GIS student at computer

Geographic Information Science Master's

GISc Professional Science Master's (PSM)

UND's online Geographic Information Science (GISc) PSM offers you a flexible way to pursue advanced education in geospatial data science.

GISc is part of the global cyberinfrastructure concerned with the acquisition, storage, manipulation and analysis of spatial data and processes. The GISc PSM focuses on both geospatial training along with workplace skills that help enhance a career in GISc. The program is perfect for working professionals who want to learn or update their GISc skills for employment or career advancement for bachelors-prepared students looking to expand their options.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
Online
Est. time to complete:
2 years
Credit hours:
30

Why earn an online GISc PSM?

Application Deadline
Fall:
Aug. 1
Spring:
Dec. 1
Summer:
May 1

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

In a world increasingly transformed by geospatial information, there is a growing need for specialists who can gather, manage, analyze, and visualize complex geospatial data to help government, business and society make smarter decisions. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) answers the “what” and “where”. Whereas, Geographic Information Science (GISc or GIScience) is concerned with the “how”. GISc encompasses all aspects of GIS such as remote sensing, surveying, mathematics, programming and geography. But, GISc takes GIS a step further by conceptualizing how to store spatial information and analyze data.

You will be trained in core geospatial skills to prepare yourself to successfully enter the GISc workforce or advance your current position. The GEOG 597 Graduate Internship course provides a practical, workplace relevant capstone/internship experience.

UND's Online GISc Master's

  • No GRE or GMAT requirement for admission. The program is open to students with an undergraduate degree from any discipline. Once enrolled, you can complete your PSM degree within two years on a manageable timeline.

  • Students currently employed in a GISc position may elect to use their current position for internship experience in consultation with the faculty internship supervisor.

  • With an institutional license, you will get 24/7 access to a powerful suite of the latest GIS software from ESRI™.

  • UND is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

  • Develop professional writing, budgeting, project management, data analytics, and other workplace skills.

What can I do with a GISc PSM?

58K

The average starting salary for a GISc Technician

Zippia: The Career Expert

5%

Projected job growth for geoscientists through 2032

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A PSM degree in GISc provides you with specialized skills in geospatial technology and data analysis. This unique combination of scientific knowledge and practical training opens the door to a variety of career opportunities including:

  • Business site location analysts help businesses make informed decisions about where to establish new facilities or stores, utilizing GISc to assess factors like demographics, accessibility, and market potential.
  • Cartographers create maps and charts that are used in various fields, including navigation, urban planning, and environmental monitoring.
  • Climate analysts monitor and assess the impacts of climate change, helping organizations and governments develop strategies to mitigate its effects.
  • Environmental consultants use GISc to assess and manage environmental impacts and conduct environmental impact assessments. They work with both public and private sector clients to ensure compliance with regulations and sustainable practices.
  • Environmental planners assess and plan for land use, conservation, and sustainable development. They play a crucial role in ensuring that human activities are harmonious with the environment.
  • Geospatial analysts work with spatial data to create maps, perform spatial analysis, and generate actionable insights for various applications, including urban planning, environmental management, and transportation.
  • Geospatial data analysts are responsible for collecting, organizing, and ensuring the accuracy of geospatial data.
  • GIS developers design and create custom geospatial software, applications, and tools. They often work on improving GIS technology and developing solutions tailored to specific industries or projects.
  • Natural resource managers use GISc to make informed decisions about the conservation, management, and sustainable use of natural resources, such as forests, water, and wildlife.
  • Spatial data scientists combine the fields of data science and GISc to analyze large volumes of geospatial data. They extract valuable insights, develop predictive models, and contribute to data-driven decision-making.
  • Urban and regional planners analyze data related to land use, transportation, housing, and infrastructure. They develop plans and policies that guide urban development and address issues related to urbanization and growth.

A GISc PSM degree provides you with the flexibility to work in a wide range of sectors, including government, environmental organizations, healthcare, urban planning, transportation, and technology. It equips you with the skills needed to analyze spatial data, make informed decisions, and contribute to solutions for pressing global challenges.

Online GIS Master's Courses

GEOG 476. Selected Topics in Geographic Information Systems. 3 Credits.

An examination of a specific application area or set of techniques in GIS including, but not limited to, Business GIS, Environmental GIS, GIS Databases, GIS Scripting and Web-Based GIS. Repeatable to six credits if different topics are examined. Prerequisite: GEOG 474 and GEOG 474L, or instructor consent. Repeatable to 3.00 credits. On demand.

GEOG 574. Advanced Techniques in Geographic Information Systems. 3 Credits.

An advanced course designed to extend GIS knowledge and experience and to prepare students to become effective GIS analysts. The course follows a hands-on, problem-solving approach that integrates the interests and analytical needs to participating students. Prerequisite: GEOG 474 or an equivalent approved by the department.

GEOG 576. Field Methods and Analysis in Geography. 3 Credits.

An advanced, intensive approach to the measuring and mapping of cultural and physical features of the earth in the field. Familiarization with the practical problems involved in data collection techniques in rural as well as urban areas and transfer of the pattern of phenomena of an area to a scale suitable for mapping.

GEOG 578. Geographic Research and Writing. 3 Credits.

Required of all graduate students. Orientation to methods of research and communication in geography. Emphasis upon research design, identification of bibliographic and geographic source materials, communication skills, and proposal writing. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. S.

EFR 535. Data Analytics and Visualization with R. 3 Credits.

R is an increasingly popular, open-source programming language with powerful packages for data analytics and visualization. In this course, students will first master the fundamentals of R, including installation, programming techniques, reading data files, and basic statistics. The fundamentals of data visualization will then be covered, such as theory, applications, and examples. Finally, students will develop skills in data visualization techniques using R packages. Prerequisite or Corequisite: EFR 515 or equivalent. S, even years.

ENGR 554. Applied Project Management. 3 Credits.

This course is an interdisciplinary project management course utilizing case studies to illustrate project management principles and allow students to practice using real-world examples. Students will have the background and training required for certification through the Project Management Institute. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. S.

Online Geographic Information Science Master's

2#

best online graduate programs

EDsmart

1#

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

In UND's 100% online Geographic Information Science master's degree, you'll never need to come to campus for class.

Flexible Online Geographic Information Science Master's Classes

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family, and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Top-Tier Online GIS Master's

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Explore More Options

Looking to add a similar graduate degree or connect with the department?

Department Contact
Dr. Enru Wang
Professor and Graduate Director, Geography
P 701.777.4590
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