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Master’s in GIS Rankings Methodology
To be considered for our rankings, schools had to offer a relevant & industry-centered online master’s program in GIS. Schools that offered more than one online GIS graduate program were given an addditonal boost. We were willing to consider online degrees in majors like geoscience as long as they offered in-depth concentrations in GIS.
Each school that you see in our rankings also appears in U.S. News & World Report in at least one GIS-related category (e.g. environment/ecology, geography, earth science, or geoscience). A number of schools in our top 10 appear in all four categories. However, since prestigious programs can be expensive, we gave affordable programs that were under $30,000 a separate boost.
Top 15 Online Master’s Programs in GIS
1 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Overview | Online MS in CyberGIS and Geospatial Data Science
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: CyberGIS; Remote Sensing; Geospatial Visualization & Visual Analytics; High-Performance Geospatial Computing; Geospatial AI & Machine Learning
- Estimated Total Cost: $23,232
- Accreditation: HLC
Program Summary
Launch your career in the emerging field of cyberGIS. UIUC’s Online MS in CyberGIS and Geospatial Data Science is an unusual combination of advanced coursework in GIS and data science. You’ll be able to explore CyberGISX, experiment with a range of geospatial AI and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms, and use Python on high-performance & parallel computing architecture. Finish your education off by solving an advanced geospatial problem or developing a GIS-based application in your capstone project.
This challenging program is not for neophytes—the Department of Geography & Geographic Information Science (GGIS) is looking for candidates with a BS in a relevant field (GIS, Geography, Computer Science, etc.). But you’ll be among good company. The Department runs its own CyberGIS Center for Advanced Digital & Spatial Studies and faculty are working on fascinating research projects. The online MS can be pursued on a part-time basis and finished within 2-3 years. If you’d like to dip your toe in the water, you could consider earning the graduate certificate first.
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2 University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview | Online MS in GIS Development
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: Geocomputing; Spatial Databases; Interactive Cartography & Geovisualization; Spatial Web & Mobile Programming; GIS & Spatial Analysis
- Estimated Total Cost: $25,600
- Accreditation: HLC
Program Summary
Worried that you’re falling behind in high-demand GIS skillsets? UW-Madison’s Online MS in GIS Development can help you bridge the gap. It’s focused on topics such as mobile app creation, GIS programming, and GIS user-interface design. You’ll work with spatial databases & geospatial big data analytics, design your own web maps, and learn how to implement a GIS project from beginning to end. The master’s program culminates in a team-based capstone project where you’ll create 4 portfolio pieces that you can show to employers.
UW-Madison’s MS is the brainchild of the Department of Geography, which also offers online graduate certificates in GIS Fundamentals and Advanced GIS. To get a sense of the Department’s strengths, take a look at the research projects being conducted in the Geospatial Data Science Lab (GeoDS Lab), the Cartography Lab, and the Spatial Computing and Data Mining Lab. You may also wish to browse through FAQs for Prospective Students of GIS Professional Programs. Full-time students can earn their online MS in 1 year; part-time students might take 2-4 years.
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3 University of Arizona
Overview | Online MS in Geographic Information Systems Technology (GIST)
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: Remote Sensing; Raster Spatial Analysis; Vector Spatial Analysis; GIS Programming & Automation; WebGIS; Applied GIS; Open Source GIS
- Estimated Total Cost: $24,600
- Accreditation: HLC
Program Summary
Stock your toolbox with all the latest skills & technologies in GIS. UA’s Online MS in Geographic Information Systems Technology (GIST) includes project-based training in web, mobile, and open source applications (e.g. QGIS). You’ll be schooled in everything from programming with Python to working with LiDAR, ArcGIS software, and geodata analytics. This affordable 30-credit program is designed to meet UCGIS standards for the GIST Body of Knowledge—have a look at recent master’s projects—and it takes 18 months to complete.
