Master Geographic Information Science in Our Online GIS Programs
Build your skills for in-demand roles in this expanding field with the affordable 100% online Kent State GIS programs. Learn the science and technology driving important advances across business and nonprofit sectors.
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Start Your Journey to a Higher-Level Career
There’s never been a better time to be in Geographic Information Science. Whether you’re interested in solving urgent global challenges or complex business problems, a 100% online graduate degree from Kent State University can help you map a clear path to success.
Download our guide to learn more about:
- Career Opportunities
- Customizing Your Degree
- The Student Experience
- Admission Requirements
- Tuition and Financial Aid
Propel Your Career in an Expanding Field
If you want to use science and technology to solve different types of problems, geographic information science is a great career path. Whether you are looking to accelerate your career trajectory or are just preparing to launch it, Kent State’s online GIS programs can help you reach your goals.
Geographic Information Science, often abbreviated GISc, is a multi-disciplinary field that uses various technologies for recording, analyzing and communicating about spatial and geographic data. The analytic product can then be applied to a wide range of business, social and environmental issues
GISc professionals use geographic information system (GIS) tools to capture, analyze and communicate about geospatial data gathered from sources including remote sensing technology, and global positioning systems (GPS).
Unlock Opportunities Across Sectors
Burgeoning commercial use of GISc is increasing opportunities for experts in this field.
Kent State’s geographic information science program can also help you make a positive impact on some of today’s most important global challenges, including climate change, public health, social justice, urban planning and resource management.
- Environmental Conservation
- Public Sector
- Public Health
- Manufacturing
- Hospitality
- Financial services
- Media
- Real estate
What Does Success Mean to You?
Although conditions vary with different roles and industries, GISc job titles also rank high for professional satisfaction and work-life balance.3, 4
Choose Your Path From Three Options
Our two graduate certificates and master’s degree program all deliver industry-spanning and career-boosting skills in a flexible format perfect for working professionals. Learn anytime from anywhere in a multi-disciplinary program taught by award-winning researchers and practitioners.
- Get your master's degree in as little as two years
- Earn a graduate certificate in as little as one year
- Customize your degree to suit your interests and goals
Explore the Master’s Program
Explore the Certificate Program
Our Expertise is Broad and Deep
Our faculty are thought leaders in such diverse areas as applied climatology, conservation, agriculture, economic geography, public health, urban growth and sustainability, crime, disaster relief and spatial privacy. With your Kent State GIS degree, you’ll get the big picture of geographic information science and the tools to make your mark within it.
30/70: Badge + RTE
Our Service is Top-Ranked
Kent State is proud to be recognized for our category-leading service to members of the extended military community. The Military Friendly gold designation is based on job placement, graduation and retention rates and based on data gathered from public and proprietary sources, along with interviews with veterans.
We extend that same level of support to all our students. Talk to an Admissions Outreach Advisor to learn how our online GIS programs can help you get where you want to go.
Get a Top-level Education Without the Premium Price
Established in 1910, Kent State University is a public research university with more than 258,000 alumni. A pioneer in online education, we launched our first online course almost 20 years ago. Tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state students in our online GIS programs are affordable, and the flexible, 100% online program is designed to support working professionals.
Out of State Tuition: $705 per credit hour
Technology Fee: $12 per credit hour
Find Your Success with Our Online GIS Programs
Kent State’s online Geographic Information Science (GISc) programs help prepare you with skills that extend beyond simply understanding software features or capabilities. Whether you are entering the field of GISc or looking to further your career, Kent State’s GIS program can help you achieve your professional goals.
Move Forward, Not Back
Our online GIS programs can help you advance professionally without setting you back financially. With one of the lowest tuition rates in the nation, you can learn from anywhere while you continue working in your current role.
Talk to an Admissions Outreach Advisor
Launch When Ready
Start the next leg of your professional journey when the time is right for you. We offer three start dates for our online GIS programs. There is no GRE requirement, so you don’t have to factor that into your schedule or your budget.
View Admissions Requirements
Chart Your Own Course
Explore different career options with our dedicated, full-time faculty who are experts in such diverse areas as cartographic design, geospatial analysis, remote sensing and geomorphology. Work with your Admissions Outreach Advisor to chart your own course.
Explore Career Possibilities
Master’s Degree Highlights
Courses in the online GIS program are 7 weeks long, and you can take two courses sequentially each semester, focusing on each subject individually. Classes are small so that you can get to know and work with your classmates and professors.
The curriculum includes:
- Four core courses that cover essential topics
- Four electives to shape the program to your interests
- A practicum where you can apply and demonstrate your skills
- A total of 30 credits
Graduate Certificate Highlights
When you enroll in the graduate certificate program you can choose to earn an Environmental GISc certificate or a General GISc certificate.
The Environmental GISc certificate focuses on the use of GIS to understand environmental resources, changes and hazards. The General GISc focuses on geospatial technology, including data mapping and analysis, and managing big data and large data systems.
Both certificates require a minimum of 15 credits, and if you later decide to pursue a master’s degree you may transfer 12 credits from the certificate.
Admissions Requirements
The master’s and graduate certificate programs have the same straightforward requirements:
- Completed online application
- Complete bachelor’s degree, with a GPA of 2.75 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), from an accredited university
- Two letters of recommendation from professors and/or employers
- Application fee: $45
- Official transcripts
- Goal statement
- Resume/CV
- No GRE required for admission
Our Admissions Outreach Advisors are available to answer your questions regarding admissions requirements for the program. If you have questions, please email us at onlinedegrees@kent.edu or call us toll-free at +1 844-234-4073.
Talk to an Admissions Outreach Advisor Download Admissions Checklist
Important Dates
Application Resources
Our step-by-step application checklist will help ensure the success of your application submission.
Application FAQs
Create an account in the online application system to save your work and track the progress of materials submitted via the application system.
I am a U.S. citizen. Where should I send my application materials?
Division of Graduate Studies
Kent State University
Cartwright Hall
P.O. Box 5190
Kent, OH 44242
Please be sure to include your full name and Kent State ID (9-digit number starting with 8) on all submitted documents. For questions, contact Graduate Admissions at +1 330-672-2661 or gradapps@kent.edu.
I am not a U.S. citizen. Where should I send my application materials?
Office of Global Education
Kent State University
106 Van Campen Hall
625 Loop Rd.
Kent, OH 44242
USA
For questions, contact International Admissions at +1 330-672-7970 or intladm@kent.edu.
Technology Requirements
Courses are delivered through our course management system, Canvas. Course content consists of text, narrated PowerPoint presentations, video and audio, live chats, discussion groups, and other learning enhancements.
Course requires access to GIS software to complete coursework. Ensure that your computer meets ArcGIS Pro requirements.
To participate in this online program, you will need a computer and broadband Internet connection. Your program may have further requirements that include the ability to record video and audio. If you have questions regarding technology requirements for the program, please contact your Admissions Outreach Advisor at onlinedegrees@kent.edu or toll-free at +1 844-234-4073.
Build Your Career with a Degree Built Around You
Immersive Online Curriculum
Multi-Disciplinary Faculty
GISc Career Potential
- Retrieved on May 4, 2023, from www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geoscientists.htm
- Retrieved on May 4, 2023, from www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2022/data-on-display/education-pays.htm
- Retrieved on June 15, 2022, from money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/geographer
- Retrieved on June 15, 2022, from money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/cartographer