Program Overview

M.S. Geographic Information Science

Career

Current Job Openings and Salary Range

• 5,371 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HI
• $91K Entry-Level
• $121K Mid-Level
• $189K Senior-Level

Career Options

• Computer or Information Research Scientist
• Geographic Information Systems Technologist or Technician
• Data Scientist
• Cartographer or Photogrammetrist
• Surveying and Mapping Technician
• Urban and Regional Planner

Regional Employment Trends

• 2022: 46K
• 2026: 55K

Degree

Degree Prep

• a STEM-related or Natural Resources focused bachelor's degree
• an interest in closely related disciplines such as natural resource management, geology and engineering
• strong technical skills

Degree Roadmap

• M.S. Geographic Information Science

Financial

Scholarships

• Apply for scholarships offered by the University of Idaho.

Financial Aid

• To find out about deadlines, scholarships and eligibility requirements, please visit the University of Idaho Financial Aid Office.

Get Involved

Hands-on Learning

• Many of your courses will include a lab, and you’ll also have opportunities to contribute to faculty research projects, including:
  • Polar meteorology and remote sensing in arctic environments
  • Regional climate change in the Western United States
  • Forest disturbances and environmental change
  • Human adaptation to climate change in high latitudes
  • Natural resource applications of GIS in quantifying carbon fluxes

Clubs

• Geoclub

Program Description

• Explore the science of space and place through advanced classes that include the areas of remote sensing, GIS programming, natural hazards and emergency planning and more.
• Access to professional research laboratories that are equipped for work in a variety of specialties and a spectrum of courses across the sub-disciplines of geology will lead to professional careers in the natural resources and energy field, environmental geology, earth science education and more.

Fast Facts

• Take a core of advanced GIS courses
• Choose from seven different specialties
• Thesis and non-thesis degree options

Research Areas

• Polar meteorology and remote sensing in arctic environments
• Regional climate change in the Western United States
• Forest disturbances and environmental change
• Human adaptation to climate change in high latitudes
• Natural resource applications of GIS in quantifying carbon fluxes