Geographic Information Science
Kent State’s online Geographic Information Science (GIS) program offers students a comprehensive understanding of spatial data analysis and geographic information systems. This program equips students with skills in mapping, spatial data visualization, and geospatial technology, applicable in fields such as environmental management, urban planning, and public health. Graduates emerge as skilled professionals ready to address global challenges through data-driven insights.
Program Overview
The Master of Geographic Information Science degree provides students with skills that extend beyond simply understanding software features or capabilities. Students develop a more robust understanding of how GIS functions across different sectors and have a positive impact on some of the greatest global challenges today, including climate change, transportation, and public health. Students have the opportunity to design and manage geographic information technologies to develop and improve the tools and systems people rely on every day
Graduates of the program are prepared for analytical and managerial positions that utilize geospatial technologies. Those positions can be found in a number of sectors, ranging from real estate and healthcare to disaster relief and finance.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Collect, edit, integrate, manage and analyze geospatial data.
- Demonstrate skills and working knowledge of commercial and open-source GIS application suites and utilities.
- Identify, explain and analyze spatial patterns, relationships and processes.
- Apply cartographic principles and techniques to create quality maps.
- Apply critical and spatial thinking to solve geospatial problems with respect to theories, principles and practices of geographic information science and fields in the degree concentration areas.
- Demonstrate good communication skills and ability to work in a team environment.
Chart a Brighter Future with an Online GIS Master’s from Kent State
Geographical, informational and socio-political disciplines combine to create insights in Geographic Information Science, or GISc. GISc professionals design and use geographic information systems (GIS) to gather, store and analyze information for various applications.
These highly specialized tools combine geospatial information from sources including remote sensing technology, global positioning systems (GPS) and internet mapping technologies with other data inputs and software to manage and display the information in useful ways.
We Offer More Than a Master’s in GIS
Our 100% online MGISc program helps you advance your career through a combination of essential theory and applied skills, including technology, analysis and programming.
Rise above candidates from GIS graduate programs that focus narrowly on the technology with help from our program designed for busy working professionals and students seeking graduate education.
Learn from Leading Scientists
Award-winning scientists lead the online master’s in GIS program and model engaged science, using their expertise to address many of our most pressing challenges.
Kent State faculty members have won research grants from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and NASA. Professor and department chair Scott Sheridan was recently named to help lead a people, culture, and belonging initiative at the American Geophysical Union. The honor exemplifies the engaged scholarship of our GIS graduate programs.
As a student in our online Master’s in GISc, you will have the opportunity to learn from thought leaders in such diverse areas as applied climatology, agriculture, conservation, economic geography, public health, urban growth and sustainability, crime, disaster relief and spatial privacy.
We invite you to move forward with us, breaking down barriers and creating a brighter future.
Top-Ranked Military Friendly® University
Kent State ranks among the best in our category for our service to members of the extended military community, including active service members, spouses, and veterans. The Military Friendly® designation considers job placement, graduation and retention rates viewed through a mix of public and proprietary data and personal opinion surveys of veterans.
Online GIS Master’s Careers Snapshot
Your master’s in GIS gives you an advantage in a growing career field that offers a high degree of personal satisfaction and work-life balance along with good salaries. Post-graduation salaries average from $68,900 to $104,100 depending on the job title and sector.2
GIS master’s degree graduates work in many sectors. Your online MGISc from Kent State can help you land an excellent job in a federal, state or local government agency, an educational setting, or a variety of professional, scientific and technical service organizations.
As a GISc professional, you can provide important insights on work ranging in scale from local to global. Kent State’s affordable tuition, the high caliber of our faculty, and the potential for personal and professional fulfillment create a bright outlook for your future with a master of geographic information science.
Move Forward with Kent State
Earn your MGISc in as little as two years, creating the potential for career-long impact, enhanced earnings and job security. Our admissions process is simple, and we have waived the GRE requirement in favor of a holistic evaluation of your background and achievements.
