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Guide to Master's Degree

How to Get a Master's Degree in Geographic Information Systems

Graduate training in geographic information systems (GIS) prepares you to interact with data in a range of careers and fields. Graduates often pair a bachelor's degree in science, environmental studies, earth science, or geography with a graduate degree or certificate in geographic information systems. For more information on all levels of geographic information systems majors, see WorldWideLearn.com's guide on the subject.

Geographic Information Systems Master's Degree Spotlight

As a type of science degree, a master's degree in geographic information systems typically requires focused attention over two years of full-time study. Graduate certificates or diplomas in geographic information systems that require less time are also available.

Data and system management are valuable skills in fields beyond geographic planning. Graduates of geographic information systems master's degree programs often go on to careers in a true range of disciplines. Find GIS graduates in the following fields:

Geographic information systems experts offer their advanced skills in geographic data management, GIS system management, and spatial analysis to any project within their scope. The degree's broad application means that you can end up to combining your current degree and experience to take the career in an entirely different direction.

How to Earn a Master's Degree in Geographic Information Systems

Prepare yourself to learn more and potentially earn more with a master's degree in geographic information systems. Your journey begins with research; use this guide to find resources, establish a list of potential schools, and begin preparing your application. If you've just begun to consider graduate training and you're looking for some basic facts, take a look at WorldWideLearn.com's guide.

Geographic information systems is a focused graduate degree that can teach skills that can use in a range of careers. For more information on career education and planning for the specific career description of surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists, and surveying technicians, see WorldWideLearn.com's guide.

Match your GIS training with your career plans. The type of degree you earn depends on your career future, as well as your learning style and other details. Start your research by learning the basics of this popular master's degree.

Step 1: Think About Geographic Information Systems Master's Degree Options

Geographic information systems graduate degrees begin with the basic type of training that interests you. Take a look at the major distinctions within GIS graduate study:

The path you choose depends on your personal career goals and interests in education. Because many geographic information systems degree programs involve earning important certification from the GISCI, it helps to know more about the professional organization.

Step 2: Create a List of Potential Geographic Information Systems Schools

Continue your process by making a list of potential schools once you've thought about the basic distinctions within GIS degree programs. Creating a list can help you learn more about the details and specializations behind GIS training. Use the following resources to begin your research:

As you create your initial list of potential GIS programs, be sure to keep your options broad. In the following steps, you can take your long list and narrow it down based on your individual preferences. Next, you can consider whether you would prefer to earn your GIS master's degree online or on campus.

Step 3: Consider Campus and Online Geographic Information Systems Master's Degree Programs

As you used the resources above and did your own work to create a list of potential geographic information systems schools, you may have noticed that both online and campus GIS degree programs are offered. Because master's degree programs in geographic information systems don't necessitate hands-on research, it is common for students to choose between online and campus degrees in the field.

If you want to earn a master's degree online, yo can use the resources at WorldWideLearn.com to find out more about online master's degrees and the online education process itself:

Whether you choose the hands-on benefits of the campus classroom or the flexibility and convenience of online master's degree programs, your choice is ultimately up to you. Adult learners benefit from both styles of learning; consider which style would suit you best for your GIS degree.

Step 4: Determine Geographic Information Systems Degree Program Accreditation

Help ensure the quality of your future GIS graduate school by determining the accreditation status of each program on your list. The accreditation process requires that a third-party agency examine each school based on different factors, such as hiring, academic records, and finances. Ensuring your geographic information systems institution is accredited means:

Determine accreditation by searching the U.S. Department of Education's database for the geographic information systems schools on your list. Search by school name and make sure the program is currently accredited. This step can take some time as you search for both online and campus programs, but the process is essential.

Working through the accreditation process can help you take control of determining the quality of your master's degree. For more information on the accreditation process, see WorldWideLearn.com's guide.

Step 4: Narrow Down Your Geographic Information Systems Master's Degree List

You should now have a number of options for a master's degree in geographic information systems. Turn your long list into a focused list of the best schools for you. Examine potential GIS graduate schools using the following categories:

After you work through the list above, your result should be a short list of GIS programs that are truly personalized to your preferences. Thinking about each program closely can help you learn more about each school, more about your own preferences as a student, and more about the GIS degree itself. Now you should be at the point where you can start the degree application process with only the strongest GIS schools on your list.

Applying for Geographic Information Systems Master's Degree Programs

Once you've created your short list of programs, you are ready to apply to your top list of geographic information systems master's degree schools. Whether your goal is to earn a master's degree online or attend a campus program, you need to submit a different application for each GIS school. Begin the process by keeping the following in mind:

Taking the time to research geographic information systems master's degree programs comes with a range of benefits. Learning about different schools can save you time and money during the application process itself. This research takes some effort, but you can feel confident that you are applying to the GIS schools that are the right fit for you.

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