How to Get a Master's Degree in Geographic Information Systems

Graduate training in geographic information systems (GIS) prepares you to interact with data in a range of careers and fields. Graduates often pair a bachelor's degree in science, environmental studies, earth science, or geography with a graduate degree or certificate in geographic information systems.

Geographic Information Systems Master's Degree Spotlight

As a type of science degree, a master's degree in geographic information systems typically requires focused attention over two years of full-time study. Graduate certificates or diplomas in geographic information systems that require less time are also available.

Data and system management are valuable skills in fields beyond geographic planning. Graduates of geographic information systems master's degree programs often go on to careers in a true range of disciplines. Find GIS graduates in the following fields:

• Criminal Justice
• Health Services
• City & Regional Planning
• Civil & Environmental Engineering
• Transportation
• Marketing

Geographic information systems experts offer their advanced skills in geographic data management, GIS system management, and spatial analysis to any project within their scope. The degree's broad application means that you can end up to combining your current degree and experience to take the career in an entirely different direction.

How to Earn a Master's Degree in Geographic Information Systems

Prepare yourself to learn more and potentially earn more with a master's degree in geographic information systems. Your journey begins with research; use this guide to find resources, establish a list of potential schools, and begin preparing your application. If you've just begun to consider graduate training and you're looking for some basic facts, take a look at WorldWideLearn.com's guide.

Geographic information systems is a focused graduate degree that can teach skills that can use in a range of careers. For more information on career education and planning for the specific career description of surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists, and surveying technicians, see WorldWideLearn.com's guide.

Match your GIS training with your career plans. The type of degree you earn depends on your career future, as well as your learning style and other details. Start your research by learning the basics of this popular master's degree.

Step 1: Think About Geographic Information Systems Master's Degree Options

Geographic information systems graduate degrees begin with the basic type of training that interests you. Take a look at the major distinctions within GIS graduate study:

• Master of Science (MS): This professional degree combines the focused training with research. Many programs offer training that fulfills GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) educational achievement points requirements for GIS professional certification.
• Master of Geographic Information Systems (MGIS): Considered academically equivalent to the MS degree above, the MGIS is also thought of as a professional degree and is also often rolled up with professional certification.
• Graduate Certificate or Diploma: Certification and diploma programs are designed to offer students the minimum educational requirements necessary for professional certification with the GISCI. Specific distinctions may be available for GIS specialists, analysts, or coordinators.

The path you choose depends on your personal career goals and interests in education. Because many geographic information systems degree programs involve earning important certification from the GISCI, it helps to know more about the professional organization.

Step 2: Create a List of Potential Geographic Information Systems Schools

Continue your process by making a list of potential schools once you've thought about the basic distinctions within GIS degree programs. Creating a list can help you learn more about the details and specializations behind GIS training. Use the following resources to begin your research:

• Ranking Sites: Online and print publications rank top graduate programs based on a range of factors. U.S. News and World Report maintains current rankings of the best earth sciences graduate schools and can begin to focus your research on GIS programs.
• Professional Organizations: Learn more about geographic information systems schools by exploring related trade and industry organizations. Check the following professional organizations--The University Consortium for Geographical Science, The American Geographical Association, The American Congress on Surveying and Mapping, and the National Society of Professional Surveyors.
• School Listings: Browse listings of schools at WorldWideLearn.com and use the site to simplify the process of contacting programs for more information. See listings for online GIS degrees and campus-based environmental science degrees.

As you create your initial list of potential GIS programs, be sure to keep your options broad. In the following steps, you can take your long list and narrow it down based on your individual preferences. Next, you can consider whether you would prefer to earn your GIS master's degree online or on campus.

Step 3: Consider Campus and Online Geographic Information Systems Master's Degree Programs

As you used the resources above and did your own work to create a list of potential geographic information systems schools, you may have noticed that both online and campus GIS degree programs are offered. Because master's degree programs in geographic information systems don't necessitate hands-on research, it is common for students to choose between online and campus degrees in the field.

If you want to earn a master's degree online, you can use the resources at WorldWideLearn.com to find out more about online master's degrees and the online education process itself:

• Would you rather earn a master's degree online or on campus? Help determine your preferences with a helpful quiz.
• Get the facts about different learning styles and think about how your learning style can affect the way you earn a your degree.
• Learn about different types of online degree programs and find out which one is right for you.