Whatever your life situation or background, our 100% online MGISc program has been designed to offer flexibility and the individualized attention you need to help you progress toward your professional goals while handling your other life commitments. Schedule a call with an Admissions Outreach Advisor to learn more.
A Degree Program That Fits Your Life
Our online GIS master’s program 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
Once you enroll, your Admissions Outreach Advisor will help you craft your personalized degree plan, creating a clear course sequence and path to graduation.
The program is intentionally designed to create focused study and encourage collaboration. Each course is 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.
What is Geographic Information Science?
GIS professionals design and use geographic information systems (GIS) to gather, store, and analyze information for various applications. These highly specialized tools combine geospatial information from sources, including remote sensing technology, global positioning systems (GPS), and internet mapping technologies, with other data inputs and software to manage and display the information in useful ways. For example, an emergency-response GIS professional might use a drone to gather GPS data on which areas in a disaster zone are inaccessible and then create a map for responders. A GIS professional working in health policy might use hospital data to map which areas of a city have abnormally high rates of heart disease to pinpoint where managers should concentrate their outreach efforts.
What skills do I need to succeed in this program?
Students in the GIS MA program and GIS General certificate program do not need prior experience with GIS tools. Students in the environmental GIS certificate program must have some prior experience with GIS tools. All students should be data literate, able to learn new computer applications, and have strong analytical skills.
My undergraduate degree did not include geography. Is that ok?
Yes! Students in the GIS MA program and GIS General certificate program do not need prior experience with GIS tools. Students in the environmental GIS certificate program must have some prior experience with GIS tools.
Who is the GIS program for?
Professionals who already use GIS tools in their work and want to increase their skill level and career starters or changers who want to work primarily in a GIS role when they graduate from the Program.
What can I do with a Master’s Degree in Geographic Information Science?
Geographic information scientists work in almost all fields where real-world data needs to be captured, analyzed, and visualized. Some of the larger sectors include climatology, agriculture, conservation, economic geography, public health, urban growth and sustainability, crime, disaster relief, and spatial privacy.
What will I learn in Kent State Online’s Master’s Degree in Geographic Information Science?
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Collect, edit, integrate, manage, and analyze geospatial data.
- Demonstrate skills and working knowledge of commercial and open-source GIS application suites and utilities.
- Identify, explain, and analyze spatial patterns, relationships, and processes.
- Apply cartographic principles and techniques to create quality maps.
- Apply critical and spatial thinking to solve geospatial problems with respect to theories, principles, and practices of geographic information science and fields in the degree concentration areas.
- Demonstrate good communication skills and ability to work in a team environment.
What online GIS certificates are offered?
You can earn either an online General GIS Graduate Certificate or an online Environmental GIS Graduate Certificate.
With training from our online master’s in GIS, you can find your ideal career in a wide variety of industries. The affordable total cost of our program—a fraction of the annual salary for many roles you will be qualified for—means that you can quickly recoup your educational investment.
Secure Your Future and Achieve Your Goals with an Online GIS Master’s
GIS professionals are in high demand, and salaries reflect that. Many people enter the field with the goal of making a difference in the world. With the right experience and qualifications, you can earn a lucrative salary that will provide financial security and allow you to achieve your life goals. GIS is a growing field with good job security. Our online master’s in GIS program can help you develop the skills and professional connections to thrive for many years to come.
Build Your Skills with Recognized Experts
- Advanced theories and techniques for handling geographic information systems
- Principles of map design and the art of map construction
- Algorithms and tools used in computer science
- Emerging media and technology industries; basic programming concepts
- Urban and economic applications and analyses of spatial data
- The use of GISc in hazard research and management
- Essential spatiotemporal thinking and technical skills
- The geospatial methods and approaches used to understand and combat disease
- Essential concepts and skills needed to create and develop a geodatabase
- The basic principles of environmental remote sensing
Online GIS Master’s Tuition and Financial Aid
| Ohio Residents | Out of State | |
| Per Credit Hour | $695 | $705 |
| Approximate Program Cost | $20,850 | $21,150 |
An additional distance learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change. For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs, please contact Kent State’s Financial, Billing & Enrollment Center at 330-672-6000 or via our website Contact Us link.
We recognize that pursuing a graduate degree is a significant investment. Your Admissions Outreach Advisor can answer your questions on program costs, discuss how a Kent State degree compares to others and connect you with financial aid representatives when you are ready to discuss your financial options.
Please contact an Admissions Outreach Advisor for more information on tuition and fees by email at online@kent.edu.
Program Courses
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| GEOG 59071 | FUNDAMENTALS OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE I | 3 |
| GEOG 59081 | FUNDAMENTALS OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE II | 3 |
| GEOG 69164 | CARTOGRAPHIC DESIGN | 3 |
| GEOG 69231 | ENVIRONMENTAL REMOTE SENSING | 3 |
| Major Electives, choose from the following: | 12 | |
| CS 61002 | ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING I | |
| CS 61003 | ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING II | |
| EMAT 64210 | DATA SCIENCE | |
| GEOG 59072 | GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE AND HEALTH | |
| GEOG 59075 | GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE: APPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL PROBLEMS | |
| GEOG 59076 | SPATIAL PROGRAMMING | |
| GEOG 59078 | GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS | |
| GEOG 69004 | QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN GEOGRAPHY | |
| GEOG 69007 | SPATIOTEMPORAL ANALYTICS | |
| GEOG 69073 | GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE: GLOBAL HEALTH | |
| GEOG 69074 | GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE: SPATIAL ANALYSIS FOR HEALTH GEOGRAPHY | |
| GEOG 69079 | ENVIRONMENTAL GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE | |
| GEOG 69082 | CYBERGIS | |
| GEOG 69083 | GEODATABASES | |
| Culminating Requirement | ||
| GEOG 69392 | PRACTICUM IN GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE 1 | 6 |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 30 | |
1As the capstone to the program, students will complete a practicum that is designed to provide practical experience in the application of M.G.I.Sc. degree course content in real-world professional settings. Students will select a professional project in consultation with their employer and program faculty and then will design, implement and report on their activities in a culminating professional paper.
Graduation Requirements
| Minimum Major GPA | Minimum Overall GPA |
|---|---|
| - | 3.000 |
- No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
- Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Online GIS Master’s Admissions Requirements
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in geography or a related field1
- Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
- Official transcript(s)
- Goal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:2
- Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
- Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
- Minimum 58 PTE score
- Minimum 110 DET score
1Requirement that the undergraduate degree must be in geography or related field may be waved with evidence of professional experience using geospatial technologies or alternative evidence of ability to excel in a geographic information science graduate program.
2International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.
The online GIS program application process is simple and we’re here to guide you through it.
Our Admissions Outreach Advisors are available to answer your questions regarding admissions requirements for the program. If you have questions, please email us at online@kent.edu or call us at +1 330-672-8671.
Application FAQs
I am a U.S. citizen. Where should I send my application materials?
If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident, all required application materials should be sent to the Division of Graduate Studies at gradapps@kent.edu or by mail to:
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?
If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident, all required documents should be submitted to the Office of Global Education at intladm@kent.edu or by mail to:
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 online@kent.edu or at +1 330-672-8671.
Related Geographic Information Science Reading from the Kent State Online Blog
Sources
1. Retrieved on June 15, 2022, from www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/cartographers-and-photogrammetrists.htm
2. Retrieved on June 15, 2022, from onetonline.org/link/summary/19-2099.01
3. Retrieved on June 15, 2022, from www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geographers.htm#tab-5
4. Retrieved on June 15, 2022, from money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/geographer
5. Retrieved on June 15, 2022, from money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/cartographer