Geographic information science | Geospatial intelligence application area
Master of Science
Overview
Related Topics
Map your future
The department’s excellence in geospatial education is reflected in recent national recognition of its online graduate programs. In the 2026 GISDegree.org rankings, an independent evaluation of GIS programs nationwide, the Online Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems ranked #18 nationally, and the Online Master of Science in Geographic Information Science ranked #20 nationally.
From contributing to research projects on polar meteorology and remote sensing in arctic environments to understanding human adaptation to climate change in high altitudes, geographic information science (GIS) scholars are helping to solve some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
As a GIS graduate student, you’ll gain the technical skills to monitor natural disasters, assess climate change solutions, inform environmental decisions and more. Expand your career while deepening your understanding of spatial technologies, datasets and models. You’ll take a core set of advanced GIS courses and have access to research labs equipped for your area of specialization. Students pursuing the geospatial intelligence application area will explore geopolitics, homeland security, international economics and more through the lens of GIS.
With a thesis and non-thesis option, this program is well-suited for working students. Depending on your transfer credits, you can complete this degree in two semesters or take one course each semester.
View the online geographic information science graduate handbook
Sense the possibility
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
- Want to continue working while you earn your degree
- Enjoy low student-to-teacher ratio
Related clubs and organizations
- Geoclub
- Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA)
Career outcomes
Current job openings
491 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
$115,856 - GIS Technicians
$117,220 - Remote Sensing Technicians
$56,247 - Urban and Regional Planners
$91,843 - Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
$85,801
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Application information
Applicants for the M.S. in GIS, geospatial intelligence application area program must meet the following degree-specific admission requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: Yes (for international education)
- 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 department 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
Costs and funding
Most students in the online M.S. in GIS are working professionals who fund their education themselves while continuing to work. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing you to complete coursework part-time or full-time from anywhere.
Students often use a combination of personal funds, employer tuition assistance, military or veteran benefits, and federal financial aid (for those who qualify).
For students who enroll in the online non-thesis program, teaching assistantships are not typically available. However, enrolled students may explore university-wide scholarships or external funding opportunities as they become available.
Research and applied learning
This program emphasizes practical skills you can use immediately in the workplace. Most online students complete a non-thesis degree focused on applied learning rather than traditional academic research.
Courses include hands-on projects using real geospatial data and industry-relevant tools. You will build skills in areas such as:
- Geographic information systems (GIS) analysis
- Remote sensing and earth observation
- Geospatial intelligence and decision support
- Environmental and natural resource applications
- Spatial data visualization and communication
- Emerging geospatial technologies
These experiences help you build a professional portfolio that demonstrates your ability to solve real-world problems using geospatial data.
Consult with faculty if you are interested in research opportunities or individualized projects.
Recognized STEM program
This program is designated as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may qualify eligible international students for the 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension.