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Geri Miller is the associate program director and a senior lecturer for the MS in geographic information systems program at Johns Hopkins University and has been an instructor in the program since its inception. She has developed and taught a range of the GIS curricula, including web GIS, geospatial data modeling, spatial analytics, and programming in GIS.
Miller is a GIS instructor and technical lead at the Environmental System Research Institute since 2004, specializing in the online delivery of various geospatial technology courses. Much of her work focuses on improving online delivery methods of GIS classes designed to provide a rich learning environment for educating GIS users.
Miller has worked extensively with many universities to support and enhance their GIS programs as a lecturer, course author, and curriculum developer. In addition to teaching at Johns Hopkins University, she has taught at the University of Delaware, the Community College of Philadelphia, and West Chester University of Pennsylvania and has helped others stay on the leading edge of GIS technology.
Miller has a BS from Drexel University and has completed certifications in CompTIA C++ Certified Technical Trainer; CompTIA CTT+ Virtual Classroom Trainer; Esri ArcGIS Desktop Professional; and Esri Enterprise Administration Associate. She holds an MA degree from the West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What is something you wish the public understood about GIS?
Miller: GIS is a wonderful technology with a wide range of applications. It allows us to visualize and understand our world and ask and answer important questions. It can be applied to state and local governments (mapping parcels and land, for example), utilities (mapping oil/gas/water pipelines), the commercial sector (finding the best location for something), the federal government (defense and intelligence), and so much more.
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What advice would you give to aspiring students in GIS?
Miller: You can build a good career with GIS. It is a tool that you can have in your toolbox, since it is applicable to so many fields. And employers are looking for GIS skills! It gives us the ability to solve today’s problems, from climate and sustainability to conservation and protection. Hence, as a student, you can be a change agent and a decision-maker, solving problems with technology. GIS is not just a job; it is inspiration. It can truly help the world we live in. It’s wonderful to have a job with a purpose!
If you already are in a GIS program and studying GIS (or studying with GIS), have a portfolio of maps and apps you have created, build your CV with a StoryMap, and be able to show your employers some of the work you have done in courses—it goes a long way!
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What does the future of the field look like to you?
Miller: I see the future of GIS as very much cloud-based. As technology broadly-speaking) has shifted to the web/cloud, GIS has gone in that direction too. All one needs is a browser, and running applications in the cloud, to do their work. Connectivity with mobile/field devices, and overall connectivity and ability to share information is critical and will continue to be enhanced further. This, combined with the ability to automate with AI and ML, will play a significant role in the future of GIS, as will an enhanced ability to engage with the public in sharing data in a more seamless manner.
Dr. Jonathan Nelson is an assistant professor of geography and director of GIS professional programs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is an educator and researcher in geographic information science and technology, who is passionate about leveraging maps, geovisual analytics, and human-centered design principles to make spatial data more accessible, legible, and actionable to broad and diverse audiences.
His motivation as a scholar is to contribute to bridging the analytical divide between experts in spatial data science and individuals not trained in the discipline but who seek to understand and make informed decisions based on spatial data. This overarching goal is inspired by over a decade of work in academia, government, and the private sector, focused on implementing cartographic design strategies to address critical challenges in a wide variety of application areas, including environmental science, fitness and personal health, politics, socioeconomics, transportation, and urban planning.
Dr. Nelson’s work has been published in Cartography and Geographic Information Science, the International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, and the International Journal of Digital Earth. He received his PhD and MS from Pennsylvania State University and a BS from the University of New Mexico.
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What is something you wish the public understood about GIS?
Dr. Nelson: GIS is an essential tool for developing solutions to the world’s most pressing place-based problems, from climate change, global poverty, military conflict and everything in between. “Place”—as a geographic concept—is complex, scale-dependent, and highly dynamic. Locations are imbued with meaning based on a myriad of physical and human factors. These factors shape our understanding and perception of the world around us, have implications for our health and well-being, and ultimately require GIS tools to unpack and make sense of.
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What advice would you give to aspiring students in GIS?
Dr. Nelson: The only constant in the geospatial industry is change. My advice to aspiring students in GIS is to embrace the rapidly evolving technological landscape and commit to the mantra of life-long learning needed to be successful in such a dynamic field. This is an incredibly exciting time to study GIS and work in a vibrant and growing profession but be prepared to keep pace with, and evolve your skills in response to, constantly emerging technologies.
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What does the future of the field look like to you?
Dr. Nelson: The geospatial field is positioned for significant growth and innovation moving into the future. Rapid advancements are well underway in the areas of geoAI, augmented/virtual reality, drones/UAVs, remote sensing, cyberGIS, Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, among others. Importantly, these advancements support a wide range of applications from environment modeling and prediction to urban planning and disaster management.
