gis phd programs

Geographic Information Science, PHD

On this page:, at a glance: program details.

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Geographic Information Science

The PhD program in geographic information science fosters training of next generation scientists and engineers who will excel at theoretical, computational, analytical and technical knowledge in transdisciplinary geospatial sciences.

Students in this doctoral program have the opportunity to conduct research at the Spatial Analysis Research Center alongside world-renowned faculty specializing in remote sensing and earth observation, GIS, geoinformatics, spatial statistics and spatial-temporal analysis. Researchers are investigating a variety of issues, including voting habits, health crises, altering landscapes and more --- all in an attempt to better understand this complex and changing world.

The program has sufficient flexibility to allow for individual needs and interests, allowing students to create a plan of study that fits their personal, academic and professional goals.

Additional Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Degree Requirements

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (12 credit hours) GCU 585 Geographic Research Design and Proposal Writing (3) GIS 520 GIScience Issues and Debates (3) GIS 521 Geographic Information Science Programming (3) GIS 571 Spatial Statistics for Geography and Planning (3)

Electives or Research (55 credit hours)

Remote Sensing (3 credit hours)

Other Requirements (2 credit hours) GCU 591 or GPH 591 Seminar: Geography Colloquium (2)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) GIS 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information Students select electives, remote sensing and other requirements seminar coursework in consultation with their academic advisor.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in geography, geology, earth science, computer programming, GIS, environmental science, geomatics or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• three letters of recommendation
• written statement
• professional resume
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Letters of recommendation should be from academic professionals or professional colleagues capable of evaluating the applicant's abilities, accomplishments and professional potential.

The written statement must address the following questions:

• What area of specialization within GIS do you wish to pursue, and why?
• Describe the aspects of your education that will enable you to pursue this area of specialization.
• What additional training do you feel you can obtain at Arizona State University to realize your education and career goals?

Also in the written statement, applicants should provide any other information (for example: research experience or information which might be drawn from a resume) that they feel the committee should consider in the application for admission. The written statement should be no longer than two pages. A generic statement, often sent to multiple universities, does not substitute for a statement that addresses the applicant's reasons for applying to this doctoral program in geographic information science.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, application deadlines, career opportunities.

Professionals with expertise in geospatial information science research, theory and practice are in high demand across sectors and industries, including in institutions of higher education, consulting firms and government agencies. Skills in geographical data science, mapping and data analysis are valuable to businesses and institutions that rely on data-driven approaches to solve complex real-world problems.

Career examples include:

• computer scientist
• conservation scientist
• geoscientist
• geospatial information scientist or technologist
• geospatial intelligence analyst
• remote sensing scientist or technologist

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-8733

Geographic Information Systems Degree

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• GIS Degree Programs
• GIS Coursework

Online GIS Degree

• GIS Employment
• GIS Technician: Skills & Attributes
• Spotlight Programs & Schools

Why a GIS Degree?

There is a range of options to study GIS across the US and many disciplines through which you can get into the industry, as it is a flexible subject with many applications.

If you're experienced in GIS in one field, you're well-prepared to take on roles in various other sectors that require GIS skills. The methods for managing data remain consistent across different areas, making your expertise adaptable and valuable.

Geographic Information Systems is an excellent career path for people who excel in problem-solving, embrace new technologies, and possess a willingness to explore science, data, and creativity. It's also a natural fit for graphic designers and CAD professionals.

Finally, the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) found that geography related disciplines such as GIS will experience a total of 35% growth in demand between 2010 and 2020, bucking the trend of most other industries as businesses seek to make up a shortfall and train the decision makers of the future.

Learn more about the Principles and Applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) .

Gis programs, bachelor's degrees.

There are few undergraduate studies courses in GIS at the moment; far more schools, colleges and universities offer master's programs that will allow any college graduate to take their studies further from a relevant discipline. Where there are undergraduate courses, before being allowed onto a program, most schools will check that a prospective student has relevant IT skills and a background in a suitable subject.

The better option for undergraduate students in the US is to take a major in a related subject such as geography, and then take minors or electives in GIS if one is available. This will not only aid your study in the major, but will also put you in good standing to taking a GIS course at graduate school.

Why Should I Take GIS as an Elective?

If you want a career in anything that will have a geographic element then taking a GIS elective will put you at a distinct advantage over somebody who does not, at least until the number of people in those jobs have been fully trained to use GIS.

If you have a particular passion for maps and know that decision making based on geographic data is likely to be a big part of your future career, or you otherwise want a career as a GIS technician then you will need to take a Master's Degree, meaning that such an elective could be essential in some cases.

The purpose of GIS is to teach students about the core concepts of how and why we map and its uses and functions; also key is interpretation and visualization of spatial data through which we may uncover patterns and trends and define relationships between geographic areas and such things as population density, resources and infrastructure.

The other reason people may take an elective in GIS is sheer curiosity for an interesting and scientific look at geography and mapping, combining cartography with adaptive and diverse IT skills.

School Spotlight

Harrisburg University Harrisburg University in Pennsylvania offers a 4-year Bachelor of Science program with specialization in Geography and Geospatial Imaging. At this time, there are currently a very select few universities in the United States that offer this type of programming at the bachelor's level. The Harrisburg University Geography department facilitates industry, corporate, and government partnerships in order to best prepare its graduates for work in a variety of fields upon graduation. Northern Arizona University Since 1967, Northern Arizona University has offered a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and with advancing technology has expanded to include minors in geodesign, community planning, and geospatial technologies like GIS. NAU graduates find jobs in government, land management, international development and relations, and private sector fields. Students considering work in regional or community planning, agriculture, or information technology should consider NAU's comprehensive Bachelor's degree offerings in Geography with a minor in GIS.

Graduate Certification

Though far less common in the US than they are in Europe where they have proven quite successful in helping people move from one graduate career option to another; these are used where the student has come from a related field but will require retraining and education to enter another field. These are flexible options used to convert one degree to another subject. Often just a year long, they focus on a single subject for the duration of the course with a research project, so are really a stripped down degree. They are not considered higher than a Bachelor's Degree.

Master's in GIS (Online or Campus Based)

To secure entry-level positions in this technical field, obtaining a Master's in GIS is typically necessary. Given its practical nature, GIS primarily functions as a Master's Degree due to the emphasis on individual projects and hands-on work. Consequently, it lends itself well to correspondence courses, where assessment is based on practical work such as maps, tables, data files, and analytical reports. There are presently 138 campus graduate programs available across the US.

To qualify for a Master's program in GIS, prior elective coursework in GIS is not always required. However, applicants should have a background in a related field such as geography, environmental science, climate science, anthropology, archaeology (where spatial data plays a crucial role), environmental engineering, and even certain business degrees. These fields encompass individuals who may pursue careers in strategic planning for corporations.

With a master's degree, you should be able to get a job as a GIS technician in any industry - even in a field unrelated to your bachelor's degree. You will not need BA/BS in geology to work in petrochemicals, or an environmental degree to work with control and monitoring of flooding or brush fires and so on. The tools, methods and principles will be the same - as you will work with the data.

University of Minnesota The University of Minnesota 's Environmental Sciences department offers a Masters of Geographic Information Science degree. A unique professional masters degree, the MGIS program is affiliated with other disciplines in U of M's Geography department to promote cross-disciplinary perspectives such as Forest Resources, Computer Science, and Soil Water and Climate. Applicants require a relevant Bachelor's degree with a suitable GPA in order to be considered for University of Minnesota's internationally renowned program. University of Arizona The University of Arizona 's School of Geography and Development has 2 graduate-level offerings for Geographic Information Systems Technology - both are available without thesis work. For students pursuing a Masters of Science degree, the department offers the Masters of Science in GIST. For professionals or managers requiring an executive- level understanding of the field, the university offers the Professional GIST Graduate Certificate, available online through three semesters of study.

For most positions, a PhD won't be necessary as the practical and project-oriented aspects of a standard Master's Degree typically suffice. In the majority of jobs, individuals acquire sufficient proficiency in software and methodologies to meet the job requirements. However, pursuing a PhD in GIS offers numerous opportunities, as it blends both geographic and information sciences. Seminars typically delve into fundamental GIS principles applicable across various domains, showcasing the true flexible nature of the technology.

Individuals who choose to pursue a Doctorate in GIS typically gravitate towards an academic path - teaching and research within their chosen fields. Nevertheless, their career prospects extend beyond academia. Graduates with a PhD in GIS often find roles as environmental scientists, geophysical surveyors (conducting readings, mapping, and interpreting data), and systems engineers.

University of Texas - Dallas University of Texas at Dallas , offers a PhD in Geospatial Information Sciences. Offered jointly between the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and the School of Engineering and Computer Science, students can expect a rigorous cross-disciplinary approach to doctorate level work. Classes are offered through a variety of technologies and in a number of venues to aid specialized GIS research; qualified students are invited to contact the GIS program directly in order to make further inquiries. University at Buffalo The University at Buffalo is proud to offer the only doctoral degree in GIS in the state of New York. As outlined through the university's Department of Geography, students can expect to spend approximately four years working within their PhD concentration, although credits from appropriate Master's level courses may be applied if deemed a good fit. Students and their advisors develop a unique program of study that meets research and career goals. Qualified students are invited to contact the Geography department at University at Buffalo directly in order to make further inquiries.

Due to the course's emphasis on practical application, there will be an academic and research component alongside predominantly practical coursework. Students will need to demonstrate a strong understanding of both the theoretical principles and practical techniques of GIS, as well as practical knowledge of mapping, basic cartography, and GIS as a discipline, particularly:

• How to plot vectors and nodes
• How to produce overlays
• Import data tables
• How to manipulate and effectively display text

Whichever software the student uses (with ArcGIS and MapInfo being the most popular and most likely), they will need to show that they understand how to use the software and produce maps for publications. This requires an element of creative skill too; graphic design experts and CAD technicians should feel comfortable working with this software.

With the growing need for qualified GIS Technicians and engineers, many schools have developed the infrastructure to be able to offer Online GIS degrees to students who are living remotely.

Compared to even 10 years ago, technology for both GIS and online offerings has expanded and improved so that data show that there is a marked increase in the quantity and quality of online GIS degree programs. Many students consider online GIS coursework to be a viable option, given the rising cost of moving to attend school, scheduling flexibility, and ability to take part time coursework will working to support oneself.

As with concrete campus offerings, most online GIS courses are offered at the bachelor's level; there are fewer at the graduate level and fewer still offering online PhD in GIS work.

Typically, there are two types of universities that offer online schooling - those that pioneered online offerings and those with robust GIS degree programs who chose to bring their offerings to a greater student demographic. While both avenues had different starting points, both offer rigorous degree options. Ultimately, however, students will choose an online method of course delivery based on their parameters for cost, coursework, alumni network, graduate opportunities, university accreditations, admission requirements, material requirements and financial aid options.

How Do Online GIS Degrees Work?

Online GIS classes are similar in structure to on campus classes. With rich audio and video media (often of professors in brick-and-mortar classes), participating fully in an online GIS course takes about the same amount of time as sitting in lecture, labs, and tests on the university campus - and don't forget the course readings! Often online coursework provides more opportunities to check your newfound knowledge in the form of quizzes and questions about the material. To gauge if the online course format suits your learning style and lifestyle, consider enrolling in a campus course with a virtual classroom setting. This will provide a glimpse into what participating in an online class might involve.

What If I Have Questions About the Online GIS Degree Learning Format and Process?

In a campus-based class, it's easy to find someone to whom you can direct your questions - a fellow student , study group, an IT professional, T.A., or even the professor or department administration team. However, in an online class, there is often no face-to-face contact that can help you if you have problems with the material, administration, or a technical issue. With this in mind, engineers developing online GIS courseware and other educational materials have devised multiple systems to ensure students stay connected.

There is often a heavily moderated and closed forum environment for students to interact with their ‘classmates', even a designated area for off-topic conversation to build community feel.

Furthermore, the course software monitors activity and progress to ensure that students are staying on track and submitting tests and assignments in a timely fashion. Work that is submitted for grading is done so by a bona fide GIS teaching assistant, course instructor or professor, just as in an on-campus GIS class.

How To Be Successful at GIS Online Coursework

The online GIS program of your choosing will have preliminary information that will detail the types of resources that you will need in order to be successful at your coursework. Often, this list includes items like a computer with up-to-date software, virus ware, and media playing capabilities, a printer, an internet connection, and a current version of a popular internet browser. Other requirements may consist of electronic or physical textbooks, your student identification, supplies for purchase and use at home, proprietary computer programs, and office supplies. Additionally, you may require a mobile connection in order to telephone the university. Often, final exams are proctored through a friendly arrangement with a nearby university (though other proctoring arrangements are available).

Online GIS Course Overview

While much depends on the specific institution you have chosen, many online GIS degrees require students to take a concentration in geography prior to specialization in GIS technology.

Many online programs have prerequisites for entry, just as their on-campus counterparts. Additionally, many students enter their chosen program with substantial knowledge through work history or a prior degree in computer systems and database structures - some have an interest in climatology, meteorology, or another branch of natural science which fuels their interest in GIS systems and technologies. Students will be required to specialize in database programming, GIS hardware and software, GIS dataset analysis in order to meet the program's degree requirements.

What You May Learn in GIS Classes and Courses

Created and administered to provide students with both the practical and theoretical groundings in Global Information Systems through a convenient online format, obtaining a degree in GIS is a great first step to finding a satisfying career in the field of geographical data management.

Certificate, associates, bachelor and graduate programs are increasingly offered online, and while specific course offerings vary between institutions, interested students can expect to find the following curriculum elements in their program of choice:

• Introduction to the elementary aspects of object oriented programming languages (OOP) in languages such as C#, C++ and VB.Net
• Examination of the relationship of programming to GIS principles
• Illustrate how user-written programs enhance GIS analysis and data acquisition.
• Electronically map Earth's topography using various systems such as GPS, digital aerial photography, digital maps and remotely sensed data
• Transfer data to CAD or GIS products for export and manipulation
• Use data stream on a GPS device (UX) as well as create digital data from aerial photography
• Become familiar with a professional work environment and practices in Geographic Information Systems careers
• Participate in job shadowing/work experience/internship/externship
• Create effective resume and portfolios, develop strategy for job search, attend conferences and seminars
• Theory and computer lab components of GIS focusing on the acquisition, processing, storage, display and basic analysis of spatial and tabular data
• Study the structure and theory of relational database management systems
• Learn spreadsheet and database software to create, store, manage, and query tabular data.
• Design and structure of spatial geodatabases
• Manipulate and manage types of remotely sensed imagery
• Understand how and how imagery and data is used by engineers, resource managers, planners and scientists.
• Develop image enhancement skills
• Learn supervised and unsupervised classification, analyze spectral signature statistics, geometric registration; assess temporal change data and create thematic maps
• Investigate new software, manipulate advanced raster GIS and 3D analysis
• Implement GIS within web applications
• Use third-party objects in a web environment to enhance GIS analysis and GPS data acquisition
• Explore new applications for GIS theory and industry direction

As it is such a growing field with traditional cartography jobs becoming increasingly digitized and with a constant need to update geographic data all over the globe, most GIS graduates with a MS shouldn't have much difficulty obtaining employment. Where you have taken an elective which is your only real option with a BA/BS, without too much experience you may struggle to find relevant work unless you have taken a niche skilled subject such as cartography.

As you'll be working with satellite data and maps, the areas in which you may work are limitless. You could work in civic planning, allocating resources to certain areas of a town or city. If this is your chosen career path, you may wish to take statistics as an elective subject. In these sorts of roles, you may be working with lots of facts and figures; you may even be working with the popular statistics package Microsoft SPSS.

You could work in military intelligence working with and interpreting satellite data. You could work with disaster relief, mapping areas prone to flooding or plotting risk areas for brush fires. You could be mapping archaeological sites or conserving protected areas in our national parks. Other options include mapping crime statistics, working in the fossil fuel industry to locate gas pockets, health planning or mapping the spread of a disease in the third world and projecting where it may strike next. Anything requiring lots of geographic data requires GIS Technicians today.

Learn more about how to become a GIS Specialist .

Gis technician: what skills and attributes do i need to be one.

Most GIS graduates will end up with this career title. It requires more than simple knowledge of the technology and its theories and practices though. The typical profile of a GIS Technician is that:

• Attention to detail: He or she has superb attention to detail; this is required for maintaining enormous databases that are the backbone of the maps they will be producing.
• Excellent problem solving: Maps are nothing if they are not tools through which to solve problems. Can we build here? Will the local infrastructure support this? Are we making best use of our resources?
• Statistics: In certain roles, the GIS technician will need to have a basic grasp of statistics, how to work out averages and interpret bell curves. Raw data will need a lot of calculations, especially for things like crime statistics and rates of illness and unemployment.
• Enjoys working with maps: This goes without saying, but somebody with a mind for mapping and geography will find it easier than somebody whose spatial awareness is a little more limited. The ability to think of a geographic area as a historical record, an environmental record or a data set in itself is something that can be taught but it helps if you already have the mindset.
• Excellent IT skills and a passion for technology: As much as it is about geography, somebody who has weak technological skills will struggle with such concepts as converting topographical features to nodes, for reducing populations to elements of a data set, or seeing variations in topography as lines and colors.
• Analytical skills: This will be essential to most graduate level roles but with GIS it is one of the core skills. There is a lot of raw data to manipulate and interpret; the ability to not only present and display the data, but also to interpret it and make recommendations is one of the most valuable in a GIS role.
• Communication skills: Also vital, both written and oral. The map will rarely be the end product of a GIS Technician's work. He or she will often be expected to produce reports for decision makers, or to train others on how to use the technology and interpret the data.
• Programming: Not an essential skill unless you want to go down the route of developer, but often having experience in this area can be helpful to manipulating and examining data. It is an advantage rather than an essential.

Explore a career as a GIS Technician.

Learn more about related gis degrees:.

• Geospatial Degrees
• Geoscience Degrees
• Geospatial Intelligence Analytics Degrees

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• Strategic Plan 2022-2027
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• Affiliations and Designations
• Spaces and Computing
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• Graduate Students

Ph.D. in Geospatial Analytics

• How to Apply
• Prospective Student FAQs
• Student Success
• Mapping a Dynamic Planet
• Forecasting Landscape and Environmental Change
• Creating Near Real-Time Decision Analytics
• Exploring Models through Tangible Interaction
• Engaging Communities with Participatory Modeling
• Publications

Our innovative Ph.D. program brings together researchers from across NC State University to train a new generation of interdisciplinary data scientists skilled in developing novel understanding of spatial phenomena and in applying new knowledge to grand challenges.

This one-of-a-kind degree focuses on integrative thinking and experiential learning:

• Collaborative, cross-disciplinary teamwork  unites students and faculty from many research fields
• Guaranteed funding  for four years includes a competitive minimum stipend of $30,000, health insurance, and tuition
• Professional seminar  supports student success through training in science communication, proposal writing and geospatial data ethics
• Travel funding is available for students to attend scientific conferences
• Program values include prioritizing student mental health and work/life balance, open data, environmental and social justice, and a commitment to collaboration, community and equity

If your research goals intersect geospatial problem-solving from any number of fields, you will find your fit here.  Our  Faculty Fellows  advise students interested in a range of disciplines––from design, to social and behavioral sciences, natural resources and the environment, computer science, engineering and more––and approach their work in a range of  geospatial research areas . Students with strong backgrounds in quantitative methods in geography, data science, remote sensing and earth sciences are strongly encouraged to apply. We are especially committed to increasing the representation of students that have been historically excluded from participation in U.S. higher education.

Find recent publications by our students and faculty through NC State’s  Libraries Citation Index and learn more about the achievements of our students and alumni.

Program news

May 16, 2024

Reflecting on IALE and Presenting What’s Driving Residential Development Near Protected Areas

Research by Geospatial Analytics Ph.D. student Eamon Espey suggests that a growing preference for living near areas rich in natural resources is driving construction of new homes near national parks and other protected areas.

May 09, 2024

Exploring Principles of Open Data and Data Sovereignty in Landscape Ecology

As part of a collaborative project co-produced with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Geospatial Analytics Ph.D. student Christina Perella is exploring how the way data defines communities can be at odds with how communities define themselves.

Components to Consider in Choosing Plant Disease Forecast Models, a Presentation at IALE

Geospatial Analytics Ph.D. student John Polo studies how different data collection methods and model structures affect forecasts of plant disease spread in agricultural fields and forests.

Apply for a Ph.D. in Geospatial Analytics

Ten fully funded Ph.D.  graduate assistantships  with $30,000 salary, benefits, and tuition waiver are available for Fall 2024 through the Center for Geospatial Analytics.

Applications for Fall 2024 admissions are now open. The application deadline is February 1, 2024 – all recommendations and test scores must be received by this date.

There are several opportunities for students to receive a stipend above the base rate of $30,000. These fellowships do not require an additional application:

• Goodnight Doctoral Fellowship. One to two incoming students with a track record of exceptional achievement in the sciences will earn an additional $10,000 per year + all student fees waived for four years
• University Graduate Fellowship. Five incoming students will receive an additional $4,000 in their first year
• Diversity Enhancement Fellowship. Two incoming students will receive an additional $2,000 in their first year
• Mansour Doctoral Fellowship. One incoming international student will be nominated to receive an additional $10,000 in their first year

Admission Requirements

Our most competitive applicants will have

• Significant quantitative research experience outside of the classroom, beyond basic data collection or data entry
• Computational/quantitative background, including a combination of the following coursework or demonstrated skills: statistics, advanced mathematics, quantitative research methods, R, Python
• Prior coursework, background and/or research interests in the area of geospatial analytics
• For international applicants: IBT TOEFL score ≥ 80 overall (18 in each section), IELTS score ≥ 6.5 on each section, Duolingo English ≥ 110. Scores are not required for citizens of  these countries  or who have completed at least one year of full time study at U.S. college or university

Supporting Documents

• Official NC State Graduate School  application.
• Unofficial transcripts  from all colleges/universities attended (official transcripts are only required if admitted to the program).
• Your academic and career goals as well as your motivation in pursuing a Ph.D.
• Research experiences and background/skills that would make you a successful Ph.D. student in geospatial analytics
• Relevant research interests
• Your specific interest in the Ph.D. in Geospatial Analytics at NC State
• 3 letters of recommendation.  Submit the names and contact information for your recommenders through the online application, and they will receive an email with instructions for submitting their letters online. Please select recommenders who can speak to your academic and/or research potential.
• Curriculum vitae/resume.
• Optional GRE scores. Taking the GRE is strongly recommended for international students who have not previously studied in the U.S.

If you have questions about the application process, please contact  Rachel Kasten , Graduate Services Coordinator ([email protected], 919-515-2800). Please note that there is a required application fee of $75 for domestic applicants and $85 for international applicants. McNair Scholars will have the application fee waived. This fee cannot be waived or reduced for international students.

More information for prospective international students can be  found here .

Degree Requirements

The Ph.D. program consists of

• 72 credit hours beyond the Bachelor’s degree .  The core required courses comprise 18 credit hours. The remaining 54 credit hours are devoted to an individually tailored selection of electives and research.
• an off-campus professional experience.  By the beginning of their third year in the program, students participate in an experiential learning activity within government (local, state, federal), industry, private and academic research institutions, or other organizations in the geospatial arena. Students consult with their advisors to identify specific opportunities that will enhance their doctoral program.
• a comprehensive exam.  Students will complete both written and oral exams by the end of their fifth semester in order to be admitted to candidacy.
• a   written dissertation  and  final dissertation oral defense  required to complete the degree.

Core Curriculum

The core curriculum includes the following courses; click course names to view descriptions. Students are required to take GIS 710 and any three additional core courses, as well as six elective credits:

GIS 710: Geospatial Analytics for Grand Challenges

Students examine why sustainable solutions to grand societal challenges need geospatial analytics. Emphasis is placed on the roles that location, spatial interaction and multi-scale processes play in scientific discovery and communication. Discussion of seminal and leading-edge approaches to problem-solving is motivated by grand challenges such as controlling the spread of emerging infectious disease, providing access to clean water and creating smart and connected cities. Students also engage in several written and oral presentation activities focused on data science communication skills and professionalization.

GIS 711: Geospatial Data Management

Applied experience in the architecture of geospatial data management, including open source options. The course introduces students to: (i) spatial and temporal data types (OGC specification, GPS and accelerometer matching), (ii) spatial predicates, (iii) spatial indices and (iv) spatial query processing. In addition, students will be exposed to modern spatial data management systems like NoSQL and graph databases, and data integration principles including protected health information (PHI/HIPAA).

GIS 712: Environmental Earth Observation and Remote Sensing

Advanced understanding of physical principles of remote sensing, image processing and applications from earth observations. Awareness of tradeoffs between earth observing sensors, platforms and analysis techniques will help prepare the students to critically assess remote sensing products and devise solutions to environmental problems. Students will be able to communicate the complexities of image analysis and will be better prepared to integrate earth observations into their areas of expertise. Topics include electromagnetic energy and radiative transfer; US and international orbital and suborbital data acquisition platforms; passive and active imaging and scanning sensors; spatial, spectral, radiometric, and temporal resolutions; geometric corrections and radiometric calibrations; preprocessing of digital remotely sensed data; advanced image analysis including enhancement, enhancement, classification, geophysical variable retrieval, error and sensitivity analysis; data fusion; data assimilation; and integration of remotely  sensed data with other data types in a geospatial modeling context.

GIS 713: Geospatial Data Mining and Analysis

Spatial data mining is the process of discovering interesting and previously unknown, but potentially useful, patterns from spatial and spatiotemporal data. However, explosive growth in the spatial and spatiotemporal data (~70% of all digital data), and the emergence of geosocial media and location sensing technologies has transformed the field in recent years. This course reviews the current state of the art in spatial, temporal and spatiotemporal data mining and looks at real-world applications ranging from geosocial networks to climate change impacts. Course introduces various spatial and temporal pattern families and teaches how to incorporate spatial relationships and constraints into data mining approaches like clustering, classification, anomalies and colocations.

GIS 714: Geospatial Computation and Simulation

Methods, algorithms and tools for geospatial modeling and predicting spatio-temporal dimensions of environmental systems. The course covers the physical, biological, and social processes that drive dynamics of landscape change. Deterministic, stochastic, and multi-agent simulations are explained, with emphasis on coupling empirical and process based models, techniques for model calibration and validation and sensitivity analysis. Applications to real-world problems are explored, such as modeling multi-scale flow and mass transport, spread of wildfire, biological invasions and urbanization.

GIS 715: Geovisualization

Principles of visualization design and scripting for geospatial visualization. This course provides a systematic framework of visualization design principles based on the human visual system and explores open-source geospatial data visualization tools. Topics include challenges and techniques for visualizing large multivariate dataset, spatio-temporal data and landscape changes over time. Students have the opportunity to work with broad range of visualization technologies, including frontiers in immersive visualization, tangible interaction with geospatial data and eye tracking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we have received about the Ph.D. program in Geospatial Analytics. If your questions are still not answered here, please feel free to contact us through the form below.

Can the program be completed online or part-time?

No, the Ph.D. in Geospatial Analytics is a traditional full-time on-campus program.

I am currently in a master’s degree program and will complete my degree in the spring. Can I still apply now to start the Ph.D. program in the fall?

Yes. We accept unofficial transcripts with your application. Official transcripts will be requested if you are admitted to the program.

Do I need to have been a geography major to apply?

No, we welcome applications from students with strong computational skills from diverse backgrounds, including computer science, data science, environmental science, ecology, engineering, and more.

Do I need a master’s degree to apply?

No, students may enroll without a master’s degree. Successful applicants, however, will have had previous academic research experience.

Do you offer application fee waivers?

Application fee waivers are offered only for domestic students who have participated in specific research programs (i.e. McNair Scholars).

Is financial assistance available?

Incoming doctoral students receive a tuition waiver, health insurance benefits, and a $30,000 stipend.

Do I need to secure an advisor before applying?

While you are encouraged to connect with faculty who share your interests prior to applying (the application will ask you to name a preferred advisor), students can be admitted on program funding without a specific advisor/position.

What kinds of projects might I work on?

Students in the Geospatial Analytics doctoral program work on a diverse range of data science frontiers intersecting multiple disciplines, with funding available from the Ph.D. program as well as from external grants secured by faculty. Assistantships are each fully funded for four years. Below are a sample of the opportunities that were available in previous years. For more details about each opportunity, and to learn about past projects, visit our Graduate Assistantships page .

• Landscape Connectivity Dynamics in Surface Water Networks — Join the Geospatial Analysis for Environmental Change Lab to investigate climate and land-use change effects on landscape connectivity dynamics.
• Seasonality from Space — Join the Spatial Ecosystem Analytics Lab on a NASA-funded project investigating satellite data fusion and time series analysis.
• Winter Weather — Join the Environment Analytics group to study the complex interactions within snow storms and wintery mix storms.
• Modeling Forest and Water Resources under Changing Conditions — Join the Watershed Ecology lab group and combine various data sources to create projections of future landscape conditions.
• Modeling Agricultural and Water Resource Dynamics — Join the Biosystems Analytics Lab to study the effects of global and local change on fresh and estuarine water quality, land-sea connectivity and agroecosystem productivity.
• Surface Water Dynamics from Space — Join the Geospatial Analysis for Environmental Change Lab to investigate hydroclimatic drivers of surface water extent dynamics and advance quantification of water extent and volume.
• Remote Sensing Forest Gap Dynamics — Join the Applied Remote Sensing and Analysis lab group to examine the role and influence of forest gaps in relation to localized large-scale disturbances.

Funding is available for additional projects, and in all cases students are encouraged to develop research questions and methods that suit their interests and career goals.

We’re here to help! Contact us for more information about the Ph.D. in Geospatial Analytics.

Explore Opportunities

Our graduate assistantships are fully funded with a yearly stipend, tuition support, and benefits. Learn more about opportunities at NC State and the Research Triangle to enrich your graduate experience.

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Geographic Information Science, PhD

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GIS, Physical Geography, Remote Sensing, Spatial Statistics, approved for STEM-OPT extension, cyberGIS, earth observation, geographical analysis, geography, geoinformatics, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), spatial-temporal analysis

Ready to apply state-of-the-art geospatial analysis methods to social, economic and environmental problems? Join a school filled with innovative faculty within the discipline and leading research centers who are forging this path of discovery.

The PhD program in geographic information science fosters training of next generation scientists and engineers who will excel at theoretical, computational, analytical and technical knowledge in transdisciplinary geospatial sciences.

Students in this doctoral program have the opportunity to conduct research at the Spatial Analysis Research Center alongside world-renowned faculty specializing in remote sensing and earth observation, GIS, geoinformatics, spatial statistics and spatial-temporal analysis. Researchers are investigating a variety of issues, including voting habits, health crises, altering landscapes and more --- all in an attempt to better understand this complex and changing world.

The program has sufficient flexibility to allow for individual needs and interests, allowing students to create a plan of study that fits their personal, academic and professional goals.

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (12 credit hours) GCU 585 Geographic Research Design and Proposal Writing (3) GIS 520 GIScience Issues and Debates (3) GIS 521 Geographic Information Science Programming (3) GIS 571 Spatial Statistics for Geography and Planning (3)

Electives or Research (55 credit hours)

Remote Sensing (3 credit hours)

Other Requirements (2 credit hours) GCU 591 or GPH 591 Seminar: Geography Colloquium (2)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) GIS 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information Students select electives, remote sensing and other requirements seminar coursework in consultation with their academic advisor.

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in geography, geology, earth science, computer programming, GIS, environmental science, geomatics or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• three letters of recommendation
• written statement
• professional resume
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Letters of recommendation should be from academic professionals or professional colleagues capable of evaluating the applicant's abilities, accomplishments and professional potential.

The written statement must address the following questions:

• What area of specialization within GIS do you wish to pursue, and why?
• Describe the aspects of your education that will enable you to pursue this area of specialization.
• What additional training do you feel you can obtain at Arizona State University to realize your education and career goals?

Also in the written statement, applicants should provide any other information (for example: research experience or information which might be drawn from a resume) that they feel the committee should consider in the application for admission. The written statement should be no longer than two pages. A generic statement, often sent to multiple universities, does not substitute for a statement that addresses the applicant's reasons for applying to this doctoral program in geographic information science.

Professionals with expertise in geospatial information science research, theory and practice are in high demand across sectors and industries, including in institutions of higher education, consulting firms and government agencies. Skills in geographical data science, mapping and data analysis are valuable to businesses and institutions that rely on data-driven approaches to solve complex real-world problems.

Career examples include:

• computer scientist
• conservation scientist
• geoscientist
• geospatial information scientist or technologist
• geospatial intelligence analyst
• remote sensing scientist or technologist

School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning | COOR 5th floor [email protected] 480-965-8733

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Doctor of Philosophy in Geospatial Information Sciences

Program description.

The mission of the PhD in Geospatial Information Sciences degree program is to cultivate innovative researchers capable of advancing the frontiers of knowledge in the geospatial information sciences through improved theories, new technologies, innovative methodologies, sophisticated quantitative analyses and integrative applications.

Jointly offered by the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, this unique program reflects geospatial information science’s origins at the confluence of multiple disciplines including geography, computer science, engineering, geology and various social, policy and applied sciences.

Unlike programs at other schools in which geospatial information sciences is offered as a concentration within traditional geography, geology, environmental science or engineering programs, the degree at UT Dallas is devoted solely to GIS, focusing on advancement of the technology, its associated theory, and the enhancement of its application in a variety of substantive areas. As such, it provides a unique option for students wishing to concentrate in this inherently cross-disciplinary area.

Graduates find employment in the burgeoning geospatial technology industry, in research departments of public and private organizations and in major academic institutions because of their ability to build bridges to other disciplines.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program seek positions such as: geospatial scientist and researcher, professor and environmental scientists in government and private sector.

Marketable Skills

Review the marketable skills for this academic program.

Application Requirements

Degree requirements: Bachelor’s, master of arts, master of science or professional master’s level degree in any field relevant to geospatial information science including, but not limited to, computer science, economics, engineering, geography, geology, management information systems, marketing, natural resource management, public affairs and public administration, statistics, and urban and regional planning

GPA: A grade average of at least 3.25 in undergraduate and graduate course work.

Test score required: Yes

A combined verbal and quantitative score of 300 and an analytical writing score of at least 4.5 on the GRE are preferred.

Letters of recommendation: 3

Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from individuals who can judge the candidate’s probability of success in graduate school. Use the electronic request form in the graduate application to submit the letters. Contact the graduate academic program department if you have any questions.

Admissions essay required: Yes

An essay outlining their background, education, and academic objectives as they specifically relate to a PhD in Geospatial Information Sciences.

Deadlines:  Admission is limited to fall and spring. For further deadline details, refer to the program website .

About the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences

Every new generation inherits a world more complex than that of its predecessors, which prompts a need for new thinking about public policies that impact people’s daily lives. In the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences (EPPS), we examine the implications of innovation and change for individuals and communities. The social sciences are where the world turns to for answers to the important issues of today and the future such as education and health policy, financial crises, globalization, policing, political polarization, public management, terrorism, and the application of geographical information sciences to study social, economic and environmental issues.

As an undergraduate in EPPS, you will have the opportunity to work with professors who are probing issues that will affect your future. You will develop the vital skills you need to thrive in a rapidly evolving, highly competitive job market. EPPS will prepare you for careers in government, non-profits and the private sector that enable you to make a real difference in the world of today and tomorrow. EPPS is at the forefront of leadership, ethics and innovation in the public and nonprofit sectors. Our students and faculty look forward to new opportunities to study and address the complex and evolving issues of the future. Research informs much of the instruction. The school has four centers of excellence:

• Center for Global Collective Action
• Texas Schools Project
• Institute for Urban Policy Research
• The Negotiations Center

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts : Criminology , economics , geospatial information sciences , international political economy , political science , public affairs , public health , public policy , sociology

Master of Science : Applied sociology , criminology , economics , geospatial information sciences , international political economy , social data analytics and research

Master of Arts : Political science

Master of Public Affairs : Public affairs

Master of Public Policy : Public policy

Doctor of Philosophy : Criminology , economics , geospatial information sciences , political science , public affairs , public policy and political economy

Certificates

EPPS offers the following 15-hour graduate certificates, which generally can be completed in one year of part-time evening classes:

• Economic and Demographic Data Analysis : focusing on the understanding and application of quantitative analysis of demographic and economic data.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) : focusing on the application of GIS in government, private sector and scientific areas.
• Geospatial Intelligence : focusing on the application of geospatial ideas and techniques to national security and other intelligence activity.
• Local Government Management : designed to broaden knowledge of important issues and approaches employed by professional local public administrators.
• Nonprofit Management : designed to provide an overview of the nature and context of nonprofit organizations and develop competencies needed by nonprofit managers.
• Program Evaluation : designed to provide students the opportunity to gain competencies in the design and implementation of program evaluations in fields such as education, health care, human services, criminal justice and economic development.
• Remote Sensing : focusing on remote sensing and digital image processing.

Contact Information

GIS Graduate Program Administrator Email: [email protected] Phone: 972-883-4964 Office: GR 2.808

Degree Information GIS Program Head Email: [email protected] Phone: 972-883-4134 Office: GR 3.212

EPPS Advising The University of Texas at Dallas 800 W Campbell Rd, GR 31 Richardson, TX 75080-3021 [email protected]

epps.utdallas.edu/

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GISDegree.org

Guide to PhD in GIS Programs

On This Page:

GIS, or geographic information systems, is the study of locations on Earth and how they are connected to one another. Location connects many things including weather, the environment, infrastructure, and society. A GIS PhD student may study one of these topics in depth to discover and present original research within the field.

What makes a GIS PhD unique is its focus on advanced research. A GIS PhD candidate may incorporate new technologies, like artificial intelligence and machine learning, to support their research and advance the field.

Is a PhD in GIS right for you? Read on to learn more about what to expect from a doctorate in GIS program and the career opportunities available to graduates. Or skip ahead to the end of this guide to quickly browse every GIS PhD program in the country.

Can You Get a PhD in GIS?

Yes, you can earn a doctorate in GIS, but unfortunately there are not many GIS PhD programs currently offered, and competition may be fierce. Geography PhD programs are much more common, many allowing students to pursue GIS-related research. 

The PhD in GIS is a research-based degree program focusing on spatial data, data analysis, and the development of solutions using geospatial tools. Despite its research-based format, many practical applications have been developed from the GIS research completed within these programs. 

PhD students can tailor their learning and research to a wide variety of GIS topics, including

• Human geography
• Environmental science
• Remote sensing
• Earth science
• Atmospheric science
• Spatial analysis

While not all programs are strictly designated “PhD in GIS,” an understanding of any of the above topics will give you the knowledge needed to perform GIS work in both the private and public sectors. And while graduates will be qualified for careers in academia, they will also find opportunities within government agencies/offices, the private sector, research organizations, and more.

Admission to a GIS PhD Program

Earning admission to a PhD program is no walk in the park. The admission process requires a lot of work and competing with other qualified applicants for limited spots, but getting into a prominent GIS PhD program is worth the effort. 

It’s wise to review as many programs as possible and focus on those that align with your professional interests and career goals. For example, North Carolina State University’s PhD program focuses on geospatial analytics and trains data scientists to apply GIS concepts to other fields. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a more traditional GIS PhD, other programs might be a better match (e.g., Arizona State University’s PhD in Geographic Information Science ).

So what does it take to get into a GIS PhD program? Common application requirements include

• College transcripts from bachelor’s and master’s programs in a related field. The usual suspects apply, like geography or environmental science, but some schools accept computer programming students without a background in GIS.
• A solid GPA at the undergraduate and graduate levels, typically 3.0 or higher.
• Prerequisite coursework in mathematics and programming, such as statistics and Python.

In addition, many programs ask PhD candidates to submit a letter of intent clarifying their research interests. For example, ASU wants to know your preferred GIS research specialization and how it aligns with the program’s focus. Understanding what the department’s faculty are researching will give you a leg up in staying competitive and making sure you get the most out of the program. 

Due to the competitive nature of PhD programs and the enthusiasm for GIS, students will want to consider applying to multiple programs. Once enrolled, PhD candidates may receive a stipend, fully-covered tuition, and health care. 

What to Expect from a GIS PhD Program

Some PhD programs are strictly theoretical and research-focused; others emphasize empirical approaches to GIS. Understanding this before applying to the program you are interested in will allow you to get the most out of the GIS PhD program. The goal is to align your research interests with a reputable faculty member, laying the foundation for your PhD journey. 

What types of GIS programs exist? Keep an eye out for program names like

• Geographic Information Systems/Science
• Spatial Analysis
• UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) or drones
• Geography with GIS concentration
• Geospatial and Environmental Analysis

Program names touch every corner of the GIS field. For an example, consider the unique PhD in Geospatial Computer Science offered by Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi . This program blends GIS concepts with advanced computer science knowledge. Students complete coursework in everything from computer vision and mobile software development to advanced geospatial computing.

In general, the first year or two of a student’s PhD studies will focus on coursework as they explore possible fields of interest. This is the time to take a variety of courses and identify possible research topics. Some PhD programs may conduct year-end reviews with the student committee, which serve to track the progress and understanding of the topic or field the student is interested in researching in years three and four.

During year three, students may be required to take a doctoral exam, where they are expected to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of a particular topic related to their studies. During this year, students will also begin work on their dissertation and present a formal proposal.

During years three and four, PhD candidates may serve as teaching assistants or even teach courses in the department, while working diligently on their dissertation. At the conclusion of year four, the PhD candidates are required to defend their dissertation in front of a committee comprising professors, including their faculty advisor. The successful defense of a dissertation is the final step of a PhD program; students are then presented with their doctorates. 

Of course, not all PhD programs are completed in four years. Students may take up to six years to finish it. They will be required to present their progress to their advisor to ensure they are on the right track in their research and making the appropriate progress.

What Can You Do with a Doctorate in GIS?

Upon the successful defense of your dissertation, you will be awarded your doctorate, opening doors to many professional opportunities, primarily in academia. But because GIS PhDs are in demand, opportunities in research, government, and business are on the rise. 

For a future in academia, be on the lookout for assistant or associate professor opportunities. The job market for professors is growing faster than average (12% vs. the 5% job market average). The median wage of nearly $80,000 is above the average median wage of all jobs, which is about $46,000.

As a researcher, you’ll likely work for an institution or university. Opportunities that fit your skills and background in research can be found in remote sensing, earth science , the environment , or social sciences. These roles are expected to have steady growth while providing wages well above the average median wage.

What if you prefer fieldwork? A doctorate in GIS will help you land a position as a geographer , surveyor , or photogrammetrist . In any of these roles, you can work in the private or public sector, using GIS software to map data and perform analysis. These jobs have median salaries between $60,000–$80,000, but the number of jobs in these fields is not expected to grow as fast as the national average.

If your doctorate program focuses on computer vision and machine learning, you may be more qualified as a computer and information research scientist . This field has an incredible growth rate of over 20% and a median pay of $131,000, nearly three times the median pay of all jobs.

By planning well during the admissions stage, you can set yourself up to learn skills for a rewarding career beyond your doctorate’s program.

All GIS PhD Programs

25 Schools Found

The University of Alabama

Department of Geography

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

PhD in Geography, Geographic Information Science Concentration

University of alaska fairbanks.

Department of Geosciences

Fairbanks, Alaska

PhD in Geophysics, Remote Sensing Geophysics Specialization

Phd in geoscience, remote sensing specialization, arizona state university.

