MS in Geographic Information Systems Degree Online Unlock Global Insights: Study Mapping Online
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Degree Options
Online,* 8-week courses
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
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 online Master of Science (MS) in Geographic Information Systems can help you prepare to enter this industry that is projected to reach a profitable global software market!**
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 April 2, 2024). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
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. 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.
What Will You Study 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
MS in Geographic Information Systems Degree Information
- The online Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems falls under the College of Arts and Sciences.
- View the Graduate Arts and Sciences Course Guides (login required).
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.* Many 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, 2023 (viewed online April 2, 2024). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
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
Degree Options for the MS in Geographic Information Systems
Our MS in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) offers you the opportunity to specialize in various areas, each focusing on the diverse applications and methodologies of GIS.
Cartography and Remote Sensing
Liberty’s Master of Science (MS) in Geographic Information Systems – Cartography and Remote Sensing is an excellent choice if you want to use your knowledge of GIS to help private and government agencies better understand what is happening in a particular area without actually having to travel there.
View the Degree Completion Plan.
Commercial Logistics
Liberty’s Master of Science (MS) in Geographic Information Systems – Commercial Logistics is an excellent choice if you want to use your knowledge of GIS to help companies streamline their distribution systems and track their goods across the globe.
View the Degree Completion Plan.
Not sure what to choose?
Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.
Tuition & Aid
Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.
Graduate Full Time | $565/Credit |
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Graduate Part Time | $615/Credit |
Military Graduate | $275/Credit |
Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
All Tuition & Fees
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Admission Information for the MS in Geographic Information Systems
Admission Requirements
- Apply online or over the phone with an admissions counselor by calling (800) 424-9596.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required).
- Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing. Applicants who have earned a master’s degree or at least 12 graduate credits from an accredited institution will be assessed on the basis of the master’s-level degree work.
- Unofficial transcripts can be used for acceptance purposes with the submission of a Transcript Request Form.
- Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy.
Preliminary Acceptance
If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:
- Be in your final term and planning to start your master’s degree after the last day of class for your bachelor’s degree.
- Complete a Bachelor’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
- Submit an official/unofficial transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show a minimum of 105 completed credit hours.
- If you are a current Liberty University student completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to submit a Degree/Certificate Completion Application.
- Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new master’s degree.
Dual Enrollment
Please see the Online Dual Enrollment page for information about starting graduate courses while finishing your bachelor’s degree.
Transcript Policies
Unofficial College Transcript Policy
Unofficial transcripts combined with a Transcript Request Form can be used for admission. Official transcripts are required within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first, and will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.
Before sending unofficial college transcripts, please make sure they include the following:
- Your previous school’s name or logo printed on the document
- Cumulative GPA
- A list of completed courses and earned credit broken down by semester
- Degree and date conferred (if applicable)
Official College Transcript Policy
An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to luoverify@liberty.edu.
If the student uses unofficial transcripts with a Transcript Request Form to gain acceptance, all official transcripts must be received within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first. Failure to send all official transcripts within the 60-day period will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.
Admissions Office Contact Information
Liberty University Online Admissions Verification
1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24515
Military
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.
Who May Qualify?
- Active Duty
- Reserve/National Guard
- Veterans/Retirees
- Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
- Current Department of Defense Employees
Available 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)
*Not applicable to certificates.
Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who teaches the online MS in GIS courses?
Our MS in Geographic Information Systems is taught by expert professors who have years of experience and a passion for your success.
Is an online degree affordable?
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.
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