An area of the field that I am particularly interested in advancing is the use of maps and data visualization for enriching our personal lives. With the rise of the quantified-self movement and widespread adoption of self-tracking technologies, “personal” has become a new dimension (and challenge) in the map and geovisualization design process.
My research in this area focuses on developing new map and interaction design paradigms to meet the disparate needs of an ever-growing number of data creators. A major component of this work is creating evaluation methodologies that consider the dynamic, intimate, and subjective sensemaking process that makes personal visualization tools work.
As we look to the future of the field, I think it is critical to also emphasize the importance of teaching and practicing the ethical use of spatial data and GIS tools, particularly as geospatial technologies become increasingly embedded in everyday life.
| School | City | State | Website | Undergrad | Graduate | Grads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Denver |
CO | www.du.edu | 107 | |||
Los Angeles |
CA | www.usc.edu | 71 | |||
Boca Raton |
FL | www.fau.edu | 64 | |||
Corvallis |
OR | oregonstate.edu | 60 | |||
Maryville |
MO | www.nwmissouri.edu | 32 | |||
Baltimore |
MD | www.jhu.edu | 29 | |||
Tucson |
AZ | www.arizona.edu | 25 | |||
Grand Rapids |
MN | www.itascacc.edu | 23 | |||
Madison |
WI | www.wisc.edu | 21 | |||
Conway |
AR | www.uca.edu | 20 | |||
Lincoln |
NE | www.southeast.edu | 19 | |||
Cheney |
WA | www.ewu.edu | 19 | |||
Radford |
VA | www.radford.edu | 18 | |||
Columbus |
OH | www.cscc.edu | 16 | |||
Lexington |
KY | www.uky.edu | 16 | |||
Flagstaff |
AZ | nau.edu | 14 | |||
Harriman |
TN | www.roanestate.edu | 12 | |||
West Chester |
PA | www.wcupa.edu | 12 | |||
Aurora |
CO | www.americansentinel.edu | 12 | |||
McKinney |
TX | www.collin.edu | 12 | |||
Denver |
CO | www.ucdenver.edu | 11 | |||
Houghton |
MI | www.mtu.edu | 10 | |||
Springfield |
OH | www.clarkstate.edu | 6 | |||
Montgomery |
AL | www.aum.edu | 5 | |||
Storrs |
CT | uconn.edu | 4 | |||
Fayetteville |
AR | www.uark.edu | 3 | |||
New Castle |
DE | www.wilmu.edu | 3 | |||
Warner Robins |
GA | www.centralgatech.edu | 3 | |||
Philadelphia |
PA | www.ccp.edu | 2 | |||
Nashville |
TN | www.tnstate.edu | 2 | |||
Harrisburg |
PA | www.hacc.edu | 2 | |||
Parkville |
MO | www.park.edu | 1 | |||
Big Rapids |
MI | www.ferris.edu | 1 |
Before anyone decides to go for an online geographic information systems program, it is important to consider several factors to determine whether or not it is the best option.
While many may find that they excel in a traditional classroom environment, others may discover that they are best suited for online learning. In making this decision, prospective students should carefully consider several different factors.
To begin, those who enroll in an online geographic information systems degree program should understand that they may never need to set foot on the physical campus. For those who are employed full-time, in the military, have children, or don’t live near a campus, this can be highly beneficial, as these students can obtain a degree from a reputable school without having to relocate or commute.
For others, however, online learning may prove to be difficult; in particular, those who thrive with frequent face-to-face interactions with peers and professors (both inside and outside the classroom) may find that online degree programs lack the level of interactivity, structure, and support necessary for them to succeed.
Also, while students in online programs are given a school calendar and a schedule to which they must adhere, they will often have more freedom and flexibility regarding completing course sections and related assignments. Again, while some may find this appealing, others may not perform as well without adhering to a more rigid schedule. Prospective students should evaluate their study habits and support requirements before making a final decision.
Arizona State University – School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning
Arizona State University offers an online bachelor of science (BS) in geographic information science. The 100 percent online program provides students with a good understanding of geographic information systems software, computer programming, and statistical analysis.
Admission requirements for the program include a high school diploma, a minimum grade point average of 3.0, ACT or SAT scores, official transcripts from each educational institution attended, and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores for international students.
Made up of 120 credits, the program prepares students for careers in geographic information. Some of the courses included in the program are statistics for geography and planning; programming principles in GIS; geographic information science; and advanced statistics for geography and planning.
Through the program, students learn how to solve geographical problems, and apply computational principles in geographic information science, and programming languages. They are also introduced to commercial and open-source geographic information science (GIS) and related software.
At the end of the program, graduates can pursue opportunities in both private and public sectors. They can occupy positions as cartographers, data scientists, forest rangers, geographic information systems analysts, geographic information systems technicians, intelligence officers, special forces officers, traffic analysts, urban planners, and geospatial intelligence analysts.
