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Geographic Information Science ,BS

Geographic Information Science, BS

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Geographic Information Science

Drones, GIS, Geographic Information Science, Geographic Information Systems, Mapping, Programming, Remote Sensing, Remote Sensing Specialist, SENSING, Sensors, approved for STEM-OPT extension, geocomputation, map, statistics

Learn how to analyze place and space to uncover patterns that shape our world. Use geographic data and geospatial technology to address real challenges facing communities and the environment.

Program description

In the Bachelor of Science program in geographic information science, you start by learning the basics of mapping, geospatial technology, data analysis, and computer programming. As you move into higher-level courses, you build on these skills to learn how geospatial tools can be used to study and solve real-world environmental and social problems through advanced spatial analysis.

If you want to earn a concurrent or second bachelor's degree in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you should review the information in the Concurrent Program Options section below and visit The College's website for details and requirements.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
  • First required math course: MAT 170 - Precalculus
  • Math intensity: Moderateprogram math intensity moderate

Video: Learn about the Geographic Information Science degree program at ASUThis video provides an overview of the Geographic Information Science degree program at ASU.

Curriculum

What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.

Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Fernanda Quiroz
602-543-1645
mfquiroz@asu.edu
General contact
480-965-7444

Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Attend online
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

ASU Local

It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities
Global experience

Students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge of geographic information science in a new and different setting through study abroad. Students can gain a deeper understanding of the complex societal and environmental issues that influence the uses of geographic information science.

Students' resumes are enhanced by the heightened cultural competence and improved communication and critical thinking skills acquired through study abroad.

Career opportunities

Graduates pursue opportunities in the private and public sectors. Potential careers include:

  • business location analyst
  • geographic information system technician
  • geospatial information scientist or technologist
  • remote sensing scientist or technologist

Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.


Career *Growth *Median salary
6.4%
$81,390
33.5%
$120,230
4.4%
$75,440
-3.1%
$102,040
8.2%
$116,580
0.6%
$122,570
-0.7%
$93,790
4.5%
$54,240
3.7%
$59,090
3.4%
$89,320
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Professional licensure

ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. For more information, students should visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.

Contact information

Program term definitions

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

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