An Introduction to the Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems Program at The University of Cincinnati Online

University of Cincinnati’s Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems online program

Geolocation. Geographic data sets. Map markers. Spatial statistics. Geoanalytics.

If you know what these terms mean, chances are you’re interested in geography and geographic information systems (GIS), particularly.

You may also know that companies of all types and from various industries use GIS to power and inform their work. Using GIS technology, these businesses can create, analyze, manage, and map multiple data types in ways that assess and improve critical infrastructures, drive scientific advancements, and much more.

With our world awash in geographical data ready to be mined and mapped, GIS has become a business-critical need for essential activities. This includes organizations focused on environmental and urban planning, crime mapping and analysis, land development, and water resources management.

Be Part of a Booming Niche

According to databridgemarketresearch.com in 2021 the GIS market was valued at USD 9160.02 million. It is expected to reach USD 22518.38 million by 2029.  Research shows that companies will likely make significant investments in GIS technology. Some of the main driving factors are the development of smart cities and modern urban planning as well as the increased benefits of GIS. More technology means more experienced professionals will be needed — and this growth means there are almost unlimited career opportunities for using information systems knowledge and skills, boosting marketability as a GIS specialist.

University of Cincinnati (UC) Online now offers a Master of Science (MS) in Geographic Information Systems program. It’s been thoughtfully designed to help aspiring and more experienced geographers better understand data and GIS technologies, so they make more informed decisions that benefit their employers’ products and services.

If learning more about the intricacies of mapping, remote-sensing, and geospatial data analysis is of interest, UC master’s in GIS online program is a great choice to further your education. As a UC student, you learn from experienced instructors with real-world expertise in geographical technologies. You meet people from all walks of life — fellow students who work for nonprofits or corporations, in public health, or for state and federal government employers. You grow your professional network while sharing your passion for geography and GIS with people who live in Ohio, from across the U.S. and outside the country.

As a graduate of this online master’s program, you’ll leave with a thorough understanding of GIS theory and hands-on experience using industry-relevant technologies.

The University of Cincinnati’s MS in GIS degree prepares you for many exciting careers in the growing geospatial industry. Your advanced degree and knowledge will set you apart from other people who don’t specialize in this area.

Earning Potential and Coveted Expertise

Geospatial data and spatial analysis are particularly relevant to many established and emerging businesses. Acquiring your GIS master’s degree will benefit you where you work today or want to work tomorrow.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in-demand GIS jobs can be found in conservation and forestry, urban planning, and geoscience, earning salaries ranging from $64,000 to $93,000 a year.

Business focus areas that rely on GIS technology include supply chain management, market research, risk management, retail market analysis, facility management, and software development. In the public service domain, GIS professionals work in asset tracking, crisis response, civic inclusion, economic development, safety and security, transportation, and public health.

Cartography, map-making, and digital mapping, such as Google Maps, employ GIS. The COVID crisis stimulated the industry, during which plotting hot zones was critical. In addition, hydrology is an ever-growing area of concern. GIS applications are essential to water resource engineering and offer innovative mapping solutions, ensuring people a needed water supply. Even traditional banking and insurance industries use GIS to analyze their businesses, for forecasting, and even their marketing efforts.

An essential component of UC’s GIS master’s program studies is independent research, where you examine and critique the design of research projects and develop a proposal on a chosen topic. The creative and analytical aspects of this coursework accelerate your progress toward completing your master’s in GIS

Geographic Information Systems Master’s Program Highlights

An essential component of UC’s GIS master’s program studies is independent research, where you examine and critique the design of research projects and develop a proposal on a chosen topic. The creative and analytical aspects of this coursework accelerate your progress toward completing your master’s in GIS

UC’s program curriculum is 100% available online. The courses are asynchronous, allowing you to complete the coursework at your own pace. You’ll learn from our world-class faculty and university staff with experience in both GIS and expertise in teaching course material online.

In our program, your journey begins with an introductory course on the history of GIS theories and applications, spatial analysis, and the future of GIS. Next, you learn the art and science of map-making, using ArcGIS software to provide you with a practical and working knowledge base.

As you progress through the 30-credit-hour online master’s program, you also focus on GIS modeling and its applications to urban, economic, and environmental issues. Advanced GIS analysis programs, such as Spatial Analyst, Geostatistical Analyst, and Network Analyst, will help you understand the operational basis of modern GIS technology. In addition, incorporating applied statistics helps you learn, understand, and explore various statistical procedures, types of data necessary, and the procedures and methods adapted by geographers in research.

In our specialized MS in GIS courses, you’re introduced to crime mapping and analysis, explore basic physical principles of electromagnetic radiation with remote sensing, processing, geocoding, and mapping in public health, GIS in hydrology, and practical data mining and visualization techniques.

You also examine and critique the design of research projects and develop a proposal on a chosen topic. The creative and analytical aspects accelerate your progress toward completing your master’s in GIS — and you’ll enjoy applying what you learned to a specific project.

Take Your Next Step Now

UC’ Online’s MS in Geographic Information Systems prepares you for many exciting careers in the growing geospatial industry. Your advanced degree and knowledge will set you apart from others who don’t specialize in this area, giving you an edge that serves you well throughout your career.

Is your interest piqued in learning more about the GIS master’s program and confirming its fit for your career goals?  Connect with an Enrollment Services Advisor today! Our program advisors are here to take your call Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern at (833) 347-5495 or you can send them a message online.

We look forward to meeting you and hearing how you plan to apply your GIS studies to the work you do today … or hope to do!