by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in Geographic Information Science involves the study of Geographic Information Science And Cartography. A Program That Focuses On The Systematic Study Of Map-Making And The Application Of Mathematical, Computer, And Other Techniques To The Analysis Of Large Amounts Of Geographic Data And The Science Of Mapping Geographic Information. Includes Instruction In Cartographic Theory And Map Projections, Computer-Assisted Cartography, Geographic Information Systems, Map Design And Layout, Photogrammetry, Air Photo Interpretation, Remote Sensing, Spatial Analysis, Geodesy, Cartographic Editing, And Applications To Specific Industrial, Commercial, Research, And Governmental Mapping Problems. Examples: [Geographic Information Systems (Gis)], [Spatial Analysis], [Geomatics], [Remote Sensing]. Read on to learn the key facts every geographic information science major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering geographic information science programs.
Across the country, geographic information science is a widely-pursued major, with 3,577 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Geographic Information Science Schools ranking analyzes these 247 schools to determine the best overall colleges for geographic information science students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of geographic information science programs later in this article.
Programs in Geographic Information Science emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations geographic information science graduates commonly enter.
The skill set built by a geographic information science program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a geographic information science major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several geographic information science degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 97 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 124 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 734 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 2,502 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 49 |
People currently working in careers related to geographic information science tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 43.0% |
| Doctoral degree | 23.2% |
| Master’s degree | 8.9% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 7.2% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 4.9% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.5% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 3.0% |
| Some college courses | 2.9% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.1% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.2% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in geographic information science careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in geographic information science can lead to a variety of career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to geographic information science.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to geographic information science.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Managers, All Other | 468,025 | 6.2% |
| Geography Teachers, Postsecondary | 420,756 | -3.5% |
| Compliance Managers | 310,203 | 13.0% |
| Loss Prevention Managers | 265,210 | 2.2% |
| Regulatory Affairs Managers | 206,415 | 9.9% |
| Wind Energy Operations Managers | 128,884 | 5.2% |
| Wind Energy Development Managers | 107,541 | 10.1% |
| Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers | 105,398 | -1.9% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of geographic information science graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $43,758 |
| 4 years | $52,013 |
| 5 years | $59,913 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for geographic information science graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers geographic information science grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Wind Energy Development Managers | $169,952 |
| Loss Prevention Managers | $165,723 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $123,658 |
| Wind Energy Operations Managers | $122,567 |
| Compliance Managers | $117,178 |
| Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers | $99,321 |
| Managers, All Other | $95,684 |
| Regulatory Affairs Managers | $77,828 |
With 247 different geographic information science programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased geographic information science school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in geographic information science, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Geography | 3,315 |
| Geography, Other | 213 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