School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning

Tempe, Arizona

PhD in Geographic Information Science

University of arizona.

School of Geography, Development, and Environment

Tucson, Arizona

PhD in Geography, Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing Concentration

University of southern california.

Spatial Sciences Institute

Los Angeles, California

PhD in Population, Health, and Place

University of florida.

Geomatics at Fort Lauderdale

Gainesville, Florida

Doctor of Philosophy - Concentration in Geomatics and Geographic Information Sciences

Northern illinois university.

Department of Geographic and Atmospheric Sciences

Dekalb, Illinois

Doctorate in Geography, GIS/Spatial Analysis Specialization

Southern illinois university carbondale.

Department of Environment and Sustainability

Carbondale, Illinois

Doctorate in Environmental Resources and Policy, Geographic Information Systems and Environmental Modeling Concentration

Indiana university bloomington.

Bloomington, Indiana

PhD in Geography, Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing Specialization

Kansas state university.

Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences

Manhattan, Kansas

Ph.D. in Geography (Geographic Information Science)

University of kansas.

Department of Geography & Atmospheric Science

Lawrence, Kansas

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Geography, Geographic Information Science Concentration

Massachusetts, clark university.

Worcester, Massachusetts

Doctorate in Geography, GIS and Spatial Analysis Specialization

University at buffalo.

Buffalo, New York

Doctorate in Geography, GIS Concentration

North carolina, university of north carolina at chapel hill.

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Doctorate in Geography, Geographic Information Sciences & Geovisualization Concentration

University of north carolina at charlotte.

Department of Geography & Earth Sciences

Charlotte, North Carolina

Doctorate in Geography, Geographic Information Science Concentration

University of north carolina at greensboro.

Greensboro, North Carolina

Doctorate in Geography, Geographic Information Science Specialization

Ohio state university-main campus.

Columbus, Ohio

Doctorate in Geography, GIS & Spatial Analysis Specialization

Oklahoma state university-main campus.

Stillwater, Oklahoma

Doctorate in Geography - Geographic Information Science, UAS Specialization

Oregon state university.

Department of Geography and Geospatial Science

Corvallis, Oregon

Doctorate in Geography and Geospatial Science

The university of tennessee.

Department of Geography & Sustainability

Knoxville, Tennessee

Doctorate of Geography, Spatial Analysis - Geographic Information Science Specialization

Texas a & m university-corpus christi.

Department of Computing Sciences

Corpus Christi, Texas

Doctorate in Geospatial Computer Science

Texas state university-san marcos.

Department of Geography and Environmental Studies

San Marcos, Texas

Doctor of Philosophy in Geographic Information Science

The university of texas at dallas.

School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences

Richardson, Texas

Doctor of Philosophy in Geospatial Information Sciences

Virginia tech.

Blacksburg, Virginia

Doctorate in Geospatial and Environmental Analysis

West virginia, west virginia university.

Department of Geology and Geography

Morgantown, West Virginia

Doctorate in Geography - Geographic Information Science

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Geographic Information Science (Ph.D.)

Ph.d. geographic information science (doctoral).

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Program Overview

Working closely with a dedicated faculty that is recognized nationally and internationally for its research, mentoring and teaching accomplishments, students embark on a journey of professional development that includes research and teaching opportunities. The department also hosts or plays key roles in several international, national and university-wide research centers.

Course Work

The curriculum for the Ph.D. in Geographic Information Science (GIS) is designed to provide depth and breadth of knowledge in the field's theoretical foundations and research methods. Students complete 31 credit hours of graduate course work, including core, skills and elective courses, and 15 credit hours of dissertation research and writing courses. Graduate courses are available at the intermediate and advanced levels with a focus on the theoretical aspects of GIS representation, visualization, modeling and spatial data analysis and management, including both human and environmental geography applications. Faculty advisors will work individually with each student to develop a tailored course plan that meets the student's educational and career goals.

What Our Students Say

“The GIScience Ph.D. program has provided not only a solid foundation but also a wide range of supportive opportunities and resources to help me grow academically and professionally while directed by great student-centered faculty.”

— Danielle Smilovsky, Class of 2023

Program Details

Geography Ph.D. alumni successfully pursue careers in academia, public and private research centers, and the professional sector with private companies, nonprofit organizations and government agencies.

Program Mission

The mission of the Department of Geography is to offer students educational experiences of the highest quality and to conduct meaningful and vital research. The department is committed to outstanding teaching and scholarly activities within the framework of academic freedom and the diversity of ideas and is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and to public service. The department stresses the theoretical and applied realms of geography in all of its curriculum, leads the discipline with innovative applied work, and actively seeks to recruit top students nationally and internationally.

Related Programs:  Ph.D. in Geographic Education  |  Ph.D. in Geography

Career Options

Geographic information science doctoral students actively participate in professional conferences, meetings and workshops, and publish in top-tier journals in the field, including the International Journal of Geographical Information Science , Transactions in GIS , the International Journal of Remote Sensing and Cartographica . GIScience Ph.D. alumni hold positions in university and community colleges, the private industry, government agencies, and private and public research centers in the United States and internationally.

Program Faculty

Thirty-four full-time faculty members conduct research in physical, human, and environmental geography, geographic education, and geographic information sciences, and publish in top-tier journals, including the  Annals of the American Association of Geographers, The Professional Geographer, the International Journal of Geographical Information Sciences,  and  Transactions in GIS . Faculty research has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Justice, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, among other funding agencies.

Contact  The Graduate College  for general questions about getting started with your application, funding your degree, and more. If you have program-specific questions after reviewing the program details, we encourage you to contact the following individuals.

Graduate Advisor Dr. Ronald Hagelman, III [email protected] 512.245.8847 Evans Liberal Arts (ELA) , Room 335

Advisor Support Allison Glass [email protected] 512.245.2618 Evans Liberal Arts (ELA) , Room 127

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Application Process

Review requirements, submit application, upload documents, check status, application deadlines.

This program's deadline is firm. This type of deadline means the application and other application requirements must be submitted by the program's specified deadline day.

Admission Requirements

The items required for admission consideration are listed below.  Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our  international web pages .

Application

• Completed  online application

Review  important information  about the online application.

Application Fee

• $55 nonrefundable application fee OR
• $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials

Review  important information  about application fees.

Transcripts & GPA

• baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
• master's degree in geography or a related field from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a U.S. Master’s degree. Master’s degrees following a three-year Bachelor’s degrees may not be equivalent; please contact [email protected] if you are unsure.)
• a copy of an official transcript from  each institution  where course credit was granted
• minimum 3.5 GPA in all completed graduate course work
• completion of a master's thesis or demonstrated evidence of scholarly research and writing

Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.

Test Scores

• GRE not required

Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores

Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our  exempt countries list .

• official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
• official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
• minimum individual module scores of 6.0
• official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
• official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall

This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.

Review important information about official test scores.

• statement of purpose explaining your reasons for pursuing doctoral study and your academic professional interests and goals
• three letters of recommendation demonstrating adequate subject preparation in content and quality as reflected in your transcripts

Review important information about documents.

Additional Information

• Application Decisions
• International Applicants
• Reapplication Process

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Geoinformatics and Geospatial Analytics, Ph.D.

• Requirements
• Contact Info

Students in Saint Louis University's geoinformatics and geospatial analytics doctoral program study the science and technology dealing with the acquisition, storage, processing production, presentation and dissemination of geoinformation using the theory and practical implications of geodesy within information science infrastructure.

The core of geoinformatics is geospatial analytics, a branch of data science that focuses on developing cutting-edge technologies supporting processes of acquiring, analyzing and visualizing geospatial Big Data. Advances in various location-aware technologies, (e.g., GPS, the Internet of Things (IoT), mobile sensors, remote sensing), and ever-increasing time-stamped, location-based data from sensors as diverse as satellites, drones and smartphones have created unprecedented demand and opportunities for code-savvy geospatial professionals with the ability to automate processing, visualizing and finding patterns in both structured and unstructured data.

Program Highlights

The goal of the Geoinformatics and Geospatial Analytics Ph.D. program is to provide students with in-depth knowledge in geoinformatics and geospatial analytics required for solving today’s grand challenges, e.g., climate change, public health, refugees and migration, transportation safety, and food, water and human security from local to global scales. The graduates of the Ph.D. program will gain the multi-disciplinary knowledge and quantitative skills necessary to handle big geospatial data and solve big problems.

Curriculum Overview

This is a 45-credit Ph.D. program focused on educating next-generation talent with advanced and emerging technologies like machine learning/AI, satellite geodesy, image analysis, change detection, GIS modeling, photogrammetry and automation that are critical to developing research skills to address today’s grand societal challenges such as food security, healthcare delivery, national security and beyond with high impact research.

Admission Requirements

Successful applicants possess sufficient GPA and English proficiency scores (for international students) and research interests compatible with ongoing research in the department.

