Geographic Information Science
Bachelors of Science in Geographic Information Science
What is Geographic Information Science?
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Geographic Information Science provides a rigorous, in-depth program for students interested in the application of information technology to the spatial dimensions of Earth's human and physical systems. It is ideal for those pursuing a career in the rapidly growing spatial technology sector, or for those considering graduate study in Geography and related disciplines. Students attain substantial general quantitative and technical skills, as well as practical experience applying them to important problems in settings ranging from local to global.
What are my post-graduation opportunities?
Very, very good. GIS jobs are available in the public and private sectors for a huge range of organizations. The geospatial technology sector has been growing at double digit rates for decades now. It is one of nine industries targeted by the Federal Government because it is important in shaping our future, and because organizations are hurt by critical shortages in qualified workers.
But don't take our word for it; check out what the U.S. Department of Labor has to say: "Across the country, tens of thousands of trained workers are needed to fill positions that are going begging." Or this August, 2005 article in Science-Nextwave: "If you're looking for a long-term future, the technology is really evolving quickly, creating more and more opportunities."
Here are a couple of GIS job sites:
Perhaps you are thinking about eventually seeking a graduate degree in the natural, social, or computer sciences. The professors who developed this B.S. program designed it to produce the kind of graduate student we love to work with:
- broadly trained
- depth in math and statistics
- experience in communicating ideas
- outstanding facility with computers, including programming skills
- demonstrated ability to do research
- evidence of critically about the application of technology to real world problems
That's a winning combination, whether you seek rewarding work right out of college or whether you intend to pursue graduate school.
What are the courses like?
Geographic Information Systems - How could bits and bytes describe our world? What is so special about spatial? Can you model erosion in the UP, or tomorrow's traffic jams outside of Grand Rapids? Is it possible to map technological innovation? Yes it is!
Remote Sensing - Is a picture worth a million words? How can satellites in space help Tsunami victims on the ground? MSU is doing it.
Cartography - What kind of shape is the world in? How can I relate my ideas about space over the internet? People taking our courses do.
Contact Us!
We'll be happy to tell you more about our program!
Department of Geography
116 Geography Building
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1117
517.355.4649
geo@msu.edu