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Degree Overview

Geographic Information Science (GIS) is the study of spatial data and computer techniques used to capture, analyze, and display geographic information. Every undergraduate student is expected to acquire GIS skills in order to model scientifically the geospatial world and its components using GIS in a space-time framework. Our students are exposed to three perspectives of GIS learning: theoretical understanding, skill development, and real-world problem solving. Through hands-on training and practical applications, the students develop proficiency in using GIS techniques to address real-world problems, project design, implementation, and reporting. The degree is available in Macomb and fully online.

GIS majors select between two options within the major:

• Geospatial Science (Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing, and GPS)
• Geoenvironment and Planning (physicalenvironment, human, urban planning, and regional planning)

View the Undergraduate Catalog for specific degree requirements and course descriptions .

Integrated Geographic Information Science (BS) - GIScience and Geoenvironment (MS)

The integrated degree programs provide an opportunity for our talented undergraduates to obtain both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in five years. The integrated program saves students time and money.

View the Graduate Catalog for Integrated Program details.

Fully Online

Do you want to be the person who builds the digital infrastructure to solve geospatial problems? If you like technology, design, and making a difference in society, Geographic Information Science (GIS) is the most powerful degree nobody has told you about yet.

Our fully online GIS program is open to anyone - freshmen, transfers, and practitioners seeking to enhance their professional career. Anyone wanting to add GIS to their portfolio is welcome.

Prior background in GIS is not required to enroll in the program. All students start with introductory level courses focusing on data science and visualization. After that, students move on to intermediate and advanced GIS courses. The degree consists of 120 credit hours of undergraduate coursework. Courses are taught by faculty with solid geospatial analysis credentials.

If you are interested in solving complex geospatial problems in urban planning, environmental degradation, location analysis, disaster response, social and criminal justice, utility lines mapping, and many more, this degree is idea for you.

The department takes pride in promoting hands-on GIS applications. Through the learning process, students acquire GIS skills that make them employable in the marketplace as GIS Technicians and GIS Analysts. GIS is a recession-proof technology with great rewards, and you can work from anywhere in the world.

See admission information here: www.wiu.edu/admissions/

For further information, email us at EAGIS@wiu.edu

Careers

Career opportunities are found in both public and private sectors. Most notables include disaster response companies, transportation firms, land use planning agencies, GIS-related professions, historic preservations firms, construction companies, real estate firms, international business, location analysis firms, architectural firms, and wind energy/sustainable energy companies.

Program Benefits

The GIS Center

The department is home to the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Center which is a partnership between ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, the City of Macomb and McDonough County. Paid internships at the center create opportunities for top students to work on real-world GIS projects related to agriculture, emergency management, land use and other industries while receiving training and oversight from the center’s GIS professionals. GIS Center interns develop a strong professional portfolio and the center has a 100 percent job placement rate amongst graduates who have pursued GIScience careers.

Faculty

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ GIScience classes are taught by Ph.D.s and our low professor-to-student ratio means that we are personally invested in each student’s progress. Our focus on applied learning helps students develop marketable skills that translate directly to the workforce.