1. GIS Schools: List of Schools with GIS Degree and Certificate Programs
  2. >
  3. School Lists for Computer and...
  4. >
  5. College and University Lists By Degree

GIS Schools: List of Schools with GIS Degree and Certificate Programs

Published Nov 06, 2009

RSS Feed

Geographic Information System (GIS) is a data management technology used to manage, map, analyze and display spatial information. Most people may think of GIS systems used in cars to map directions. However, GIS technology has many broader uses in industry and government. Programs in geographic information system technology are offered both to novices in the field and to industry professionals, who wish to integrate this technology into practical applications.

Details of GIS Degree and Certificate Programs

Undergraduate Certificate in Geospatial Technology

Community colleges and vocational schools offer certificate programs, such as a Certificate in Geospatial Technology, to individuals needing an introduction to this technology. Programs generally require around 15 credit hours of coursework in various topics, such as global positioning system, GIS software, GIS databases, remote sensing and computer mapping. Students might be required to have a high school diploma and previous coursework in information systems or GIS before enrolling.

Associate of Science in Geographic Information Systems

Associate's degrees in GIS typically require 60 to 70 credit hours of coursework. Courses are similar to those offered in an undergraduate certificate program. However, associate's degree programs usually require general education courses as well. To enroll in these programs, students must apply for admission to the institution, which might require a high school diploma and ACT or SAT test scores.

Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems

Graduate certificate programs, such as a Geographic Information Systems Certificate, are often designed for working professionals. Many programs are offered online. Programs usually require students to have a bachelor's degree and may require prerequisite coursework. Graduate certificate programs generally include 15 to 20 credit hours of coursework. Coursework might include spatial analysis, image processing, computer cartography and GIS software packages, such as ArcGIS and MapInfo.

Master of Science in Geographic Information Science &Technology

Master's degree programs focus on applying GIS technology to professional and research endeavors. Entrance into master's degree programs requires an undergraduate degree. Programs that are more competitive may require the submission of GRE test scores, letters of recommendation, a minimum grade point average and a personal statement. Programs generally require 30 to 35 credit hours of coursework. Topics of study include GIS database development, geospatial systems, project management, geographical information analysis, programming, computer cartography, visualization and applications of GIS.

List of Schools offering Degrees and Certificates in GIS

School NameInstitution TypeEnrollmentMailing AddressPhone Number
Texas A & M University4-year, Public48,039College Station, TX 77843(979) 845-3211
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus4-year, Public44,406201 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802-1589 (814) 865-4700
University of Wisconsin-Madison4-year, Public41,620500 Lincoln Dr., Madison, WI 53706-1380 (608) 262-1234
Florida State University4-year, Public38,682211 Westcott Bldg., Tallahassee, FL 32306-1037 (850) 644-2525
University of Arizona 4-year, Public 38,057 1401 E. University, Tucson, AZ 85721-0066 (520) 621-2211
San Diego State University 4-year, Public 34,889 5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA 92182 (619) 594-5200
American River College 2-year, Public 34,610 4700 College Oak Dr., Sacramento, CA 95841-4286 (916) 484-8011
University of Southern California 4-year, Private not-for-profit 33,747 University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089 (213) 740-2311
George Mason University 4-year, Public 30,613 4400 University Dr., Fairfax, VA 22030-4444 (703) 993-1000
San Francisco State University 4-year, Public 30,014 1600 Holloway Ave., San Francisco, CA 94132 (415) 338-1111
The University of Alabama 4-year, Public 27,014 739 University Blvd., Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0166 (205) 348-6010
Portland State University 4-year, Public 26,382 724 S.W. Harrison, Portland, OR 97201 (503) 725-4433
The University of Texas at Arlington 4-year, Public 25,084 701 S. Nedderman Dr., Arlington, TX 76013 (817) 272-2011
Kansas State University 4-year, Public 23,520 Anderson Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506 (785) 532-6250
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona4-year, Public21,1903801 W. Temple Ave., Pomona, CA 91768 (909) 869-7659
University of California-Riverside4-year, Public18,079900 University Ave., Riverside, CA 92521 (951) 827-1012
Mississippi State University 4-year, Public 17,824 Mississippi State, MS 39762 (662) 325-2323
University of Rhode Island 4-year, Public 15,904 Kingston, RI 02881 (401) 874-1000
Tallahassee Community College 2-year, Public 14,005 444 Appleyard Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32304-2895 (850) 201-6200
University of West Georgia 4-year, Public 11,252 1601 Maple St., Carrollton, GA 30118-0001 (678) 839-5000
The University of West Florida 4-year, Public 10,491 11000 University Pkwy., Pensacola, FL 32514-5750 (850) 474-2000
Northern Michigan University 4-year, Public 9,347 1401 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette, MI 49855 (906) 227-1000
University of Redlands4-year, Private not-for-profit4,317 1200 E. Colton Ave., Redlands, CA 92373-0999 (909) 793-2121
Elmhurst College 4-year, Private not-for-profit 3,316 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126-3096 (630) 617-3500
Haywood Community College 2-year, Public 2,305 185 Freedlander Dr, Clyde, NC 28721-9901 (828) 627-2821

Featured School Choices: