For the student who has a keen interest in technology, science, and geography, enrolling in a GIS masters program might be a great academic choice for graduate studies. While earning a Masters in GIS degree involves more than just high tech mapping, some of the career paths where understanding geographic information science are growing at a very fast rate. In fact, according to the BLS, employment of cartographers and photogrammetrists is projected to grow 20 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations[i].
GIS Masters programs involve learning how to build and understand the software that is involved in GIS systems, as well as using information about geography to assess real global concerns, in the hopes of providing solutions. Typically, GIS Masters programs are designed to assist students by developing workplace skills and advanced training. Basic GIS Masters program, an abbreviation for geographic information systemsis geared to help students understand how or GIS systems capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage and present geographically referenced data. Masters in GIS programs may prepare students for a variety of potential careers such as surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists and surveying and mapping technicians.
GradSchools.com has some easy to use search tools to help you review GIS masters degree programs.
might be interested in are Master of Science in Geographical Information Systems Online, Master in Geographical Information Sytems and Technology or Professional Master's Program in GIS for sustainability management.
What is GIS?: GIS is short for Geographic Information Systems, and refer to technological breakthrough in organizing and displaying spatial data. If you have ever looked up directions of the Internet, you may be aware that maps today are multi-dimensional. We are able to only locate where we want to go, and also, the map can interpret where you have been or whether there is traffic up ahead. Maps are powerful as they allow us to conceptualize, analyze, and interpret information in order to understand such things as weather patterns, or trends across a diversity of industries. This technology allows for improved decision-making by realtors, scientists, leaders and public officials as well as communities looking for ways to take care of their resources, or plan for safety during natural disasters.
Masters in GIS Potential Program Curriculum
Almost all GIS Masters degree programs will require students to take:
- Introduction to graduate geography
- Research design
- Univariate statistics in geography
GIS Ph.D. and master’s students should consult with an advisor to determine their area of specialization. Possible topics might include:
- Weather patterns
- Population growth
- Traffic patterns
- Development of roads and neighborhoods
- Transportation and spatial information
- GIS design
- Urban geography
- GIS algorithms and data structure
- GIS and environmental modeling
- Cartography and geographic visualization
- Landscaping modeling with GIS
Ready To Pursue a GIS Masters Degree
With technology growing at a fast pace, you might be part of the next generation of discoverers in geographical information systems. Why not look into a GIS masters program on GradSchools.com to help you find the program that meets your goals!
Sources:[i] bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/cartographers-and-photogrammetrists.htm
