Online Master's Degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - Best of 2024

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Why Earn a Master’s in Geographic Information Systems?

Few graduate degrees offer as diverse a career path as a master’s in geographic information systems (GIS). Used in business and daily life, geospatial technology continues to expand rapidly. Geospatial information sciences and GIS deal with the mapping, management, analysis, and storage of data to assess and resolve real-world issues. Because geographical information systems (GIS) focuses on geographic and geospatial data, its uses are extensive. While most people are familiar with using online GPS for driving directions (an amazing use of geographical information systems (GIS) and geospaital technologies), GIS is also used by emergency response teams, environmental scientists, marketing personnel, homeland security, and in a host of other fields. Along with its usefulness, GIS is also an intellectually stimulating area of work. Since geospatial information sciences and geographical information systems (GIS) are a relatively young and dynamic field, careers in it are still evolving. It is, and is expected to remain, a fast-growing job sector in both private industry and government. This means that opportunities to learn about this subject through traditional and online learning are likely to continue to increase.

A student with professional experience in this field may choose between online or traditional graduate programs or a graduate certificate depending on what career they are looking to enter. They may earn an in-person or online Master of Geographic Information Systems, Master's in Geographic Information Science, or a similar GIS degree. Online education options are available in many forms, and a geogaphic information systems graduate degree will prepare you for the highest roles in the field. The title of your degree is less important than the core classes you take. An on-campus or online master degree program will likely use the core courses of the program to cover subjects such as the following and teach GIS graduates technical skills.

Geospatial Data, Spatial Information, and Spatial Analysis
Data Mining, Data Collection, and Web Mapping Fundamentals
Understanding Geospatial Technologies
Geospatial Technology, the Latest GIS Software, and Geospatial Technology Project Management
Remote Sensing and Image Processing
Urban and Regional Planning
Creating a Geospaital Technology Competency Model
Environmental Resource Management
Geographic Information Systems Programming and Automation (Geospatial Programming)
And More

PROS

Career opportunities abound with an online or in-person Master’s in Geographic Information Science or a GI Systems program. For some, GIS is the focus of their work, while for others it is simply a critical component. A GIS master’s program not only leads to a higher salary but also more career flexibility as you learn a variety of useful technical skills that can be applied to environmental resource management and planning, GIS programming and automation, or geospatial technologies and global positioning systems. A person with only a bachelor’s in geographic information systems program can have career success, but earning an online GIS master’s makes them a much more attractive candidate while allowing them to continue to earn and gain experience. Since many master’s in GIS degrees are geared toward the working professional, which is part of why online components in these programs continue to increase, it's also possible that companies may pay some or all of the tuition for their employees.

CONS

For someone with a true passion for a career in GIS, there aren’t a lot of cons in obtaining a master’s degree; although, if there is no company tuition reimbursement, any student loans are a serious consideration. Because the technology is evolving so quickly, GIS professionals need regular certifications, and for some employees, obtaining multiple online certifications may make more sense than getting a master’s degree.

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Top 25 Best Online Masters in Geographic Information Systems Programs

Johns Hopkins University

Score: 93.16

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $62,840
- Out-of-State: $62,840
Net Price: $24,034
Acceptance Rate: 7%
Retention Rate: 97%

Graduation Rate: 94%
Total Enrollment: 31,275
Undergrad Students: 6,044
Graduate Students: 25,231
Grads Salary: $94,000
Student-to-faculty: 6:1

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Score: 86.78

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,728
- Out-of-State: $24,054
Net Price: $13,376
Acceptance Rate: 49%
Retention Rate: 94%

Graduation Rate: 89%
Total Enrollment: 48,956
Undergrad Students: 36,306
Graduate Students: 12,650
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Score: 86.23

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,459
- Out-of-State: $29,433
Net Price: $14,852
Acceptance Rate: 47%
Retention Rate: 94%

Graduation Rate: 85%
Total Enrollment: 36,700
Undergrad Students: 26,254
Graduate Students: 10,446
Grads Salary: $82,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

University of Southern California

Score: 85.53

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $66,640
- Out-of-State: $66,640
Net Price: $36,808
Acceptance Rate: 12%
Retention Rate: 97%

Graduation Rate: 92%
Total Enrollment: 48,945
Undergrad Students: 20,699
Graduate Students: 28,246
Grads Salary: $92,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

Northeastern University

Score: 83.11

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $27,728
- Out-of-State: $27,728
Net Price: $35,827
Acceptance Rate: 7%
Retention Rate: 97%

Graduation Rate: 91%
Total Enrollment: 30,013
Undergrad Students: 16,302
Graduate Students: 13,711
Grads Salary: $87,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Texas A&M University-College Station

Score: 81.7

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,885
- Out-of-State: $19,882
Net Price: $20,375
Acceptance Rate: 63%
Retention Rate: 95%

Graduation Rate: 84%
Total Enrollment: 74,014
Undergrad Students: 57,512
Graduate Students: 16,502
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

University of Florida-Online

Score: 80.03

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: N/A
- Out-of-State: $0
Net Price: $10,791
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Retention Rate: 92%

