Program Overview

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Introduction to the GIS/Planning Program

The Geographic Information Science/Planning program at Montana State University prepares students for careers in local, state, and federal planning or consulting. The program combines technical skills with academic training, enabling students to work as map makers, spatial analysts, and planners in an active, hands-on environment.

Program Details

The Earth Science major at Montana State offers a GIS/Planning emphasis, as well as other options within the major, including Geography, Geology, Paleontology, and Snow Science. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of geographic information science and planning, including cartography, political science, statistics, and weather and climate.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the GIS/Planning program at Montana State University can pursue careers in a variety of fields, including:

• Site Planning
• Data Analyst
• City/Urban Planning
• Cartography
• Climate Science

Sample Course Plan

The following sample course plan illustrates a possible schedule for students in the GIS/Planning program:

Year One

• Fall:
  • ECNS 101IS - Economic Way of Thinking
  • ERTH 101IN - Earth System Sciences
  • GPHY 121D - Human Geography
  • M 151Q - Precalculus
• Spring:
  • GPHY 141D - Geography of World Regions
  • MART 145RA - Web Design
  • WRIT 101W - College Writing I
  • University Core and Electives

Year Two

• Fall:
  • ENSC 245IN - Soils
  • GPHY 284 - Intro to GIS Science & Cartog
  • PSCI 210IS - Introduction to American Government
  • WRIT 201 - College Writing II or WRIT 221 - Intermediate Tech Writing
• Spring:
  • STAT 216Q - Introduction to Statistics or STAT 332 - Statistics for Scientists and Engineers
  • CSCI 127 - Joy and Beauty of Data
  • STAT 337 - Intermediate Statistics with Introduction to Statistical Computing
  • University Core and Electives

Year Three

• Fall:
  • ERTH 303 - Weather and Climate
  • ERTH 307 - Principles of Geomorphology
  • GPHY 384 - Adv GIS and Spatial Analysis
  • University Core and Electives
• Spring:
  • GPHY 357 - GPS Fund/App in Mapping
  • GPHY 365 - Geographical Planning
  • GPHY 426 - Remote Sensing or GPHY 429R - Applied Remote Sensing
  • GIS Electives

Year Four

• Fall:
  • University Core and Electives
• Spring:
  • GPHY 484R - Applied GIS & Spatial Analysis
  • Upper Division Electives

Total Program Credits

The total program credits required for the GIS/Planning program at Montana State University is 120 credits.

Career Resources

Montana State University provides career resources to support students in their career exploration and job search. The university has a strong track record of graduate employment, with over 96% of graduates employed, continuing their education, or not seeking employment within their first year of graduation. Career coaching, professional skills development, and networking opportunities are available to students to help them achieve their career goals.