Careers: Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems

Careers: Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems
04.24.2024
30
05.06.2024
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Application Fees Waived for Summer 2024

If you apply today, we'll waive the $65 application fee. Start your journey today!

Do You Need A Master's in GIS? Learn More!

Learn how having both a professional certificate in GIS and a Master's degree can help you in salary negotiations. Read this blog we put together with Kelly Wright, a GIS Analyst in Ohio.

Money Icon Career Outlook

Earning your Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems degree puts in you in a position to grow your career in a wide variety of industries. According to psmarketresearch.com/ the global GIS market is expected to grow by 11.6% between 2020-2030 with companies making major investments in GIS technology.

What Does a GIS Specialist Do?GIS Mapping Professionals

A GIS specialist is responsible for creating and maintaining Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which are used to collect, store, and analyze data related to geographic areas. They may work in a variety of industries, such as government, engineering, or natural resources, and may use GIS to solve problems or support decision-making. GIS specialists typically have a strong background in computer science and geography, and may also have experience with cartography, surveying, or land management.

They use a variety of software programs to create maps and visualizations, and must be able to effectively communicate their findings to others.  Explore our course curriculum to learn more about the software this program builds your skills in.  GIS is used in a variety of industries, such as transportation, urban planning, environmental management, and marketing. It can be used to track trends, plan projects, and assess risks. For example, a transportation planner might use GIS to study traffic patterns, while an environmental manager might use GIS to track the spread of an invasive species.

Learn More from an Experienced GIS Analyst!

 

Career Opportunities

The most common type of GIS job is that of a GIS analyst. GIS analysts use GIS software to create maps and reports. They may also be responsible for collecting and managing data, as well as providing training and support to other users of GIS software.

Other common GIS jobs include:

  • GIS Technicians:
  • GIS Coordinators
  • GIS Managers

These roles feature a variety of daily duties such as using software to create maps and reports, overseeing the use of GIS within their organization, overseeing the use of GIS across multiple organizations.

There is a wide range of salaries for GIS jobs, depending on the type of position, the employer, and the level of experience and education. Senior level GIS jobs typically pay  upwards of $100,000 per year.

 

Occupation Median Wage Projected Growth
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians $98,740 9%
Hydrologists $85,990 2-4%
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $87,480 5-8%
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists $71,890 5-8%
Geodetic Surveyors $63,080 5-8%
Surveyors $63,080 5-8%