Geophysics Concentration

Prerequisites include structural geology, college physics, mechanics and mathematics through differential equations.

Environmental Geosciences Concentration

Prerequisites include an undergraduate degree in a STEM discipline with at least one semester each of calculus, physics, biology, chemistry and geoscience; a second semester of calculus or one semester of statistics.

Application Requirements

• Application form 
• Three letters of recommendation
• Transcript(s)
• Professional goal statement

GRE scores are optional.

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements:

• Demonstrate  English Language Proficiency
• Financial documents are required to complete an application for admission and be reviewed for admission and merit scholarships. 
• A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
• A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University
• Courses taken and/or lectures attended
• Practical laboratory work
• The maximum and minimum grades attainable
• The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
• Any honors or degrees received.

WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Application and Assistantship Application Deadlines

Students typically begin the program in the fall semester. Students who want to be considered for an assistantship must submit their applications by Jan. 2. Late applications and applications for the spring semester will be considered if positions are available.

Review Process

Faculty committee members examine qualified applicants’ materials and make recommendations.

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

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Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships, Assistantships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for a graduate assistantship, apply by the program admission deadlines listed. Fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and may include health insurance and a tuition scholarship for the duration of the award. 

Explore Scholarships and Financial Aid Options

The Geoinformatics and Geospatial Analytics Ph.D. is a 45-credit hour degree that includes a 21-credit core, 12 credits of electives, and 12 credits of dissertation research.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

For more information about any School of Science and Engineering graduate program, please email [email protected] .

PhD in Geography

The geography PhD program at Minnesota reflects the intellectual breadth of the discipline by maintaining strengths in the broad areas of human geography, physical geography, nature-society relationships, and geographic information science.

Our faculty and students are engaged in teaching and research both within and across these broad areas as evidenced by prominent research themes within the program: culture, place, and flow; environmental change; geographies of the information society; geovisualization; globalization and uneven development; governance, citizenship, and justice; metropolis and world; and nature and society.

To support you in gaining both depth and breadth within the discipline, the program is highly individualized with a limited number of requirements. You work with your advisers to design individual programs suited to your educational and professional goals.

College Resources for Graduate Students

Visit CLA’s website for graduate students to learn about collegiate funding opportunities, student support, career services, and more.

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PhD in Geography

The PhD is a highly individualized degree that emphasizes advanced training and research. Students develop and demonstrate both depth and breadth in geographical inquiry. They gain an understanding of the major epistemological and methodological questions that have shaped the development of geography as a discipline and master a set of research methods that are appropriate to their area of specialization. Students acquire a detailed understanding of a particular sub-field of geography, conduct and disseminate independent research in that sub-field and broaden their backgrounds through study in one or more allied disciplines. The program is intended to lead students into innovative research as demonstrated in research seminars, independent investigations, and the completion of a dissertation. The student's academic performance must be marked by initiative, intellectual integrity, a sense of problem, and critical acumen.

Students can enter the PhD program through two routes:

• after earning a Bachelor’s degree   or
• after earning a Master’s degree

Admission to the PhD is limited to those who have achieved distinction in previous undergraduate and graduate work (a 3.2 GPA on a 4 point scale is a generally accepted criterion) and who have demonstrated the determination and initiative required for doctoral success.

Accelerated PhD Program for students entering with a Bachelor's Degree

Geography phd requirements - university of illinois academic catalog.

Graduate Education

Office of graduate and postdoctoral education, geographic information science and technology, program contact.

Anna Traykova, Advisor Clio Andris, Director College of Design Georgia Institute of Technology 245 Fourth St. NW, Arch E Room 204 Atlanta, GA 30332-0155

Application Deadlines

• Funding:  January 15
• Final : February 15

Admittance Terms

Degree programs.

• Master's, Geographic Information Science and Technology

Areas of Research

• Community and Economic Development
• Collaborative Governance
• Sustainable Urban Planning and Design
• Transportation Planning

Standardized Tests

TOEFL Requirements

• Institute Code: 5248
• Department Code: Not required
• Internet-based: 100 with minimum section scores of 20

IELTS Academic Requirements

• ≥ 7.5 (minimum band score for Reading, Listening, and Speaking is 6.5; minimum band score for Writing is 5.5)

GRE (required)

• Institute Code: R5248
• 150 for Verbal Reasoning
• 150 for Quantitative Reasoning
• 4.0 Analytical Writing

Application Requirements

• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Supplemental Essays

Program Costs

• Go to " View Tuition Costs by Semester ," and select the semester you plan to start. Graduate-level programs are divided into sections: Graduate Rates–Atlanta Campus, Study Abroad, Specialty Graduate Programs, Executive Education Programs
• Find the degree and program you are interested in and click to access the program's tuition and fees by credit hour PDF.
• In the first column, determine the number of hours (or credits) you intend to take for your first semester.
• Determine if you will pay in-state or out-of-state tuition. Learn more about the difference between in-state and out-of-state . For example, if you are an in-state resident and planning to take six credits for the Master of Architecture degree, the tuition cost will be $4,518.
• The middle section of the document lists all mandatory Institute fees. To see your total tuition plus mandatory fees, refer to the last two columns of the PDF.

Program Links

The Office of Graduate Education has prepared an admissions checklist to help you navigate through the admissions process.

• Department Overview
• Administration
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• Prospective Students
• Courses and Facilities
• Special Programs
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• Master of Science and Graduate Certificate Programs
• About Our Ph.D. Students
• Geospatial-Information Science and Remote Sensing
• Human Dimensions of Global Change - Coupled Human and Natural Systems
• Land Cover - Land Use Change
• Carbon, Vegetation Dynamics and Landscape-Scale Processes
• Center for Geospatial Information Science
• Faculty: A Historic Look
• The Department of Geographical Sciences Alumni
• Land Acknowledgement
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism in GEOG
• Beyond GEOG: Resources and Learning
• GEOG and UMD Reporting Mechanisms
• Program Overview
• High School Awards
• High School Internship Program (HIP)
• Terp Young Scholars Summer Program

Highlighting the New Wave of PhD Graduates in Geographical Sciences

2024 PhD Graduates Address Climate Change, Urban Dynamics, and Technological Advances

The field of geographical sciences continues to evolve, with new research shedding light on critical environmental, social and spatial issues. This year, a fresh cohort of PhD graduates has emerged, bringing innovative perspectives and research to the forefront. 

Here, we share some of 2024’s dissertation defenses. 

Abdul Qadir, Ph.D ‘24 Dissertation Title: “A Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)-Based Generalized Approach for Sunflower Mapping and Area Estimation”

Elisabeth Powell, Ph.D ‘24 Dissertation Title: “Revealing the Impact of Sea Level Rise on Coastal Forest Structure in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic Using Lidar”

Guimin Zhu, Ph.D ‘24 Dissertation Title: “Spatiotemporal Analysis of Vehicle Mobility Patterns Using Machine Learning Approaches”

Jamis M. Bruening, Ph.D ‘24 Dissertation Title: “Advances in Mapping Forest Biomass and Old-Growth Conditions Using Waveform Lidar”

Tuo Feng, Ph.D ‘24 Dissertation Title: “Characterizing the Multi-scale Post-fire Forest Structural Change in North American Boreal Forests Using Air- and Space-borne Lidar Observations”

Jiaming Lu, Ph.D ‘24 Dissertation Title: “Integrated Monitoring of Disturbance and Forest Attributes”

Mengyu Liang, Ph.D ‘24 Dissertation Title: “Monitoring Aboveground Biomass in Forest Conservation and Restoration Areas Using GEDI and Optical Data Fusion”

Noel Dyer, Ph.D ‘24 Dissertation Title: “Visualization, Data Quality, and Scale in Composite Bathymetric Data Generalization ”

Ruohan Li, Ph.D ‘24 Dissertation Title: “Deep Learning Approaches for Estimating and Forecasting Surface Downward Shortwave Radiation From Satellite Data”

Samuel M. Jantz, Ph.D ‘24 Dissertation Title: “Multiscale, Multitemporal Assessment of Chimpanzee (Pan Troglodytes) Habitat Using Remotely Sensed Datasets”

Xin Xu, Ph.D ‘24 Dissertation Title: “Topology-Based Individual Tree Mapping From Lidar Point Clouds”

Xueyuan Gao, Ph.D ‘24 Dissertation Title: “Exploring and Assessing Land-Based Climate Solutions Using Earth Observations, Earth System Models, and Integrated Assessment Models”

Yunting Song, Ph.D ‘24 Dissertation Title: “Efficient Terrain Analysis of Point Cloud Datasets on a Decomposition-Based Data Representation”

As these scholars embark on the next phase of their careers, their contributions will undoubtedly continue to make a significant impact on the world.

Main image: photo collage of the dissertation defenses of Elisabeth Powell, Yunting Song, Noel Dyer, Tuo Feng and Mengyu Liang. Courtesy of Geographical Sciences students and professors.

