Geographic information science is the science of making better decisions. Geospatial professionals integrate, map, analyze, and interpret data across disciplines to identify trends, relationships, and patterns. In a field that's growing at a rate of 10 percent per year, skilled geospatial workers are in high demand. If you want a career that solves problems and answers questions, follow the coordinates to Michigan Technological University.Our master's of geographic information science program provides you with a foundation in geospatial principles and analysis. From there, you conduct interdisciplinary studies in statistics, communications, environmental policy, and business. Youll use geographic information systems (GIS) technologya combination of hardware, software, and geographically referenced datato look at information in new ways and better understand what the data reveals. GIS technology has long been used by natural resource managers in land use planning, natural hazard assessment, wildlife habitat mapping, and timber management. It can also be used in emergency response planning, crime analysis, land records management, siting of retail stores, precision farming, and infrastructure upgrading.
Career Opportunities
GIS is ranked among the top 100 best careers in the US, with a 10-percent annual growth rate. Some of the biggest users are utilities, transportation, telecommunications, and education. Your career options also include demographics, natural resources, urban and regional planning, public health and epidemiology, law enforcement, and homeland security.