Geoinformatics Degree Guide: Find and Compare Programs

Undergirding every map lies the advanced spatial technology used to create it. Geographic information systems (GIS) are highly specialized tools and platforms, built by experts who blend computer science skills with a deep understanding of geospatial data management and application. If you’re fascinated by this powerful software, you might be drawn to the unique hybrid discipline of geoinformatics.

This guide explores the field of geoinformatics and types of degrees available for those interested in studying it. Find out if geoinformatics is the academic discipline for you, and what jobs you can pursue with this education.

What Is Geoinformatics?

Geoinformatics can be described as the informatics of spatial data—or the “IT person” behind GIS. It merges technical geography with computer science; its job is to develop, manage, and improve the technical tools, systems, and software used daily by GIS professionals. While GIS focuses on creating and analyzing maps to answer questions like “Where are the flood zones?” geoinformatics is responsible for building the software, algorithms, and databases that make those maps possible.

Geoinformatics professionals work in land surveying, geodesy, photogrammetry, and related fields. They are primarily responsible for building systems to collect and process spatial data and developing visualization and decision-making tools. Although they don’t always create the final maps or reports, their work makes this possible for other GIS professionals.

Why Study Geoinformatics?

GIS professionals heavily rely on powerful technology and software to conduct spatial analysis and create meaningful, visually appealing maps. To build and optimize this technology for the diverse use cases and applications within geoscience, software developers and geography professionals must collaborate. Geoinformatics has emerged as a unique, interdisciplinary field to address this need.

A geoinformatics degree could be an excellent fit if you’re interested in pursuing both computer science and GIS. If, however, you’re more interested in the applied use of geospatial technology (i.e., solving industry-specific challenges), a GIS degree might be the choice.

Do you enjoy programming and addressing technical bugs? Are you intrigued by the prospect of addressing user needs through software development? As the geospatial discipline expands into different industries, users’ dependence on the technology is only increasing, which translates into more career opportunities for geoinformatics professionals.

Geoinformatics Coursework

Studying geoinformatics at an advanced level offers several paths. Many geography and GIS programs incorporate geoinformatics coursework, allowing you to pursue a geoscience degree with relevant electives. Alternatively, dedicated geoinformatics programs are available, focusing on geospatial software development, database management, and geodesy.

Geoinformatics Bachelor’s Degrees

When searching for a bachelor’s degree in geoinformatics, you’ll find various program titles. Look for names like “Geoinformatics and Geospatial Analytics” or “Geospatial and Environmental Informatics.” These BA or BS degree programs typically require four years of coursework, primarily offered in-person, covering GIS, math, and computer science.

The curriculum usually includes:

• location science and spatial analysis
• statistics and calculus
• scientific programming and database management

As students progress, coursework becomes more challenging and integrative. Many programs include a multidisciplinary studies course to help students synthesize their knowledge from various fields.

For example, the Geoinformatics Bachelor’s Degree program at University of Texas at San Antonio falls within their Multidisciplinary Studies department. This program allows students to customize their degree by combining courses from different disciplines. Given that geoinformatics is a niche bridging geographical science, math, and computer science, students can tailor their education by selecting courses from two or three different departments.

Geoinformatics Master’s Degrees

A master’s degree in geoinformatics offers advanced, specialized coursework, often culminating in a thesis or capstone project. As with many of the geoinformatics bachelor’s programs, these master’s programs often combine geoinformatics with related fields, resulting in diverse program titles such as “GIS and Geoinformatics” and “Geoinformatics and Geospatial Intelligence.”

Most master’s programs require 30–35 credits, which include

• core fundamentals
• electives in geography, computer science, urban planning, and earth sciences
• a thesis or capstone project (for some programs)

These programs are ideal for individuals with an undergraduate degree in earth sciences seeking to enhance their technical skills, particularly for careers blending geography and software development expertise.

As an example, Hunter College’s MS in Geoinformatics program requires the following courses:

• Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
• Remote Sensing of Environment
• Quantitative Methods in Geography
• Concepts and Theories in Geoinformatics

Elective options include:

• Digital Image Processing and LiDAR Remote Sensing
• Advanced Topics in GeoVisualization
• GeoWeb Services
• Location Based Services

If you choose to pursue the thesis route, there are also internship and research requirements.

Can You Earn a Geoinformatics Graduate Degree Online?

While fully online geoinformatics degrees are relatively rare, several institutions offer flexible online options for students seeking advanced education in the field.

Colorado School of Mines offers an online GIS and Geoinformatics program at multiple academic levels:

• master’s degree
• combined bachelor’s and master’s
• graduate certificate

The certificate program, designed for students with an undergraduate degree in earth sciences looking to enhance their technical skills, consists of four courses, which can be applied to the MS program.

George Mason University provides a unique online Geoinformatics program, with additional coursework in Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT). This program is particularly relevant for professionals in Defense and Intelligence agencies, given the university’s proximity to Washington, D.C. If you’re interested in applying geospatial technology to military and government missions, this degree can be earned entirely online.

For those pursuing an online certificate, Michigan Tech’s Geoinformatics Graduate Certificate program requires only three courses, which can be completed in as little as two semesters.

These online programs provide flexibility for working professionals and students seeking to advance their careers in geoinformatics and related fields.

Geoinformatics Jobs and Salaries

Graduates of geoinformatics degree programs can market themselves as GIS experts, data scientists, or software developers, depending on their expertise and interests.

If you’re drawn to math and statistics, consider applying to data scientist jobs. If technical coursework holds greater appeal, consider exploring database administrator or software engineer opportunities. Either way, you could pursue job openings at geospatial technology companies, since your education will combine tech and geographic skills.

Other job titles for geoinformatics graduates include:

• surveyor
• cartographer
• data analyst
• research or remote sensing technician
• spatial data scientist

As with many technical career paths, you may choose to specialize in back-end development or pursue management opportunities such as project manager or technical department head, depending on your proclivity for leadership roles.

With a wide range of job titles comes a wide range of salaries, though technical jobs often command higher wages. Remote sensing scientists and GIS technologists earn a national average of $100,000+ annually, as do geospatial developers. Many technical roles offer remote work options, meaning where you live and work is up to you, whereas surveying jobs may require field work and physical product testing.

As a geoinformatics professional you’ll have numerous career options, depending on your preferences and specialties. As always, the first step is education, so take your time exploring degree and certificate programs to find the one that’s right for you.