A Masters degree in GIS is a highly advanced degree that involves rigorous study, coursework, projects, and sometimes even a thesis paper or capstone.
GIS Masters programs are geared towards students who want to expand on their existing knowledge of geography, remote sensing, GIS, and spatial science. Coursework may include web map development, programming and scripting, spatial statistics, lidar and remote sensing, database management, and environmental science. Depending on the program, students may also have internship and/or field study requirements, which encourages them to apply their skills to real-world challenges and settings.
Can you get your Masters of GIS degree online?
Online GIS masters programs are fairly common, since the degree is highly technical and can be conducted remotely, as long as the student has access to the internet and a somewhat powerful computer for software and processing. There are online Bachelors in GIS programs available if you do not yet have your undergraduate degree, which is typically a requirement for any Masters program.
In addition to the virtual experience of online coursework, something that sets these programs apart from traditional bachelors or masters degrees is their semester structure. Many of the online programs use quarterly systems, allowing students to enroll in four different 10- to 12-week terms instead of the usual two (fall and spring). This alteration is likely due to the fact that online students are often working professionals, interested in streamlining the degree and maintaining their normal lifestyle and schedule. This structure also enables students to customize their timeline and workload, sometimes completing the degree in as little as 18 months or stretching it out over three years.
Multiple types of online GIS Masters programs
There are many hyper-specific GIS programs that are tailored to the sub-disciplines of GIS. These fields include:
- Master's in Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT)
- Master's in Environmental GIS
- MBA in GIS
- Master's in Spatial Analytics
These specialty degrees are worth exploring if you have a very concrete career path in mind; however, the coursework in a standard GIS masters degree program aims to prepare students to use geospatial science and technology in any field.
In depth review of some of the top online Masters in GIS degree programs
University of Maryland - Master of Science in Geospatial Information Sciences
UMD’s Center for Geospatial Information Science offers multiple GIS-related masters degree programs, including options that are entirely online. College Park is conveniently located just outside of Washington, D.C., and even remote students will benefit from this proximity; the university’s faculty includes many professionals with experience in the federal government and global non-profit spheres, all of whom bring a unique perspective to their instruction. The department even offers a specialty in Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) for students interested in national security and defense.
Prospective students are required to hold a baccalaureate degree, during which they are expected to have maintained a GPA of 3.0 or above. Students also must pass a prerequisite course in GIS.
The program’s coursework is highly technical, preparing students for a career in geospatial programming, AI/ML, and spatial statistics. Some of the course offerings in this degree program include:
- Advanced Programming and Scripting for GIS
- Digital Image Processing and Analysis
- Spatial Database Systems
- GIS and Spatial Modeling
- Advanced Remote Sensing using Lidar
Students are also required to complete a capstone project at the end of their studies. In addition to enrolling in a capstone course, where an instructor advises and oversees the completion of the project, the students should expect to undertake rigorous research and challenging technical processes in order to demonstrate the breadth of skill they have garnered over the course of their studies.
Tuition costs $2,709 per three-credit course, for a total of $27,090 (30 credits required to graduate).
Pennsylvania State University - Master of Geographic Information Systems
Penn State is world renowned for its online degree offerings, and their GIS masters program is no exception. Providing a well-rounded learning approach, from geospatial database management to spatial analysis and platform design, this program aims to prepare students to become leaders in the profession. In fact, the entire department is geared towards teaching sustainable and mindful practices in the field of geospatial technology, focusing on real-world problem-solving and future-proof solutions.
Graduation requires the student to complete 33 or 36 credits ($1,017 per credit, $33,561 or $36,612 total) as well as a capstone project. However, only 9 of those credits will come from required courses (Geospatial System Analysis and Design, Geographic Information Analysis, and Geospatial Technology Project Management); there are 30+ diverse electives to choose from, meaning this degree is highly customizable to the students’ unique interests.
Some of those electives include:
- The Earth is Round and Maps are Flat: Spatial Reference Systems in GIS
- Geospatial Applications of Unmanned Aerial Systems
- Location Intelligence for Business
- Spatial Data Science Ethics
- Making Maps that Matter with GIS
- Conservation GIS
- Spatial Data Science for Cyber and Human Social Networks
- GIS for Analysis of Health
University of Cincinnati - Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems
University of Cincinnati offers many affordable online degree programs, priding themselves on delivering high-quality education at a below-average tuition rate: $746 per credit, or $22,803 for the total program.
However, just because the program is more cost effective than other institutions doesn’t mean it’s less discerning about its entry requirements; applicants must submit a B-average transcript from their bachelor’s degree program, letters of recommendation, and a letter of intent.
The University of Cincinnati GIS masters program includes coursework in both proprietary and open-source GIS software, remote sensing techniques, statistics and analytic skills, and spatial data visualization. Six courses are required (18 credits) plus 9 elective credits and a capstone project.
The required coursework ranges from fundamentals in GIS and remote sensing to a seminar of independent research. The elective choices vary greatly and aim to teach the student about the diverse applications of geospatial technology.
- Introduction to landscape ecology and GIS
- Crime Mapping and Analysis
- GIS and Public Health
- Natural Hazards
- Quantitative Geography and Spatial Statistics
- Practical Data Mining and Visualization
University of Southern California - Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST)
The Masters in GIST program at USC is broken down into three tracks, each of which are available for online or in-person enrollment: 1) Spatial Data Management, 2) Spatial Computing, and 3) Spatial Analytics. Each track involves a required 20 credits (which they call units) and a choice of 8 units of electives. Although the tracks have significant overlaps when it comes to mastering geospatial software and technology, the separate divisions enable students to focus on their desired skill sets and career outcomes.
Some of the course offerings in this degree program include:
- Concepts for Spatial Thinking
- Spatial Data Acquisition
- Spatial Programming
- Cartography and Visualization
- Spatial Analysis and Modeling
A unique component of the USC department is the offering of a week-long field excursion, where students explore the use of GIS technology at a marine research center. Because this excursion is part of a required course (Spatial Data Acquisition), it technically renders the program not entirely online; however, it is widely regarded asn invaluable opportunity to test out unmanned autonomous systems (UAVs), conduct field research, and network with other students and experienced faculty. The GIST Masters program also requires students to develop and present a thesis, which they’ll work towards in the final two semesters of the program.
USC is a highly competitive university. Prospective GIST students are required to submit transcripts from their undergraduate degree program, from which they must have graduated with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The application also requires letters of recommendation, a resume/CV, and a writing sample. The cost per unit/credit is $2,244, meaning the entire program costs $62,832.
University of Arizona - Geographic Information Systems Technology Master of Science
Another affordable option for working professionals, the UA Master of Science in GIST offers a comprehensive training in geospatial software, remote sensing principles, spatial analysis, and data visualization. With 30 required credits, each of which costs $850, the entire program costs $25,500 and can be completed in 18 months.
Like most programs, the entry requirements include providing a transcript from an accredited academic institution where the student received a 3.0 GPA or higher, in addition to a statement of purpose and a resume/CV. This program does not require submission of GRE scores.
The curriculum for the program includes the following courses:
- Geographic Information Science
- Remote Sensing Science
- Raster Spatial Analysis
- Vector Spatial Analysis
- GIS Programming and Automation
- Web GIS
- Cartography
- Open Source GIS
In order to graduate, the students are also required to enroll in a Masters Project course and complete said project.
Johns Hopkins University - Masters of Science in Geographic Information Systems
Johns Hopkins is a prestigious university headquartered in Baltimore, MD with global recognition. The faculty in the GIS department recognize the way geospatial technology is revolutionizing the way we explore data and tell stories with maps. In their 10-course program, which can be completed in less than two years, students will learn all about geospatial data science and management. In fact, the institution boasts that their alumni have gone on to work in many federal agencies (DoD, NOAA, FEMA) and local government offices, as well as highly competitive private sector corporations, earning $100,000+ annually.
In order to be admitted, applicants must submit their undergraduate transcript (3.0 GPA or higher). They must also have taken a prerequisite course in quantitative methods or statistics, which will prepare them for the spatial statistics requirements of the program. The application will also require letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.
Three of the following five courses are required, in addition to a final capstone project course:
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Web GIS
- Geospatial Statistics
- Spatial Analytics
- Programming in GIS
There are also a series of general electives, as well as “Focus Area Electives” for the following focus areas: Advanced Geospatial Technology, Geospatial Data Science and Predictive Analytics, and GIS Programming and Application Development. Each course costs $4,770, for a total program cost of $49,700.
Colorado School of Mines - Master of Science in GIS and GeoInformatics
Another popular selection for working geospatial professionals, Colorado School of Mines offers an online Master of Science program in GIS technology and remote sensing. Three courses are required (Applications in Geographic Information Systems and a two-part GIS-Based Real World Learning Project course), as well as seven electives, for a total of 30 credit hours.
The following courses comprise the list of possible electives:
- Advanced Terrain Analysis
- Applied Remote Sensing for Geoengineering and Geosciences
- Advanced Planetary GIS
- Python Scripting for ArcGIS Pro
- Introduction to Data Science
- Earth Resource Data Science (Parts I and II)
- Life Cycle Assessment
- Statistical Methods 1
- Geospatial Big Data Analytics
Applicants must hold undergraduate degrees in earth science, and tuition costs $22,912 for the full 10-course program, if you’re enrolled full time. Students can also apply for and enroll in the certificate program in the same department, and then roll over the credits into the masters program should they choose to pursue that degree instead.
What can you do with a Masters in GIS degree?
Holding a masters degree in GIS shows potential employers that you are an expert in the field. Not only do you understand the power of geospatial technology, you can leverage it to solve real-world problems, extract insights from data, and tell complex stories with maps.
Government and engineering
With a GIS masters degree, you could unlock an entirely new tier of job opportunities in the field. You could be well on your way to getting promoted from a GIS Technician to a Senior Analyst or qualifying for advanced positions in local and federal government. There are also many subsequent licenses and certifications that a GIS masters degree may contribute towards, including surveying licenses, urban planning certifications, engineering degrees, and more.
Leadership positions in GIS
A Masters in GIS is ideal if you want to pursue a leadership role in GIS. While enrolled in one of these programs, you may gain access to cutting edge software and technology that is often only available to academic institutions. Utilizing and mastering these tools can open your eyes to new ways to solve problems at work, as well as mentoring others and contributing to larger scale projects.
Higher education opportunities in GIS
Higher education also expands your professional network, which is often the most impactful component of career success and should not be underestimated. Learning and receiving mentorship from academic leaders may position you favorably when new job and research opportunities are presented. These GIS departments at prestigious academic institutions can be a breeding ground for startups and professional collaboration, so it is worth pursuing these relationships in addition to your mandated coursework.
A masters in GIS is a wise move for a professional looking to dive deep into the GIS industry – whether that means getting hired as the singular GIS expert on a project, or getting embedded in a team of seasoned GIS analysts. It is a challenging academic experience that presents opportunities for future growth and long-term industry connections. There are countless applications for geospatial technology in a constantly digitizing world.
What is GIS
GIS (Geospatial Information Science or Geographic Information Systems) refers to a field of study and a type of technology used for digital mapping, earth observation, and spatial analysis. An interdisciplinary field, GIS requires its practitioners to leverage skills in physical geography, statistics, computer science, and even graphic design to accomplish their analytic and data visualization tasks. Because GIS is a rapidly evolving discipline, incorporating increasingly complex tools and software, students and professionals are seeking advanced degrees in order to become experts in this field.