UA’s School of Geography, Development & Environment has a sturdy reputation in the academic world, especially in the field of earth science. It overseas research projects in remote sensing and the Southwest Climate and it works hard to connect MS-GIST students with professional development opportunities (e.g. ESRI User Conference). In addition, you’ll receive a 1-year site license for ESRI software and access to ESRI Virtual Campus courses. UA welcomes students from a range of backgrounds and no GRE is required.
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4 Oregon State University
Overview | Online MS in Geography and Geospatial Science
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: Introduction to GIS; Geography; Geospatial Science; Remote Sensing; Geospatial Modeling & Analysis; Dynamic Earth Processes; Global Change
- Estimated Total Cost: $25,200
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Program Summary
Combine your tech studies with field & lab work in Oregon State’s Online MS in Geography and Geospatial Science. This interdisciplinary 45-credit program contains a mandatory core of geography, GIS, remote sensing, and geospatial science. But you can add flavor to the mix by choosing electives in geospatial modeling & analysis (e.g. advanced web mapping, geovisualization, programming, etc.), dynamic earth processes (e.g. wildlife ecology), and global change risk & resilience (e.g. environmental & resource economics).
It’s a broad-based graduate program for those who are interested in big picture thinking. As an Oregon State student, you’ll have access to the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences and its work on the environmental & cultural dimension of landscapes. Check out the faculty research threads on geospatial technologies for examples. You may also wish to ask the program coordinator if you can look at MS capstone projects to see how students applied their learning to real-world scenarios. Not sure if it’s the right fit? Try the 19-credit Online Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science.
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Oregon State’s Online MS in Geography and Geospatial Science
5 University of California Los Angeles
Overview | Online Master of Applied Geospatial Information Systems and Technologies (MAGIST)
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: Applied Spatial Data Science; Geospatial Databases & Data Management; Geospatial Imagery Analysis: Programming; Applied Spatial Statistics; Web/Cloud GIS
- Estimated Total Cost: $33,984
- Accreditation: WASC
Program Summary
Take your GIS & data science skills to the next level with UCLA’s Online Master of Applied Geospatial Information Systems and Technologies (MAGIST). This thoughtful 36-unit program consists of seven courses in advanced geospatial tools & techniques and a two-course capstone project. You’ll gain experience in practical skills (e.g. developing data geospatial processing scripts & applications with Python) and high-level topics such as data ethics, location privacy, and climate change. During your capstone, you’ll be expected to tackle a real-world geospatial challenge in business, government, society, or policy.
We give Geospatial @ UCLA and the highly ranked UCLA Department of Geography a lot of kudos for developing a degree that’s designed for working professionals. You can finish it within 1 year on a full-time basis or up to 3 years on a part-time basis. Coursework is asynchronous and classroom projects are cloud-based. Better yet, you’ll have the opportunity to attend professional development workshops with geospatial experts and be considered for MAGIST schollarship & grant opportunities. MAGIST applicants are expected to have a background in GIS or related fields. (Career changers should apply for the entry-level GIS and Geospatial Technology Certificate.)
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6 Pennsylvania State University
Overview | Online Master of Geographic Information Systems (MGIS)
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: Geospatial System Analysis & Design; Geographic Information Analysis; Geospatial Project Management + Range of Electives & Certificates
- Estimated Total Cost: $36,252
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Program Summary
Craving control? Put Penn State’s customizable Online Master of Geographic Information Systems (MGIS) on your shortlist. It contains only three required courses in GISystem design, spatial data & statistics, and geospatial project management. The rest of the 36-credit program is up to you. You can choose to earn an online certificate in GIS, Geospatial Programming & Web Map Development, Remote Sensing, Geospatial Intelligence, or Geodesign or you can mix & match advanced GIS electives. The program finishes with a capstone project—view examples of recent student work.
Penn State has a lot to recommend it. Online graduate programs in GIS are backed by the Department of Geography and an external Advisory Board of geospatial experts. The university participates in the Esri Innovation Program (EIP) and it attracts a diverse range of MGIS students from all kinds of fields. On a part-time schedule, you can finish the online program in 2-3 years. Data & analytics lovers should also check out the Online MS in Spatial Data Science and faculty research work in geospatial big data analytics.
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7 University of Southern California
Overview | Online MS in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) | Online MS in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence (HSGI)
- Availability: Online with Fieldwork Excursion
- Program Focus: Spatial Data Management; Spatial Computing; Spatial Analytics (GIST) | Geospatial Intelligence Tradecraft; Project Management; Remote Sensing (HSGI)
- Estimated Total Cost: $68,832 (GIST); $76,296 (HSGI)
- Accreditation: WASC
Program Summary
Different strokes for different folks! In the world of online GIS learning, USC has two “sibling” programs that have been designed by its Spatial Sciences Institute:
- The Online MS in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) is all about the tools. You’ll select a curriculum track and follow it through to the end. Choose from: 1) Spatial Data Management (e.g. spatial databases, remote sensing for GIS, etc.); 2) Spatial Computing (e.g. spatial programming & customization, web & mobile GIS, etc.); or 3) Spatial Analytics (e.g. cartography & visualization, spatial econometrics, etc.). All tracks finish with a master’s thesis.
- The Online MS in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence (HSGI) is more narrowly focused on risk mitigation, disaster management, and threat response. In addition to credits on spatial data acquisition and remote sensing, it includes courses in geospatial intelligence tradecraft, geospatial technology project management, and security. This MS ends with a capstone project in applied geospatial intelligence problem solving.
Tuition is not cheap, but USC is one of the best in the country for GIS students. The Spatial Sciences Institute is part of the Esri Innovation Program (EIP) and it’s a Sustaining Partner of the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF). It even runs its own Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence Lab. Although coursework is asychronous, with optional live sessions, all online MS students are expected to take part in a week-long fieldwork excursion to the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies on Catalina Island. Either MS program can be polished off in 20 months.
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8 Texas A&M University-College Station
Overview | Online Master of Geoscience: Geographic Information Science & Technology (GIST)
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: Remote Sensing; GIS Applications; Spatial Analysis & Modeling; GIS Programming; GeoDatabases; Web GIS + Concentration/Emphasis
- Estimated Total Cost: $32,748 (TX Residents); $45,117 (Out-of-State)
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program Summary
Build your skills in technical GIS work before you specialize with Texas A&M’s Online Master of Geoscience: Geographic Information Science & Technology (GIST). This 36-credit program has a sturdy core of GIScience basics (e.g. remote sensing) and GIS techniques (e.g. GIS programming with R or Python). But you’ll also be allowed to choose three courses in a concentration area such as Data Analysis or Data Governance. Since Texas is the land of petroleum, Texas A&M offers additional concentrations in Energy and Geoscience. The last semester is devoted to a capstone project.
Texas A&M’s 18-month offering is an interdisciplinary degree—you’ll notice that the coursework draws on the expertise of multiple departments, including Geography, Oceanography, and Geology & Geophysics. It’s an ideal fit for anyone involved in oil & gas industries, but it may also intrigue folks who are interested in coastal planning. Ask the program coordinator if you can create any opportunities to work with the university’s Center for Geospatial Science, Applications and Technology (The GEOSAT Center)—it has some outstanding resources.
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9 Northern Arizona University
Overview | Online MS in Geographic Information Science (GIS) with Remote Sensing
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: Principles of GIS; Python Programming for GIS; Remote Sensing; Geovisualization; Geographic Data Analysis; Enterprise Geodatabase
- Estimated Total Cost: $20,700
- Accreditation: HLC
Program Summary
NAU’s super-affordable Online MS in Geographic Information Science (GIS) with Remote Sensing can get you in & out of a master’s program within 1 year. It’s a no-nonsense degree. You won’t be able to choose any electives, but you will be trained in fundamental GIS technologies and applications. Get up to speed in Python, ArcGIS Pro, geovisualization, and spatial analytics. Learn more about enterprise databases and GIS project management. And finish in the summer with a capstone project with a community development agency.