Whether you choose the hands-on benefits of the campus classroom or the flexibility and convenience of online master's degree programs, your choice is ultimately up to you. Adult learners benefit from both styles of learning; consider which style would suit you best for your GIS degree.

Step 4: Determine Geographic Information Systems Degree Program Accreditation

Help ensure the quality of your future GIS graduate school by determining the accreditation status of each program on your list. The accreditation process requires that a third-party agency examine each school based on different factors, such as hiring, academic records, and finances. Ensuring your geographic information systems institution is accredited means:

• Other schools and potential employers are more likely to recognize your transcripts and credits
• You can eligible to apply for federal financial aid
• Your GIS degree will be valued

Determine accreditation by searching the U.S. Department of Education's database for the geographic information systems schools on your list. Search by school name and make sure the program is currently accredited. This step can take some time as you search for both online and campus programs, but the process is essential.

Working through the accreditation process can help you take control of determining the quality of your master's degree. For more information on the accreditation process, see WorldWideLearn.com's guide.

Step 4: Narrow Down Your Geographic Information Systems Master's Degree List

You should now have a number of options for a master's degree in geographic information systems. Turn your long list into a focused list of the best schools for you. Examine potential GIS graduate schools using the following categories:

• Admission Standards: Each geographic information systems program comes with its own admissions standards. The most selective schools typically have the most restrictive requirements, including resumes, transcripts, and test scores.

• Location: If you have campus programs on your list, think about each school's location. Seek out businesses and organizations that align to your career path, treating the search like a job searach. The more potential careers you find, the more success you may have locally with internships and jobs later on.

• Technology: If you intend to earn a master's degree online, think about the details of each school. One program may offer a virtual library for GIS students, while another could present course material in an interesting format. No two online universities are alike; think about what you most value in terms of accessibility and convenience.

• Finances: Consider the cost associated with each geographic information systems master's degree program. Balance tuition and fees with federal financial aid and potential scholarships that you may receive. Think about how your potential salary after graduation will stack up against school costs, and research financial aid options.

• Reputation: Rankings and employer preferences can determine the reputation of a GIS school. Remember that schools that top the rankings lists may charge higher tuition than the school that offers you the same skills for a lower price. Always balance a school's reputation with your financial bottom line.

• Faculty: Find out where faculty members in each GIS school are publishing and researching by reading their biographies on department websites. Look for schools where the faculty research match your own interests, and look for departments with strong overall professor teams over one or two big names.

• GISP: Not all schools offer training that fulfills the professional requirements set up by the GISCI. GISP certification requires minimum standards for educational achievement and professional experience. Contact individual schools for more information on how they meet GISP requirements.

After you work through the list above, your result should be a short list of GIS programs that are truly personalized to your preferences. Thinking about each program closely can help you learn more about each school, more about your own preferences as a student, and more about the GIS degree itself. Now you should be at the point where you can start the degree application process with only the strongest GIS schools on your list.

Applying for Geographic Information Systems Master's Degree Programs

Once you've created your short list of programs, you are ready to apply to your top list of geographic information systems master's degree schools. Whether your goal is to earn a master's degree online or attend a campus program, you need to submit a different application for each GIS school. Begin the process by keeping the following in mind:

• Meet Requirements: Each GIS program has different requirements, ranging from resumes to recommendation letters, test scores to transcripts. Contact each GIS schools for specific requirements.

• Observe Deadlines: Each application has deadlines. Keep yourself organized by using a calendar or day planner to observe deadlines for test scores, transcripts, and completed application packets.

• Get Educated: While you apply, take the time to learn more about geographic information systems as a profession. Seek out more information from professional organizations like the American Association of Geodetic Surveying.

Taking the time to research geographic information systems master's degree programs comes with a range of benefits. Learning about different schools can save you time and money during the application process itself. This research takes some effort, but you can feel confident that you are applying to the GIS schools that are the right fit for you.

Sources

• Geographic Information Systems, University of Denver
• GISCI GIS Certification Institute
• Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
• Master of Geographic Information Systems, Penn State University
• Rankings: Earth Sciences U.S. News & World Report
• Search Institutional Accreditation System, U.S. Department of Education