Geographic information science | Geospatial aspects of sustainable planning
Master of Science
The science of earth and space
In a world confronted by the impact of humans on the physical earth, the need for experts that can address that impact is high. Explore the science of space and place through advanced classes that include remote sensing, GIS programming, natural hazards, emergency planning and more. You will have access to professional research laboratories equipped for work in a variety of specialties and a spectrum of courses across the sub-disciplines of geology. This will lead to professional careers in the natural resources and energy field, environmental geology and earth science education.
Overview
Related Topics
A map to the future
Application information
Applicants for the M.S. in GIS, geospatial aspects of sustainable planning option program must meet the following degree-specific admission requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo: 79/6.5/115 (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language)
- Number of references: Three
- Other requirements: No
Program availability
Concentration: thesis and non-thesis
Semester intake: Summer, Fall and Spring
- Eligible for 4+1 admission
- Eligible for Expedited admission
- Eligible for international admission
Deadlines: General application deadlines
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Contact information
Earth and Spatial Sciences contact: Alistair Smith; alistair@uidaho.edu
Graduate Admissions contact: graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu, 208-885-4001
Find Department of Earth and Spatial Sciences faculty advisor contacts
Costs, funding and research
To learn about various ways to fund your graduate degree, check out Graduate Funding.
For detailed information about the cost of attendance, visit Financial Aid.
Beginning Fall 2026, M.S. students appointed as Teaching Assistants will receive an annual support package that includes:
- Base stipend: $18,985.20 for the 9-month academic year
- In-state tuition: fully covered by the program
- Out-of-state tuition: waived for non-resident students
- Health insurance: fully covered
- Summer support: additional scholarship up to $8,000, depending on funding availability
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
Degree fit
This degree could be a good fit if you:
- Want to advance your career in environmental science
- Need to keep pace with technological advances in the field
- Like to choose your academic pace
- Enjoy low student-to-teacher ratio
Related clubs and organizations
- Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA)
- Geo Club
- Super Group
Career outcomes
Current job openings
587 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
$115,833 - GIS Technicians
$116,707 - Remote Sensing Technicians
$56,025 - Urban and Regional Planners
$91,840 - Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
$85,793
* Career data provided by Lightcast.