Unlike some of the other programs in our rankings, NAU’s 30-credit online MS is open to candidates with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline—the Department of Geography, Planning & Recreation is happy to consider recent graduates or working professionals. For more on NAU, take a look at the Arizona-focused projects and faculty profiles within the Geospatial Research and Information Laboratory (GRAIL). As you might expect, the university has a sturdy geographic track record in desert climates and drought risks.
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10 Johns Hopkins University
Overview | Online MS in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) | Online MS in Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT)
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: Web GIS; Geospatial Statistics; Spatial Analytics; Programming in GIS + Electives (GIS) | Geospatial Intelligence; Geospatial Statistics; Art & Practice of Intelligence; Cartographic Design & Visualization; Geospatial Law & Ethics + Electives (GEOINT)
- Estimated Total Cost: $43,800 (GIS); $54,240 (GEOINT)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Program Summary
As a top-tier private research university, Johns Hopkins comes with the instant benefit of name recognition. But it also works hard to enlist adjunct professors with real-world experience—have a look at GIS faculty profiles and GEOINT faculty profiles for more info. You can choose from two titles:
- The Online MS in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a pragmatic 10-course program that includes three courses in GIS fundamentals (e.g. programming, spatial analytics, etc.), six courses in GIS electives, and a capstone. You can use those electives to concentrate on one of the following focus areas: 1) Advanced Geospatial Technology; 2) Geospatial Data Science and Predictive Analytics; or 3) GIS Programming and Application Development.
- The Online MS in Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) is more interested in the wider implications of GIS technologies, including mapping & intelligence applications. Core coursework is a mix of technical topics (e.g. cartographic design & visualization, etc.) and strategic issues (e.g. technical collection of intelligence). You’ll also have a choice of three electives. This 12-course MS culminates in a semester-long capstone project.
JHU is willing to consider applicants with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or a sturdy knowledge of statistics and technology. Although the programs aren’t offered by a dedicated Department of Geography, they include some fascinating electives. From urban analytics and GIS for infrastructure management to AI & Machine Learning, there are courses to suit every field of interest—especially if you’re involved in government & security work.
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11 University of Oklahoma
Overview | Online MS in Geography and Environmental Sustainability: Geospatial Technologies
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: Spatial Statistics; Geography & Sustainability; Research + Electives (Remote Sensing; GIS Applications; Spatial Programming & GIS; and Other Topics)
- Estimated Total Cost: $32,505
- Accreditation: HLC
Program Summary
Build on your environmental expertise with OU’s Online MS in Geography and Environmental Sustainability: Geospatial Technologies. This 33-credit program addresses both the theory & application of GIST. You’ll be expected to complete three core courses in research & professional development, spatial statistics, and geography & environmental sustainability. After that, you can choose two electives in GIS topics (e.g. GIS applications, spatial programming, etc.), one elective in GIS techniques (e.g. environmental remote sensing), and a range of electives in geography.
Sustainability is the key word to keep in mind when considering OU’s 21-month program. The Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability has strong ties to the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center and the Southern Climate Impacts Planning Program (SCIPP). It offers geography courses in topics like real-world applications of climate & weather information and energy systems & sustainability. And it runs an EcoGRAPH Research Group with interests in remote sensing & environmental monitoring data. Take a look at their recent projects.
