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Geographic information science (GIS) combines computer science with environmental science to prepare students to map and analyze Earth's geography. GIS degree curricula teach various technology applications used in spatial data research and statistical analysis. Students use these skills to better understand urban planning, resource management, and forest conservation. Coursework is largely technical, including foundational and advanced classes in computer programming, statistics, and data analysis. 

Regardless of the format, students should only apply to accredited schools. This ensures that an independent education agency has evaluated the program for quality. 

Also, check out our list of the most affordable online GIS degrees that offer less expensive tuition.

Full-time students usually complete GIS online degrees in four years. This is because most programs require at least 120 credits to graduate. On the other hand, part-time students may take anywhere from five to eight years to graduate, depending on how many credits they take each semester. 

GIS programs often come as concentrations that are part of general studies or business administration degrees or as standalone online GIS degrees with electives in specific areas like resource conservation or application development. 

GIS is considered a subfield of geography because it centers on the technical aspects of the field. Therefore, GIS is often its own niche major with few options for additional specializations. The concentrations that are available may include areas like data analytics and natural resource conservation. Most GIS degrees online allow students to choose elective courses to further narrow the scope of their studies. These classes may cover remote sensing, sustainable geodesign, graphics and visualization, and surveying. GIS specializations are more commonly found at the master's level when students already have a foundational understanding of the material. 

GIS online degrees feature a range of technical courses covering computer programming, information science, environmental science, natural science, and geography. Students learn everything from programming languages to map generation and data analysis techniques. 

The list below provides prospective GIS majors with examples of courses commonly found in GIS degrees: 

• Intro to Geographic Information Science: This introductory course explores all areas of GIS, teaching students how to approach, analyze, and understand the field. They learn about spatial thinking and how to interpret and analyze geographical and spatial data using common problem-solving techniques. GIS history is also taught, including how early professionals used computers to organize geo data, is also taught.
• Environmental Issues: GIS is often used to solve environmental issues, making this class crucial in understanding the importance of gathering and analyzing geographic information. Students examine degrading ecosystems, pollution, species extinction, and conservation. Then, they explore how GIS applications, such as satellite imaging and map creation, aid sustainability practices. 
• Geographic Information Systems: This technical course teaches students how to use common GIS computer software programs, often delivered through projects providing students with hands-on experience. Students learn to outline project scopes, define objectives, organize data, and analyze findings. They also look at data storage mechanisms, system applications, and map concepts. 
• Statistics for Geography and Planning: This data-intensive course explores the methods used to summarize and report urban planning and geographical science data. Students look at techniques such as inferential statistics to extrapolate on geographic data sets. Various models and theories are also taught, providing students with an introduction to statistical analysis.  

Still undecided? Check out similar programs, including the best online degrees in computer science and environmental science degrees. 

GIS graduates will be prepared for a variety of careers involving cartography, geospatial intelligence, surveying, urban planning, and resource management. The training received during their degree develops soft skills in critical thinking and problem-solving while building hard skills in coding and statistics. Students who took additional elective courses in computer languages and programming may be better suited for computer science careers. GIS master's degrees and certificates are also available that allow students to continue their education at the graduate level. 

The following list outlines jobs that GIS students pursue after graduating with a bachelor's degree:

• work closely with data to study Earth's physical features. They utilize many aspects of GIS to gain geographic insights, discover relationships between humans and land, and track environmental trends. They rely on satellite imagery, photographs, and other visual data to create and update maps used by a range of organizations.
• manage and protect natural environments like parks, forests, and other wooded areas. They oversee many tasks, including maintaining trails, executing fire safety protocols, and monitoring wildlife habitats. Nearly half of foresters work for government agencies, where they track deforestation and advocate for better regulations and policies. 
• have fairly straightforward responsibilities, namely, to make land measurements. They travel to different locations, measure property lines, and use their findings to create reports for land deeds and maps. To do this, they use equipment such as theodolites and GPS. Most work for engineering or architectural firms, while others work for government agencies, such as the Department of the Interior.
• create maps using GIS technology. This is done by capturing land measurements and attributes, analyzing them in computer programs, and turning that data into visual representations like digital maps. Cartographers may map uncharted land or create updated graphics for outdated maps. Most of their work is done in offices, although some roles require fieldwork. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics () provides salary information for several jobs in the GIS field. For four of the most common jobs (geographers, foresters, cartographers, and surveyors), the median annual salary ranges from $63,100 to $88,900. Among these careers, geographers have the highest salary while surveyors have the lowest. 

GIS students sometimes seek additional certifications after graduation, which can help them apply for roles in specific fields. Employers may look more favorably at aspiring geographers and cartographers with a Certified GIS Professional credential from the GIS Certificate Institute (). 

There are also technical certifications, such as the from the company that makes ArcGIS, one of the leading GIS software programs. Other roles require state licenses. Foresters, for example, are required to pass a licensing exam in certain states. Some states recognize the Certified Forester certification from the Society of American Foresters () as a way to supplement their exam.

Admission requirements vary from school to school, but first-year GIS students should expect to provide transcripts proving they graduated high school with at least a 2.0 GPA. Students should have completed secondary math, science, and geography courses before submitting their application. Other documents needed when applying to college sometimes include entrance exams and personal essays.  

Yes, many schools offer respected online GIS degrees. Coursework is delivered through learning management systems such as Brightspace and Canvas. These software programs also allow students to engage in classroom discussions and remotely attend video lectures. Some degrees require the completion of internships that can be completed online or with an approved organization near the student. 

Some careers that require GIS degrees are in demand. Forester and conservation scientist jobs are expected to grow 4% over the next 10 years, just about the same rate as all other occupations. Surveyors are among the fastest-growing roles for GIS graduates at 5%. However, it's only slightly faster than average compared to the rest of the job market. Geographers have the slowest growth at only 1%.

Math isn't a significant component of GIS degrees, but a foundational understanding of algebra and calculus is needed to understand statistics related to geography and planning. Students also use their knowledge of math to participate in computer programming courses, which are essential to GIS degrees. Plus, mathematics courses are almost always part of core curriculums. 

Although GIS is a technical field, it's not often considered a stressful one. Most students pursue GIS because it's a field they enjoy, and they get to study subjects they are genuinely interested in. When it comes to GIS jobs, some are stressful, others aren't. This depends on many different factors, such as workload, deadlines, environment, job security, peer interaction, and management styles. 

Consider the following pros and cons: 

Possible Benefits

• GIS professionals earn competitive salaries. Graduates shouldn't expect six figures, but most jobs earn a median annual salary above $60,000.
• Prepare to make a positive impact on the environment. GIS aids environmental conservation efforts in a ton of different ways, from analyzing forest diversity to tracking whale migration patterns.
• GIS curricula offer a good mix of technical training. Students learn to analyze statistical data, write programming languages, and utilize geospatial technologies. 

Possible Drawbacks

• Job growth isn't as high as in other fields. Foresters and surveyors are only expected to see 1,300 and 2,300 new jobs added to the employment pool in the next ten years.
• GIS licenses may be required. There are 15 states that require college graduates to earn licenses before working as foresters. 
• Many GIS jobs boil down to IT management. Although the subject matter may be related to the environmental sciences, many professionals work behind computer screens, tracking and managing datasets. 

GIS degrees are excellent options for students interested in studying natural environments. They're also ideal for those with a penchant for mathematics, science, and geography. GIS is a constantly evolving field that changes as new GPS, satellite, and mapping technologies are released. This type of professional path may be exciting for students who are eager to continue learning long into their careers.