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• 877-650-9054
• Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science and Technology

The Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) is an excellent starting point for individuals interested in GIS. Professionals who want to enhance their existing skill sets may also use the core courses and electives available in the graduate certificate program to gain experience within a specific area, such as spatial data management, spatial data acquisition, spatial modeling or cartography and spatial data visualization.

Fill out the information below to learn more about the University of Southern California’s GIS Graduate Programs and download a free brochure . If you have any additional questions, please call 877-650-9054 to speak to an enrollment advisor.

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Graduate Certificate in GIST Career Opportunities

“The Graduate Certificate in GIST played an instrumental role in my promotion to GIS analyst, and I decided to continue with the master’s portion of the program, focusing on web and mobile GIS . The knowledge and expertise I gained from these courses facilitated my second promotion to senior GIS analyst.”

-Jo-Anne Antoun Graduate Certificate in GIST, Class of 2013 Candidate for M.S. in GIST Senior GIS Analyst at Snohomish County, WA

Read the rest of Jo-Anne’s story >

The GIST graduate certificate program prepares students with a core foundation in spatial thinking and working with spatial data. For students starting their GIS careers, the coursework will prepare them for GIS analyst and technician roles . USC’s extensive selection of electives offers opportunities to gain sophisticated skills in more specific domains within geographic information science, allowing experienced professionals to augment their knowledge.

Certificate students hoping to enter senior-level GIS careers or GIS leadership positions may also consider the M.S. in GIST program; all credit earned with the GIST graduate certificate can be applied toward completion of the master’s.

Learn more about GIST graduate certificate careers >

Curriculum Summary

The GIST graduate certificate program consists of 8 units of core coursework in spatial thinking and spatial data acquisition . Students also select two elective courses to complete the program and enhance their knowledge with more specific expertise. The eight available electives cover the whole field and range from cartography and visualization to web and mobile GIS.

To see a full list of GIST certificate electives, visit the curriculum page .

Apply Now >

GIS Fieldwork on Catalina Island

Our M.S. in HSGI, M.S. in GIST and Graduate Certificate in GIST programs will take students on a weeklong fieldwork excursion to the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability — a half-acre research and educational campus on Catalina Island.

Learn more about the GIS fieldwork excursion >

Veteran Funding

The Spatial Sciences Institute proudly offers a variety of funding options for active duty and veteran service members enrolled in GIS graduate programs and is a proud Yellow Ribbon Program participant.

Learn more about funding options >

In this section

• Geographic Information Science and Technology Master’s Program
• Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence
• Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Leadership
• Graduate Certificate in Remote Sensing for Earth Observation
• Master’s in Global Security Studies
• Master’s in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence
• Master’s in Spatial Data Science
• Master’s in Spatial Economics and Data Analysis
• Master’s in Geographic Information Science and Technology
• Master’s in Global Security Studies

Catalina Island Excursion

Students in the M.S. in GIST, M.S. in HSGI and Graduate Certificate in GIST programs will participate in a week-long fieldwork excursion...

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Graduate Schools and Programs

A tier one research university, UC Santa Barbara is renowned for impact across the disciplines. Same goes for our faculty, who are as accessible as they are distinguished. See for yourself. Come make your mark in one of our 50-plus master’s degree or Ph.D. programs.

Graduate Degrees

UCSB offers master’s degree and Ph.D. tracks in diverse disciplines, with top programs in engineering, the sciences, social sciences, humanities, education and the arts. Many of them are inherently interdisciplinary, such as Materials Science, Global and International Studies, and Media Arts and Technology.

Graduate Degrees - General Catalog

Graduate Division

A world-class education and the opportunities, resources, and support for career attainment — that’s what we provide our graduate students. We strive to cultivate individual strengths and talents and welcome every student as our partner. We value collaboration and discovery across disciplines and recognize the critical role of diversity in realizing our potential for excellence and innovation. 

Bren School of Environmental Science & Management

Striving to solve environmental problems by integrating science, management, law, economics, and policy — a unique and celebrated interdisciplinary approach. Meet the Bren School.

Bren School of Environmental Studies & Management

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Getting smart about educational issues. Innovating new educational models. Developing future leaders of public education. Ensuring high-quality education for children. We are The Gevirtz School. 

Technology Management Program

Offering master’s and doctoral degrees in technology management, TMP is training future global leaders of technology and business, fostering a new generation of scholars and cultivating cutting-edge research.

Certificate code CTGISU

College of Arts and Sciences     Geography Department     N378 Lindley Hall Athens, OH 45701 Phone: 740.593.1140 www.ohio.edu/cas/geography

Gaurav Sinha, certificate coordinator/contact person [email protected]

Program Overview

The ability to think spatially, interpret maps, and creatively use geospatial technologies is a fundamental skill expected in a wide variety of careers today. Maps and mapping technologies also underlie a significant proportion of everyday decision makings. Acquiring such skills requires formal training in many topics related to the interdisciplinary field of Geographic Information Science (GIScience).  The Certificate in GIScience is designed for students to complement their major with knowledge of mapping and geospatial technologies. The curriculum ensures a balanced background in the three core areas of GIScience: i) theoretical foundations of mapping and geospatial analysis, ii) use of geospatial technologies for creating, mapping, and analyzing geographic information, and iii) general computational and information analysis skills.  The certificate is open to all undergraduates except those enrolled in the GIScience major.

If you have any questions about this certificate, please contact the Certificate Director, Dr. Gaurav Sinha - N396 Lindley Hall - 740.593.0304 - [email protected] .

Admissions Information

Freshman/first-year admission.

No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Change of Program Policy

No selective or limited admission requirements.

External Transfer Admission

Opportunities upon graduation.

Job opportunities for GIS specialists abound in both government and private sectors. Depending on skill level, career tracks include, but are not limited to the following: data technician, database administrator, cartographer, geospatial analyst, software designer, GIS educator, and project manager.

Requirements

Certificate hours requirement.

The geographic information science (GIS) certificate program is a minimum of 17 hours.  Students must take at least 6 hours outside their major of study.

Core Courses

Complete the following courses:

• GEOG 2680 - Introduction to GIS and Mapping Sciences Credit Hours: 4
• GEOG 4730 - Principles of GIS Credit Hours: 4

Core Elective

Choose one of the following courses:

• GEOG 3600 - Principles of Cartography Credit Hours: 4
• GEOG 4660 - Principles of Remote Sensing Credit Hours: 4
• GEOG 4760 - Advanced Spatial Analysis and GIS Applications Credit Hours: 4

Specialization Electives

Choose two courses (5-8 credits) from the following:

• BIOS 3760 - Field Ecology Credit Hours: 3
• CE 2100 - Elements of Land Surveying Credit Hours: 3
• CE 4100 - Applied Boundary Surveying Credit Hours: 2
• COMS 2400 - Communication for Innovation Credit Hours: 3
• CS 2300 - Computer Programming in JAVA Credit Hours: 4
• CS 2400 - Introduction to Computer Science I Credit Hours: 4
• CS 2401 - Introduction to Computer Science II Credit Hours: 4
• CS 3560 - Software Engineering Tools and Practices Credit Hours: 3
• ET 2100 - Engineering Programming Credit Hours: 4
• GEOG 4710 - Quantitative Methods in Geography Credit Hours: 3
• ISE 2100 - Data Management and Display Credit Hours: 3
• MIS 2200 - Systems Analysis and Design Credit Hours: 3
• MIS 2800 - Business Intelligence and Information Management Credit Hours: 3
• SOC 4500 - Data Analysis Credit Hours: 3
• VICO 2162 - Interactive II: Advanced Web Design Credit Hours: 3
• VICO 3310 - Multimedia Production for Visual Communication Credit Hours: 3

Specialization Elective Subgroup 1 - Choose no more than one course

• QBA 1721 - Introduction to Information Analysis and Descriptive Analytics for Nonmajors Credit Hours: 3

Specialization Elective Subgroup 2 - Choose no more than one course

• ISE 4350 - Database Information Systems Credit Hours: 3
• MIS 2020 - Business Information Systems Credit Hours: 3
• MIS 2021 - Business Information Systems Nonmajor Credit Hours: 3

Specialization Elective Subgroup 3 - Choose no more than one course

• VICO 2161 - Interactive I: Web Design Credit Hours: 3
• VICO 2561 - Introduction to Basic Web Design Credit Hours: 3

Specialization Elective Subgroup 4 - Choose no more than one course

• GEOG 2710 - Introduction to Statistics in Geography Credit Hours: 3
• GEOL 3050 - Statistical Methods in Geology Credit Hours: 4
• MATH 2500 - Statistics and Probability Credit Hours: 4
• PBIO 3150 - Statistical Methods in Plant Biology Credit Hours: 4
• PSY 2110 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences Credit Hours: 4
• QBA 2010 - Introduction to Business Statistics Credit Hours: 4