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12 University of Cincinnati
Overview | Online MS in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: Spatial Analysis; Quantitative Geography & Spatial Statistics; Computer Analytical Cartography; Remote Sensing; GIS Modeling; Geographic Research + Electives
- Estimated Total Cost: $22,353 (OH Residents); $22,803 (Out-of-State)
- Accreditation: HLC
Program Summary
Earn a master’s degree without losing your shirt—UC’s Online MS in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is both affordable and well-structured. You’ll begin this stats-heavy program with an introduction to GIS and then get stuck into core courses on spatial statistics & analysis, remote sensing, geographic research, and computer analytical cartography using ArcGIS software. After you’ve completed the core, you can select three electives. Sample course titles including GIS in Hydrology, Practical Data Mining & Visualization, and Advanced GIS & Web GIS.
If you decide to take 2 courses per semester, you can polish off this 30-credit online MS in GIS in 18 months. Pay attention to the unique elective offerings—the Department of Geography has specific geospatial research interests in crime mapping & analysis and public health. It also runs its own Center for Geospatial Information & Environmental Sensor Networks (GIESN) and Joint Center for GIS and Spatial Analysis (GISSA). You may find opportunities at GISSA to get involved (remotely) with urban analysis & regional planning projects in the Cincinnati region—don’t be afraid to ask!
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13 University of Wyoming
Overview | Online Professional MS in Geospatial Information Science and Technology (GIST)
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: Spatial Data Science; Programming; Geographic Visualization; Spatial Modeling & Data Analysis; Web Mapping & Internet GIS; Enterprise GIS + Electives
- Estimated Total Cost: $11,712 (WY Residents); $31,520 (Out-of-State)
- Accreditation: HLC
Program Summary
Practice or research? Capstone or thesis? Answering those questions will help you decide whether you wish to pursue UW’s Online Professional MS in Geospatial Information Science and Technology (GIST) or the Hybrid Research version of the degree. The online MS is the most sensible option for working professionals. This 32-credit program will expose you to many standard GIST tools & applications, including web mapping, geovisualization, and raster modeling. You’ll be able to develop your programming & data science skills and work on three GIS electives (e.g. remote sensing).
We give UW’s Wyoming Geographic Information Science Center (WyGISC) a big “tick” for including geospatial forums in the curriculum. During these digital seminars, you’ll hear from geospatial science experts and present your own research work. You’ll also be able to pursue your own interests during the final capstone project. For inspiration, check out WyGISC’s Wyoming Geospatial Hub and its work on Wyoming land use & natural resources. It’s worth mentioning that WyGISC is a member of the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS) and the AmericaView Consortium for remote sensing education and research.
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14 University of Denver
Overview | Online MS in Geographic Information Science (GISc) | Online MA in Information and Communications Technology: Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: GIS Project Management; GIS Database Design; Advanced Geographic Statistics; Remote Sensing; Geographic Information Analysis + Electives (GISc) | Technology Leadership; ICT Technical Essentials; Introduction to GIS; Geodatabase Application; Remote Sensing; Web GIS + Electives (GIS)
- Estimated Total Cost: $38,688 + GIS Lab Fees
- Accreditation: HLC
Program Summary
At DU, you can choose the red pill or the blue pill! You might wish to pursue the MS in order to focus on project management work and GIS applications. Or you could opt for the MA to explore technology leadership courses. Take two classes per quarter and you can complete your online degree in 18 months. Both programs include electives and finish with a capstone project.
- In the 48-credit Online MS in Geographic Information Science (GISc), you’ll begin by earning an online graduate certificate at University College before finishing your MS with the Department of Geography and the Environment. In addition to electives, you’ll get a solid dose of coursework in statistical analysis, remote sensing, GIS project management, and GIS database design.
- In the 48-credit Online MA in Information and Communications Technology (ICT): Geographic Information Systems (GIS), you’ll tackle four core courses in ICT (e.g. technology leadership, ICT business essentials for technology leaders, etc.), four concentration courses in GIS (e.g. remote sensing, web GIS, etc.), and four electives (e.g. Python programming in GIS, geospatial intelligence, etc.).