Graduation Rate: 79%
Total Enrollment: 5,356
Undergrad Students: 5,356
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 54:1

University of Arizona

Score: 76.79

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,718
- Out-of-State: $32,290
Net Price: $17,075
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 68%
Total Enrollment: 49,403
Undergrad Students: 38,751
Graduate Students: 10,652
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

West Virginia University

Score: 74.45

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,908
- Out-of-State: $28,260
Net Price: $12,202
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 62%
Total Enrollment: 24,741
Undergrad Students: 19,059
Graduate Students: 5,682
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

University of Cincinnati

Score: 73.89

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,224
- Out-of-State: $24,996
Net Price: $20,149
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 72%
Total Enrollment: 41,155
Undergrad Students: 29,663
Graduate Students: 11,492
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

University of Wyoming

Score: 73.49

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,460
- Out-of-State: $19,340
Net Price: $12,819
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 61%
Total Enrollment: 11,100
Undergrad Students: 8,518
Graduate Students: 2,582
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

The University of West Florida

Score: 72.5

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,088
- Out-of-State: $22,166
Net Price: $8,609
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 13,521
Undergrad Students: 9,291
Graduate Students: 4,230
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

University of Kentucky

Score: 72.4

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,967
- Out-of-State: $34,096
Net Price: $18,693
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 69%
Total Enrollment: 31,547
Undergrad Students: 22,735
Graduate Students: 8,812
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Penn State World Campus

Score: 72.38

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $24,406
- Out-of-State: $24,406
Net Price: $19,551
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 36%
Total Enrollment: 13,979
Undergrad Students: 8,210
Graduate Students: 5,769
Grads Salary: $94,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Calvin University

Score: 72.29

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,909
- Out-of-State: $10,909
Net Price: $25,775
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 77%
Total Enrollment: 3,231
Undergrad Students: 2,960
Graduate Students: 271
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Salisbury University

Score: 70.78

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,260
- Out-of-State: $13,525
Net Price: $19,756
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 69%
Total Enrollment: 7,123
Undergrad Students: 6,378
Graduate Students: 745
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Elmhurst University

Score: 70.02

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,667
- Out-of-State: $33,667
Net Price: $24,108
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Retention Rate: 80%

Graduation Rate: 64%
Total Enrollment: 3,731
Undergrad Students: 3,027
Graduate Students: 704
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Eastern Illinois University

Score: 69.98

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,060
- Out-of-State: $19,345
Net Price: $13,380
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 8,857
Undergrad Students: 6,916
Graduate Students: 1,941
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Northwest Missouri State University

Score: 69.85

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,704
- Out-of-State: $6,704
Net Price: $14,197
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 80%

Graduation Rate: 54%
Total Enrollment: 8,505
Undergrad Students: 5,308
Graduate Students: 3,197
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Sam Houston State University

Score: 69

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,765
- Out-of-State: $13,109
Net Price: $13,632
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 56%
Total Enrollment: 21,480
Undergrad Students: 18,235
Graduate Students: 3,245
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

University of Denver

Score: 68.29

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $58,032
- Out-of-State: $58,032
Net Price: $42,423
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 88%

Graduation Rate: 77%
Total Enrollment: 13,734
Undergrad Students: 6,151
Graduate Students: 7,583
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 8:1

Kent State University

Score: 67.65

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,483
- Out-of-State: $23,352
Net Price: $19,046
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 78%

Graduation Rate: 65%
Total Enrollment: 25,854
Undergrad Students: 20,418
Graduate Students: 5,436
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

Western Kentucky University

Score: 66.72

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,140
- Out-of-State: $18,340
Net Price: $12,625
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 16,493
Undergrad Students: 14,440
Graduate Students: 2,053
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Tennessee State University

Score: 65.34

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,844
- Out-of-State: $22,268
Net Price: $11,986
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 62%

Graduation Rate: 32%
Total Enrollment: 9,218
Undergrad Students: 7,678
Graduate Students: 1,540
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Delta State University

Score: 64.95

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,435
- Out-of-State: $8,435
Net Price: $14,138
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Retention Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 2,556
Undergrad Students: 1,889
Graduate Students: 667
Grads Salary: $68,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

Overview of a Master's in Geographic Information Systems

What Geographic Information Systems Master’s Degrees are Available?

GIS degrees are available online and for traditional students under a variety of names and specializations. The most common GIS graduate degree is a Master of Science (MS) in Geographic Information Science.

Other GIS master’s degrees include:

MS in GIS Management – This GIS master's is geared specifically for those looking to move into a technical management degree in their industry. GIS managers work in various fields, including public planning, natural resource management, economic development, law enforcement, and public health. Some of these degrees are offered completely online, though you'll need hands on experience in various technical skills to prepare students for higher-level careers in the job market.
MS in Geographic Information Science and Technology – This degree is similar to an MS in Geographic Systems Management and should be accessible through online learning.
MS in Cartography/GIS – Maps are essential, and an MS in Cartography/GIS focuses on creating the maps used by consumers, government agencies, and private industry for everything from location apps, radar accessible through online programs, to national defense and retail development.
MS in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence – This degree focuses on those working in GIS in the military, defense industry, disaster relief, national security, and climate change fields.
Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security Geospatial-Intelligence Option – This degree concentrates specifically on the homeland security aspects of GIS.