The University of Arizona’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers an online bachelor of science in geographic information systems technology. Focusing on applied GIS and professional GIS, this program is a series of learner-centered, project-based, and modular courses training students in computational and mathematical thinking, written and oral communication, and problem-solving.
Comprising 120 credits, the program includes courses such as introduction to map science; cartographic design and production; introduction to remote sensing; geographic information systems; introduction to spatial analysis and modeling; and advanced GIS.
The major admission requirements include a high school diploma, official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities, and an official high school or GED transcript will be required for transfer applicants.
Earning this bachelor’s degree in geographic information systems technology will help students build core skills in geoprocessing, data science, data visualization, GIS analysis, web mapping, remote sensing, and python programming, to name a few. Graduates of this STEM degree will prepare students for high-tech careers in business, non-profit organizations, and government.
University of Southern California – Dornsife Spatial Sciences Institute
The USC Dornsife Spatial Sciences Institute offers an online master of science in geographic information science and technology. The program provides students with an understanding of how spatial information affects the real world. The faculty for the program has a background in geography, geographic information science, and environmental science.
Admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a minimum grade point average of 3.0, and transcripts from all universities attended.
The program consists of 28 credits. It provides students with an understanding of spatial databases, data acquisition, and the characteristics of spatial information. Some of the courses included in the curriculum are spatial data acquisition; spatial thinking concepts; spatial data acquisition; GIS programming and customization; spatial analysis; geospatial technology project management; and spatial databases. Students gain skills such as designing database models, executing a series of advanced GIS-based projects, implementing strategies for sourcing geospatial data, and evaluating the impact of data on spatial analysis.
In addition to its 20-month MS in GIST, USC Dornsife offers an MS in human security and geospatial intelligence and four related certificate programs with credits that are transferable into the master’s degree programs. There are seven-month online certificate programs in GIST, geospatial intelligence, geospatial leadership, and remote sensing and observation.
The programs can open up various opportunities for graduates. They can take up roles such as cartographers, geographers, geographic information systems technicians, lead geographic information systems analysts, and geospatial analysts in various industries. Notably, USC has ranked among the top universities in the world for veterans.
Johns Hopkins University – Krieger School of Arts & Sciences
Johns Hopkins University’s Krieger School of Arts and Sciences has an online master of science (MS) in geographic information systems. The program helps students build a strong foundation in geospatial data science, big data technology, project management, geographic information systems administration, and programming. It is ideal for students and working professionals who wish to get a headstart in geographic information science.
Applicants to the program must have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 in the latter half of their undergraduate studies and a quantitative background. They must also submit a completed online application form, a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, a curriculum vitae, official transcripts, and TOEFL or IELTS examination scores for international students.
Comprising ten courses, the program includes topics such as web GIS; geographic information systems; geospatial statistics; spatial analytics; programming in GIS; development and management of GIS projects; and spatial databases and data interoperability.
The program teaches students how to create and design web maps and apps, and learn the capabilities of geographic information systems software and applications of geographic information systems. Students also gain knowledge of spatial statistics and geostatistics.
Graduates of the program can pursue opportunities in sectors such as state and local government, business and marketing, utilities, transportation, public health, intelligence and national security, and environmental planning.
University of Wisconsin–Madison
UW Madison offers an online master of science (MS) in cartography/geographic information systems. It is regularly revised to ensure that the curriculum remains current per the latest advancements in the GIS field. Students gain GIS programming, web mapping, and mobile application development skills.
Admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution (or a comparable degree from an international institution), a minimum undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0, three letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts, and a current resume. Students must have completed one introductory course in statistical methods and two undergraduate-level courses in introductory GIS and cartography.
The program consists of 32 credits and provides students with a foundation in mapping and geographic information sciences. The curriculum includes courses such as geo-computing; an introduction to geographic information systems; an introduction to cartography; graphic design in cartography; spatial databases; and GIS and spatial analysis.
Through the program, students learn how to evaluate information related to geographic information science, utilize best practices and methods, and showcase an understanding of cartography.
University of Central Arkansas
The University of Central Arkansas offers an online master of geographic information systems, with a thesis and non-thesis option.
To apply for the program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, a minimum grade point average of 3.0, and one college-level GIS course (or be employed in a business where GIS is used).
The program comprises 30 credits. It includes courses such as geographic information systems; mapping fundamentals for GIS; digital image processing for GIS; technical issues in GIS; spatial analysis and modeling; and GIS research methodology. The program helps students gain a wide range of skills such as handling geographic data using computers, analyzing new geographic information systems applications, and graphic communication skills.
At the end of the program, graduates can take different roles in the field of geographic information science.
