Degree in Administration of Geo Information Systems

Geographic information systems (GIS) is a fast emerging field of study, which is offered at the master’s, bachelor’s and associate’s degree levels in the USA. These programs are composited of the study of information systems and geography, which are used in the study of changes in the environment, maps and other things. Some programs encounter the education requirements for professional certification from organizations like the Geographic Information Systems Certification Institute and the National Society of Professional Surveyors.

Associate’s Degree in GIS Administration

GIS Administration Degree

This associate’s degree in geographic information systems program mainly focuses on database systems, which are used in the study of geography. Geographic information systems store, capture, analyze and display geographic information like 3D images and maps of the Earth. The curriculum vita introduces students to such GIS technologies as Global Positioning Technologies, Remote Sensing and GIS software. Other focus areas are geoprocessing, geocoding and cartography.

Student is going to be able to identify processes in the Earth’s atmosphere, analyze geographic information and utilize GIS database systems. Individuals, interested in the program, are required to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma and to take mathematics, college placement tests, writing and reading.

Students are prepared by coursework to utilize technologies like mapping, database and GPS (Global Positioning Systems) and also to apply GIS data to interpret changes in the Earth’s environment.

Course topics of GIS include:

Topography
ArcGIS software
Microcomputing
Object-oriented programming
Digitizers
Popular Career Options

While many graduated students decide to purse a bachelor’s degree in GIS, job opportunities are available at utility companies, engineering firms, government agencies and more.

For graduates some of the job titles include:

GIS specialist
GIS technician
Cartographic technician

Bachelor’s Degree in Geographic Information Science

The Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science program offers more on studies in a GIS associate’s degree program with additional advanced studies in the information systems, which are utilized to analyze and manage geographic information. During educational process you will learn to use GIS information systems like computers with software programs and various operating systems, digital scanners and plotters and analyze spatial data. The culmination of the program is the development of a portfolio and an internship experience. Admission to the program requires a GED certificate or high school diploma and also prerequisite coursework in geography.

Applicants to the bachelor’s GIS degree will take a variety of geography courses during the program, which includes studies in the geography of continents like Europe, Asia, North America and more.

Other topics of discussion are:

Thermodynamics
Geographic patterns
Weather systems
Data capture
Spatial data display

Graduates find jobs at mapping firms, non-profit organizations, construction companies and a more. Prospective job titles for graduates are listed below:

Mapping technician
Surveying technician
Land surveyor

Participation in the National Society of Professional Surveyors’ Certified Survey Technician program is available for graduates. After the completion of this training program, applicants have to take an examination in order to qualify for entry-level certification.

Master’s of GIS Administration

The Master of Geographic Information Systems program is designed to prepare students for taking greater leadership roles in GIS. It includes studies in database development and project management. Several other areas of focus are development of GIS applications, programming and the geospatial information systems.

Students work in computer labs, complete traditional classroom coursework and a culminating capstone project in which they are required to deliver a oral and written presentation of their work in GIS. To apply you have to have satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), a bachelor’s degree, a personal statement essay, prerequisite GIS coursework or professional experience and letters of recommendation.

GIS courses prepare students to develop information systems, manage geographic data and utilize GIS techniques to predict geographic change.

This course include studies in:

Surface analysis
Demographics
Environmental health
Geometric images
Satellite images

The USA Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides with information that jobs for photogrammetrists, surveyors, cartographers, and mapping and surveying technicians would grow by nineteen per cent between the 2008 and 2018. The BLS reported that photogrammetrists and cartographers earned an average annual salary of $52,040; mapping and surveying technicians earned $36,390 and surveyors earned $53,234 in 2009.