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GIS Masters Admission Requirements

While admission requirements vary by school, in general candidates for a master’s degree in GIS should have earned an online or in-person bachelor’s degree in cartography, geography, environmental science, or a similar field. Schools often require a minimum B or 3.0 average for consideration.

This is a field in which work experience in GIS weighs heavily. If the candidate does not have the quantitative background academically for admission to a master’s program, profession accomplishments may still permit provisional admission. Candidates with a strong professional GIS background may find themselves credited with certain core courses for the degree.

Along with standard admission requirements, such as college transcripts, resume or Curriculum Vitae, academic references, and possibly professional references are necessary. Online students should expect to meet the same requirements as students attending courses in person.

How long does it take to earn a Geographic Information Systems Master’s?

Most people can earn a master’s degree in geographic information systems with two to three years of part-time study, whether that is online or off. If studying full-time, it may take just a year to earn this degree. Many master’s degrees in GIS are designed specifically for completion in either one or two years.

Potential Careers in Geographic Information Systems with a Master’s

Cartographer -
With GIS, cartographers do more than create maps. With GIS technology, cartographers create the best routes for personal and business transport, develop terrain information, and build and maintain geographical databases.
The average salary of a cartographer is $49,800 annually.
GIS Analyst -
This position combines cartography, programming, and data analysis. Duties include database maintenance, map creation, research, and report preparation.
The average salary for a GIS analyst is $53,300. The average salary for a senior GIS analyst is $69,655 annually.
GIS Manager -
This role entails managing GIS employees and projects and focusing on business development, database management, and spatial analysis.
The average salary of a GIS manager is $70,400 per year.

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Geospatial Analyst -
In this role, employees often work in both an office analyzing data and go out into the field to collect data. The work may involve examining the historical and environmental shifts in a particular landscape, and geospatial analysis is an important component in archaeology. Data examined include old maps, soils, satellite data, historical scientific literature, and environmental samples.
The average salary for a geospatial analyst is $58,600 annually.
Urban/Regional Planner -
Using GIS is an integral part of an urban or regional planner’s job. Planners develop land use plans for cities and communities, focusing on population and infrastructure changes, including the revitalization of underused or dilapidated facilities or areas. The job outlook is expected to grow by 13% in the decade between 2016 and 2016, much faster than the average job.
The average salary of an urban/regional planner is $56,100.

Keep in mind that many potential careers in GIS do not focus solely on GIS technology.

Salary by Occupation

Occupation	Entry-Level	Mid-Career	Late Career
GIS Project Manager	$54,500	$70,300	$87,100
Cartography	$41,900	$54,700	$58,500
Surveyor	$52,000	$61,900	$78,900
GIS Specialist	$44,900	$57,900	$60,400
GIS Analyst	$45,800	$78,700	$63,000
Environmental Scientist	$43,600	$59,000	$81,600
Urban Planner	$46,900	$63,600	$85,000
Geologist	$48,700	$67,400	$100,000

Options to Advance

While there are a few PhD programs in GIS available, they are relatively rare. For most GIS professionals, the highest GIS-centric degree they will earn is a master’s. However, those seeking advancement in their fields may want to pursue another master’s degree or doctorate in a field related to their primary GIS work, such as environmental science or geomatics with a GIS concentration. Another master's is more likely to be fully accessible online, as well.

Since GIS technology changes so rapidly, it is critical that employees keep up with these changes and receive regular certifications in particular GIS areas. Those who want to advance in fields that include GIS but are not GIS per se may find receiving online certification as a Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP) could boost their careers, along with the newer Esri technical certificate. Esri has two certificate levels: associate and professional. Both the GISP and Esri are regarded highly by employers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GIS a good career option?

The short answer to this is yes. Not only are there plenty of job options right now that require GIS knowledge, but GIS-focused technologies are continuing to be advanced. Getting into the advanced levels of this field now is an excellent idea for those who wish to ensure that they will have job security for years to come. GIS careers are still changing fast and earning a master’s degree in the field will keep you at the cutting edge of what is possible.

Where can GIS be applied?

There are many fields in which you can find reasonable and useful applications of GIS technology. These include industries such as accident and traffic analysis, agricultural uses, disaster management, environmental impact analysis, transportation planning, and urban planning, among many other options that only just beginning to be explored.

What skills will you need to succeed in GIS?

There are a number of skills that you will need to succeed in this field, and there are some skills which are pertinent only to one specialty. However, for those looking to have the general skills that will help them thrive in a GIS role, you must have strong IT skills, including the ability to work with and manipulate databases. You’ll also need to be able to be detail-oriented and be able to problem solve on the fly, both on your own and as part of a group. And, finally, you’ll need to be an excellent communicator.

Best Online Masters in Geographic Information Systems Degrees for 2024