Geographic Information Science

geographic information science

WHAT IS GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE?

This major is part of the BEP Exploration Group and Math & Engineering Exploration Group

Geographic Information Science Major Website

Geographic Information Science Minor

Geographic Information Science (GIScience) is the scientific discipline that conducts spatial analysis to examine economic, environmental, physical, and social phenomena. GIS overlaps with and draws from many research fields such as computer science, statistics, mathematics, and psychology, and contributes to progress in those fields. GIS is interdisciplinary and supports research in many academic disciplines. Courses in GIS enable students to develop capability in spatial thinking and gather in-depth knowledge in geospatial technology.

The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes Geotechnology as one of the three most progressive professions today, alongside nanotechnology and biotechnology. With the increasing availability of geospatial data, there has been an ever-growing need for GIS professionals. The B.S./B.A. degree in GIScience prepares students to pursue a technologically oriented career as GIS specialists. Graduates with GIS skillsets are in extremely high demand. Examples of potential career paths include:

  • Asset Management
  • Banking & Insurance
  • Land Use & Urban Planning
  • Environmental Science & Agriculture
  • Transportation & Utilities
  • Engineering & Construction
  • Health & Epidemiology
  • Defense & Military Applications