Unleash Your Career Potential and Learn How GIS Revolutionizes Industries with Liberty’s Online MS in Geographic Information Systems
In today’s marketplace, nearly every item that is produced in one location and then sold in another is tracked through geographic information systems (GIS). GIS is also the academic theory behind the development, use, and application of information gained from satellites, airplanes, and other land-based sensors. Liberty University’s 100% online Master of Science (MS) in Geographic Information Systems can help you prepare to enter this industry that is projected to reach a global software market worth $25.5 billion by 2030.**
What Is GIS?
Many of us have heard the term “GIS” but don’t know exactly what it means. A geographic information system (GIS) is a system that creates, manages, analyzes, and maps all types of data. This system has multiple uses. It can identify problems, help set priorities, or help authorities manage and respond to events such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and fires. It also has many practical applications for carrying out disaster management and planning housing districts while accounting for potential problems related to geography. These days, the automotive industry is even using GIS to help cars drive more safely.
GIS serves as the central component of contemporary logistics, government planning, military strategies, real estate operations, environmental science, healthcare, and nearly every facet of the modern American economy.
GIS empowers managers and authorities to ascertain crucial information such as locations, costs, delivery schedules, inventory status, potential profits, property ownership, and even the scope of viral outbreaks. The skills acquired through a graduate GIS program are indispensable for transportation companies, businesses, major corporations, the military, and all levels of government service.
*Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.
**Allied Market Research, at Geographic Information System Software (GIS) Market Research, 2030 (viewed online May 24, 2023). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
Why Choose Liberty’s Master’s in GIS Online Degree?
With a rich history in distance education that began in 1985, we possess the expertise to craft an exceptional online master’s in GIS that not only stimulates your intellect but also accommodates your personal obligations. We recognize that your responsibilities continue even as you embark on your educational journey, which is why our online GIS degree is thoughtfully designed to integrate seamlessly into your busy schedule.
Our master’s in GIS can also help you pursue well-paying careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), urban planners earned a median salary of $78,000 in 2021,** and geographers earned a median salary of $85,220 in 2021.*** Many other related jobs, such as cartographers, have higher-than-average job growth and salaries as well.
Additionally, Liberty University holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), demonstrating our commitment to upholding rigorous academic standards. By choosing Liberty, you align yourself with a respected institution, helping you stand out in applicant pools. Join forces with us to pursue your online geographic information systems degree and explore this fascinating field.
**Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at Urban and Regional Planners, 2021 (viewed online May 24, 2023). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
***Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at Geographers, 2021 (viewed online May 24, 2023). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
What Will You Learn in Our Master’s Degree in Geographic Information Systems?
Our MS in Geographic Information Systems consists of 2 sections: core courses and the specialization courses. Together, these sections offer you a well-rounded education in GIS as well as the ability to focus on the area of expertise you wish to pursue. You can obtain a wide range of skills that may increase your marketability and flexibility while also developing skills that are unique to your particular field.
In the core section of your degree, you will study geographic research methods. You will also be introduced to geographic information systems, explore analysis and modeling, investigate spatial statistics, and delve into the fundamentals of cartography and geographic visualization. In addition, you’ll study how GIS applies to areas such as urban planning, disaster management, and environmental sciences.
The other courses you take will depend on which specialization you are pursuing. Your specialization will allow you to tailor your degree to your goals. No matter which specialization you choose, you will have the opportunity to learn from professors who are experts in their field.
Your studies will culminate in an internship that will allow you to use the knowledge gained in this program in a meaningful way. Your internship will help you experience firsthand what you can do in the future. Transforming classroom knowledge into wisdom by applying it to the real world can help to cement the lessons you have learned over the course of your GIS degree.
Featured Courses
- GEOG 502 – Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- GEOG 503 – Cartography and Geographic Visualization*
- GEOG 642 – GIS for Disaster Management
- GEOG 641 – GIS for Urban Planning
*Course guide coming soon
Highlights of Our GIS Master’s Program
- We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility. Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America. Earning your MS in Geographic Information Systems from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
- Your success is our success, which is why we’re committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we’ve frozen tuition rates for our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.
- You can complete our online master’s degree in GIS in as little as 1.5 years.
- You’ll be able to benefit from networking opportunities with other professionals in the program from around the country.
- Our MS in Geographic Information Systems is taught by expert professors who have years of experience and a passion for your success.
MS in Geographic Information Systems Degree Information
- The online Master of Arts in Geography falls under the College of Arts and Sciences.
- View the Graduate Arts and Sciences Course Guides (login required).
Military Benefits for Our Online Graduate Programs
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students from all over the globe. Whether you are a current service member, discharged or retired from service, or the spouse of a service member or veteran, we are here to support you every step of the journey.
As a thank-you for your dedication and service to our country, Liberty is honored to serve and support you in your pursuit of online education by offering the following benefits:
- Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for graduate courses
- Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)
- 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
Potential Career Opportunities for MS in Geographic Information Systems Degree Graduates
- Cartographer
- Distribution engineer
- Distribution planning manager
- Environmental scientist
- Forest remote sensing analyst
- Geographer
- GIS specialist
- Industrial developer
- Surveyor
- Traffic technician
- Transportation, storage, and distribution manager
- Urban and regional planner
Admission Requirements for the MS in Geographic Information Systems
A regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 or above GPA is required for admission in good standing. Please visit our admission requirements page for more detailed admissions-related information.
All applicants must submit the following:
- Admission application
- Application fee*
- Official college transcripts
- Unofficial college transcripts may be accepted with a completed official transcript request form**
- Proof of English proficiency (for applicants whose native language is other than English)
*There is no upfront application fee; however, a deferred $50 application fee will be assessed during Financial Check-In. This fee is waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required.
**An official transcript is needed within 60 days of acceptance or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first.
Specializations for the MS in Geographic Information Systems
Cartography and Remote Sensing
Commercial Logistics