The degrees are closely related, so take some time to talk to the program coordinator about your career goals and examine the GIS faculty profiles within DU’s University College. You may also wish to ask about internship opportunities and University College scholarships for master’s students.
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15 North Carolina State University
Overview | Online Master of Geospatial Information Science and Technology (MGIST)
- Availability: Online with Campus Experiences
- Program Focus: GIS Fundamentals; Spatial Data Foundations; Geospatial Programming; Geospatial Data Structures & Web Services; Geospatial Modeling + Electives
- Estimated Total Cost: $18,259 (NC Residents); $54,878 (Out-of-State)
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program Summary
With a little bit of elbow grease, you can finish off NC State’s 33-credit Online Master of Geospatial Information Science and Technology (MGIST) within four semesters. You’ll spend a lot of time exploring elements of geospatial science technology—from programming to modeling to data structures—but you’ll also have the opportunity to select four electives in GIS topics (e.g. cartographic design, environmental remote sensing, etc.). We particularly like the fact that this online master’s degree includes a capstone and a digital portfolio that you can show to employers.
NC State’s online MGIST is a highly affordable choice for North Carolina students and a more expensive option for out-of-staters. Keep in mind that you’ll be expected to visit the campus for an all-day orientation and a digital symposium with capstone project presentations on the day before graduation. If this sounds feasible, have a look at the interdisciplinary Center for Geospatial Analytics within the College of Natural Resources. Faculty & students are conducting research into dynamic planet mapping, environmental forecasting, and more.
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How to Choose an Online Master’s in GIS
If you’re on this site, we believe that you’re taking your education very seriously!
- You’ve chatted to your employer and colleagues about the best ways to progress in GIS.
- You’ve weighed the pros & cons of professional certification vs. graduate degree.
- You’ve decided that related majors (e.g. software development, engineering, data science, etc.) are not relevant.
- You’ve examined recent job postings in GIS to learn what skills companies are hungry for.
- And you’re ready to commit to 1-3 years of virtual learning.
The next step is choosing an online master’s degree in our rankings that aligns with your career goals. That’s why we’ve spent some time outlining the pros & cons of each program. Before you commit, take a minute to run through your own personal checklist of a) quality markers; and b) practical considerations.
Quality Markers: What to Look for in an Online Master’s in GIS
In our rankings, you’ll notice that Departments of Geography like to play to their strengths. Texas A&M offers coursework in oil & gas industries; Johns Hopkins is interested in government & security; and the University of Arizona has a stake in Southwest climate research. Some online master’s programs in GIS have a corporate/industry feel. Others go heavy on research & statistics. You’re at liberty to decide which one works best for you!
Once you’ve found a few titles & programs that pique your interest, ask yourself if they have the following elements:
- Practical Coursework: Is the GIS or GIST coursework applicable to your current job? Does the program include hands-on training in GIS tools & applications? Does it teach you advanced progamming? Is the curriculum regularly updated to reflect technology changes?
- Real-World Projects: What kinds of capstone projects have recent GIS and GIST graduates produced? Which industry partners did they collaborate with? Can you build GIS projects within your electives? Is there an opportunity for you to create a portfolio of classroom work?
- Expert Faculty: Do your professors have a strong track record in corporate work & cutting-edge GIS research? Do they teach in-person courses as well? Is the online program backed by an advisory board of GIS experts? Can you collaborate with faculty members who are exploring applications & technologies in your domain (e.g. planning, environment, government, etc.)?
- Dedicated Career Support: Does the degree provide virtual opportunities for networking and professional development? Will you be able to present at conferences or submit papers to GIS publications? Can the program help prepare you for professional certifications (e.g. GISP)? Can remote internships be arranged?
Our best advice? Search LinkedIn and chat to alumni to get a sense of where people end up after they graduate. Your strongest educational allies are going to be your peers.
Practicals: Does the Online Master’s in GIS Work for You?
