Geographic information science | GIS programming application area
Master of Science
Sense the possibility
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 GIS programming application area will further their knowledge of GIS programming, SAS/R programming, data wizardry in environmental science and more.
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.
Overview
Related Topics
Perfectly programmed
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
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.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
For information on FAFSA deadlines, financial aid types and eligibility requirements, visit the University of Idaho Financial Aid Office website.
Plan ahead—estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
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
Application information
Application requirements for an M.S. in geographic information science include:
- Education level: Bachelor's
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS: 79/6.5
- Number of references: 3
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.