Geographic Information Science and Technology - BS

The BS degree in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) provides students a rigorous and modern-day education and training in GIST with applications in physical and human geography. Employers require problem solvers not button pushers, to address problems in various application domains. The degree requires 53 hours of coursework, which is designed to:

  • Provide modern-day exposure to the rapidly changing field of GIST.
  • Balance education and training with a focus on competency.
  • Provide application and problem-solving experiences.
  • Support student activities and research.
  • Provide students with professional experience.
  • Produce high-quality geographers with strong GIST knowledge and skills.

Geospatial technology graduates are in extremely high demand and, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, are one of the highest growth areas in the federal government, particularly in homeland security activities, as well as in energy, software and engineering firms, biomedical and biohazard research, among many others. A 35% annual rate of growth in geospatial technology-related degrees are projected by the U.S. Department of Labor. Students have employment opportunities with the following corporate and government entities:

  • Government agencies (federal, state, county, and city): management and planning of urban infrastructure, inventory and assessment of natural resources including agriculture, forestry, and water resources.
  • Energy industry: assessing biofuel production and identifying locations suitable for renewable energy resources and mineral exploration.
  • Health science industry: determine hotspots of health events and explore causes.
  • Military and intelligence community: numerous opportunities exist in military branches and agencies such as the Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, and other intelligence organizations.
  • Commercial industries: business analytics and marketing, as spatial information can be used to target marketing campaigns, and suitable site assessment to locate companies.
  • Geospatial industries: software development, geotechnical engineering, and technology development.