North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University offers an online master of geospatial information science and technology program. The program trains students to become geospatial professionals.
Applicants to the program must have an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and submit official transcripts from colleges and universities attended, along with a current resume, personal statement, and three letters of recommendation.
The program comprises 33 credits and the curriculum explores topics such as geospatial professionalism; the fundamentals of geospatial information science and technology; spatial data foundations; geospatial programming fundamentals; geospatial data structures and web services; and geospatial modeling.
The program trains students to become successful in the field of geospatial information science. Students learn how to use geographic information systems for communication and analysis, develop skills in geospatial programming, use data models, and solve basic geographic problems.
Penn State’s world campus offers an online master of geographic information systems (MGIS) program, which is ideal for experienced professionals allowing them to customize their geographic information systems education to reflect their career interests. The program also allows students to customize their program with two available tracks: geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) or geo design (GEODZ).
Applicants to the program must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution (or a comparable degree), official transcripts from each institution attended, GPA and test scores (waiver available), two letters of reference, a current resume, a personal statement, and TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students.
Made up of 36 credits, the program includes required courses such as problem-solving with GIS; GIS database development; geospatial system analysis and design; and geographical information analysis. Courses in the geospatial intelligence option include geographic foundations of geospatial intelligence; remote sensing image analysis and applications; and advanced analytic methods in geospatial intelligence. The geo-design option includes courses such as cloud and server GIS; environmental applications of GIS; and cloud and server GIS.
Graduates of the program will be able to design, specify, and manage complex geographic information infrastructures as a leader in such fields as urban and regional planning, environmental resource management, local government, emergency preparedness and response, surveying and cartography, and climate science.
The University of West Florida offers an online master of science in geographic information science administration, helping students develop professional business management and geospatial science skills. The program’s faculty includes experienced educators who help students explore the latest technologies in GIS.
The program provides students with the knowledge they need for a career in areas such as urban and regional planning, environmental resource management, emergency response management, consulting, and local government.
For admission to this program, students need an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0, a completed application, official transcripts, a letter of intent, two professional references, and a current resume.
The program required the completion of 36 credits involving courses such as GIS programming; special topics in geographic science; spatial data management; advanced topics in geographic information science; geographic information systems management; and MBA foundations: principles of human resources management, to name a few.
Students through the program will be able to produce and utilize current and useful information from spatial data, effectively communicate ideas, demonstrate advanced skills in geospatial scripting, cartography, web-based mapping, and spatial databases, and work in collaboration with faculty or local partners for developing, executing and implementing a real-world GIS application.
Graduates can take up roles such as application developers, geographic information systems managers, and geographic information systems coordinators.
Salisbury University’s master of science in geographic information systems management program provides students with a hands-on, practical educational experience preparing students for a career in the administration of GIS. This degree is designed to enhance the GIS management proficiency of professionals working in business, non-profit organizations, and government.
Admission requirements include an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited US university or international equivalent, a completed application, two professional recommendations, a personal statement, undergraduate coursework in both algebra and statistics, a professional resume, and TOEFL scores for international applicants.
Consisting of 33 to 34 credits, the program includes courses such as advanced geographic information science; public administration; GIS Leadership; database processing and management; managing GISystems; GISystems and public administration; and GISystems co-operative experience.
The University of Cincinnati offers an online master’s in geographic information systems program, providing students with a solid theoretical understanding of GIS and hands-on experience with industry-relevant technology. Graduates of this program will have the tools and knowledge to use scientific and technological reasoning for solving complex geographic problems in several applications such as climate, land-use planning, business, environment, architecture, finance, community, design, urban development, and public safety.
This fully online program is made up of 30 credits and includes courses such as introduction to geographic information sciences; computer analytical cartography; intermediate GIS; quantitative geography and spatial statistics; introduction to remote sensing; crime mapping and analysis; GIS and public health; advanced GIS & web GIS; and practical data mining and visualization.
Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and a background in geography or spatial analysis.
Northwest Missouri State University
Northwest Missouri State University online master of science program in geographic information science that employs state-of-the-art technologies and advanced spatial data-collecting methods to help students hone their GIScience skills. Combining science with modern technology systems, the program prepares students for any data mapping challenges in today’s setting.
Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a GPA of at least 2.5, official transcripts from all institutions attended, and a combined GRE score of 286 or higher (waivers available).
This 30-credit program includes courses such as principles of GIS; applications of remotely sensed data; cartographic design and visualization; GIS and spatial analytics; raster-based GIS and modeling; internet GIS; GIS database design; trends and applications in GIScience; and digital image processing.
Graduates can take up roles such as GIS managers; GIS technicians, conservationists, health geographers, meteorologists, cartography technicians, precision agriculture researchers, and marine survey analysts.
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2023—the latest figures available as of September 2024.
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