Practical considerations are also going to play a part in your decision. Online learning is convenient, flexible, and cost-effective. But it’s not a walk in the park. Consider the following factors when you’re evaluating online MS in GIS programs:
- Admissions: Use the links in our rankings to see if you have the right experience to apply for the program. There’s nothing more frustrating than being in an online master’s degree in GIS that’s either too easy or too advanced for your skill level.
- Course Delivery: If you’re working long hours or taking care of family, you may prefer an online degree that has asynchronous (“on your own time”) coursework, prerecorded lectures, and self-directed studies. If you like the human element, you may want an online program with synchronous (“real-time”) lectures, team-based projects, and interactive forums.
- Technology Requirements: Some online graduate programs may expect you to purchase popular GIS software. Others will host all of their project-based coursework in the Cloud. Almost every online degree will require a strong Internet connection.
- Tuition & Fees: Many employers will help defray the costs of an online MS in GIS if they feel you’ll add value to the company. You can study part-time on the weekends and evenings and apply your coursework to your job as you learn. If you can’t get employer support, ask about online scholarships—some schools in our rankings offer them.
Feel free to ask the program coordinator if you can “sit in” on a class or try one course before you enroll. You could also consider earning an online graduate certificate in GIS as a starter step toward a degree—just make sure all of your credits will be transferable.
All Online Master's in GIS Programs
32 Schools Found
Alabama
Auburn University at Montgomery
Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences
Montgomery, Alabama
University of North Alabama
Department of Geoscience
Florence, Alabama
Arizona
Northern Arizona University
Department of Geography, Planning, and Recreation
Flagstaff, Arizona
University of Arizona
School of Geography, Development, and Environment
Tucson, Arizona
Arkansas
University of Central Arkansas
Department of Geography
Conway, Arkansas
Master of Geographic Information Systems
Offered Online
California
University of Redlands
Department of Geographic Information Science
Redlands, California
Master of Geographic Information Systems
Offered Online
University of Southern California
Spatial Sciences Institute
Los Angeles, California
Colorado
University of Denver
Department of Geography and the Environment
Denver, Colorado
Florida
The University of West Florida
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Pensacola, Florida
University of Florida
Geomatics at Fort Lauderdale
Gainesville, Florida
Illinois
Eastern Illinois University
Department of Geology/Geography
Charleston, Illinois
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Department of Geography & Geographic Information Science
Champaign, Illinois
Maine
Unity College
Distance Education
Unity, Maine
Maryland
Johns Hopkins University
Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences
Baltimore, Maryland
Salisbury University
Department of Geography and Geosciences
Salisbury, Maryland
Michigan
Calvin University
Department of Geology, Geography, and Environment
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Eastern Michigan University
Department of Geography and Geology
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Missouri
Northwest Missouri State University
Department of Humanities and Social Science
Maryville, Missouri
North Carolina
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
College of Natural Resources
Raleigh, North Carolina
North Dakota
University of North Dakota
Department of Geography & Geographic Information Science
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Ohio
University of Cincinnati
Department of Geography
Cincinnati, Ohio
Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability
Norman, Oklahoma
Oregon
Oregon State University
Department of Geography and Geospatial Science
Corvallis, Oregon
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Department of Geography
University Park, Pennsylvania
Master of Geographic Information Systems
Offered Online
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
Department in Geospatial
University Park, Pennsylvania
Master of Geographic Information Systems
Offered Online
South Dakota
South Dakota State University
Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences
Brookings, South Dakota
Texas
Sam Houston State University
Department of Environmental and Geoscience
Huntsville, Texas
Texas A & M University-College Station
Department of Geography
College Station, Texas
West Virginia
Marshall University
Department of Geography
Huntington, West Virginia
West Virginia University
Department of Geology and Geography
Morgantown, West Virginia
Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Department of Geography
Madison, Wisconsin
MS in GIS Development
Offered Online
Wyoming
University of Wyoming
Department of Geospatial Information Science & Technology
Laramie, Wyoming