is a rapidly evolving field that incorporates geography and digital mapping technology. With the emergence of the field and its use in the private and public sectors comes a greater need for education in the GIS field.

Top GIS Degrees

What is a GIS degree?

A GIS degree program will include foundational coursework in many different subjects (e.g., physical geography, environmental science, statistics, and history) as well as practical skill instruction in geospatial software, which is a highly specialized and powerful technology. This software can be used to analyze satellite imagery and other remotely sensed data, create maps and data visualizations, and calculate advanced spatial metrics for a variety of use cases. GIS professionals exist in countless industries, using their niche software skills to make maps, support environmental analysis and engineering, and inform sustainable community development.

Studying GIS at the collegiate level is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. GIS Bachelors, Masters, PhD and even certificate graduates will be equipped with a well-rounded understanding of geospatial science and technology, with a unique set of skills and critical thinking capabilities. An online GIS degree is ideal for students who enjoy learning about science, math, and creative visual storytelling in an individualized and self-motivated setting.

Can you get a GIS degree online?

As with many other technical disciplines, online coursework in GIS is being offered by more institutions than ever, enabling remote students to access these universities without ever setting foot on campus. Master’s degrees and certificate programs are the most common program types to be found online, since they are usually considered supplemental to other education, but bachelor’s degrees are available online as well.

GIS Degrees by Level

Bachelors in GIS degree programs

Bachelor of GIS programs usually take about four years to complete, are widely available in on-campus formats at private and public universities, and are also offered as online degree programs.

When applying to bachelor’s programs, students will usually submit a large application package to be reviewed by the school’s admissions board. This package may be comprised of high school transcript information, reported extracurricular activities, test scores, letters of recommendation and sometimes a written statement. Applications are subject to the admissions board of each school, and sometimes even the specific department the student is applying to, so there is no perfect combination of qualifications that can guarantee acceptance.

Bachelor’s programs are also unique because they usually require the student to enroll in several general education courses outside the student’s chosen major of study. These vary from school to school, but may include courses such as English or Literature, Math or Statistics, Public Speaking, and even an Arts or Humanities course.

Masters in GIS degree programs

In terms of online GIS degree programs, GIS Masters degree programs are some of the most common for being available online. This is likely because Masters students aren't necessarily looking for the on-campus experience, having already achieved a bachelor’s degree, and they may even be employed full-time, requiring a more flexible course load and program schedule.

Doctorate or PhD in GIS degree programs

PhD (or doctorate) programs in GIS are the most rigorous type of education available in the field. These degrees usually require the student to focus on a very specific and unique topic, culminating in the publication of a research paper and submission to academic journals.

Earning your PhD entirely online is extraordinarily rare, since it usually includes studying under the tutelage of a particular advisor, participating as part of a lab or cohort, and/or serving as a teaching assistant on campus. In fact, many PhD students are not charged tuition because they are working full-time in labs or classrooms to support their research. There are often alternate funding sources available at as well (research grants, scholarships, and fellowships).

Obtaining your PhD usually includes a combination of coursework, dissertation research hours, proposals and examinations, and a thesis defense.

Graduate certificates in GIS

GIS certificates are extremely popular, since they can be obtained for less time and money than a bachelor's or master’s degree. These programs usually require just a few courses, meaning students’ lives and careers are minimally disrupted. Many of the previously mentioned universities offer certificate programs alongside the degree programs (Penn State, University of Maryland), but these are some alternate institutions.

What is the best degree for GIS?

There is no definitive best degree for GIS, since every job has different requirements, and every student has different priorities.

A bachelor’s degree may provide you with the most well-rounded education, since students can usually pursue a wide variety of coursework in geography, history, science, math, and other general education subjects. If you have a high school diploma and you are searching for your first higher education degree, a bachelor’s degree might be right for you.

A master’s degree is usually more in-depth, with a narrower focus on the student’s chosen geospatial line of study. If you are already a working professional, looking to boost your career and apply your geospatial skills to new, more challenging problems, a master’s degree might be a better choice.

A PhD is usually the narrowest focus of all, where the student selects a highly unique and under-researched component of geospatial science to publish their own studies about. Students pursuing a PhD often have their sights set on a career in academia, where they can continue to conduct research or educate others on the subject. A doctorate program can take a significant amount of time, so these students should also be prepared to leave the workforce while they pursue this degree.

Ultimately, the best degree for GIS is the one that aligns with your career goals and level of commitment.

GIS degrees by state

Click on your state below to view all GIS degrees in our database in your state. Online GIS degrees are included and highlighted on each state page.

What degree do most GIS analysts need?

Most GIS analysts hold a Bachelor’s in GIS, Geography, or a related field. An increasing number of professionals obtain Master’s degrees for career advancement. Employers highly value hands-on experience with GIS software, programming, and “real-world data”; making internships and project-based learning invaluable.

Types of GIS degrees

Typical coursework you might take in a GIS degree

Coursework varies by program and institution, however most GIS degrees include:

• Cartography and Geovisualization: Techniques for creating accurate, meaningful, and appealing maps.
• Remote Sensing: Using satellites and aerial imagery for data analysis.
• Geospatial Programming: Learning coding languages such as Python for use in GIS applications.
• Spatial Analysis and Modeling: Studying geographic patterns and predictive modeling.
• Database Management: Efficiently managing large spatial datasets.

What can you do with a GIS degree?

Graduates of GIS degree programs may pursue career opportunities across multiple sectors, including transportation, environmental management, and urban planning. GIS-related job titles may include:

• GIS Analyst
• GIS Manager
• Cartographer
• Remote Sensing Analyst
• Geospatial Data Scientist
• Urban Planner
• Disaster Management Specialist