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MA Program: Career Pathways

What can you do with a Master of Arts in Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Technologies, Applications, and Research?

Graduates of this GISTAR master’s program are well-positioned for successful careers in high-tech industries, including roles at leading companies and government agencies, where their skills are crucial for spatial analysis, disaster response, and environmental monitoring. Additionally, graduates can pursue opportunities with industry partners, local government GIS departments, and other non-governmental organizations and institutions focused on geospatial research, technologies and applications.

Our comprehensive training prepares students not just for immediate employment, but for long-term career growth in a field that is increasingly critical to global decision-making and innovation.

Skills and Competencies GISTAR Students Will Develop 

  • Geospatial analysis and spatial modeling
  • Geospatial AI and machine learning applications
  • Drone survey and 3D mapping techniques
  • Remote sensing data collection and image processing
  • Digital cartography and data visualization
  • Geospatial programming (Python, R, JavaScript, SQL)
  • Web mapping and database management
  • Advanced GPS and field surveying
  • GIS project management and development
  • Capstone project experience in real-world geospatial applications

Career Pathways 

A GISTAR degree opens doors to numerous career opportunities in both public and private sectors, with growing demand for geospatial expertise across various industries. Some of the key career pathways include:

  • Environmental Consultant: Use GIS to assess environmental impacts, analyze land use, and develop sustainable strategies for businesses and governments.
  • Sustainable Development Planner: Integrate GIS into planning sustainable cities, infrastructure, and resource management, balancing environmental, economic, and social factors.
  • Transportation Planner: Use geospatial data to optimize transportation systems, improve infrastructure, and enhance public transit efficiency.
  • GIS Manager: Oversee geospatial teams, manage GIS projects, and ensure effective use of geospatial technologies within organizations.
  • Wildlife Manager: Use GIS to monitor wildlife populations, track migration patterns, and design conservation strategies for endangered species.
  • Data Scientist: Apply geospatial data analytics to extract insights, identify trends, and inform decision-making processes.
  • Disaster Mapping and Management Specialist: Develop geospatial models and maps to predict, monitor, and respond to natural disasters and emergencies.
  • GIS Developer: Design and implement custom GIS applications, geospatial tools, and solutions using programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, and SQL.
  • Cartographer: Create maps and visualizations that effectively communicate complex spatial data for various applications, including education, navigation, and urban planning.
  • Urban Planner: Use GIS tools to inform and design urban development, land use planning, and sustainable city solutions.
  • Hydrologist: Use GIS to analyze water resources, monitor flood risks, and manage watershed and water conservation projects.
  • Fire Ecologist: Apply GIS to assess the impact of wildfires on ecosystems, support post-fire recovery planning, and contribute to long-term forest management strategies.
  • Climate Change Analyst: Utilize GIS and remote sensing data to study climate patterns, track emissions, and forecast the impacts of climate change.
  • Coastal GIS Manager: Use GIS to analyze coastal erosion, sea level rise, and storm surge impacts to support coastal resilience and environmental planning.

Professional Organizations

To support professional development and networking, students are encouraged to join relevant organizations, which provide valuable resources such as conferences, publications, and research opportunities:

  • American Association of Geographers (AAG): A platform for geography professionals, offering resources, networking, and research opportunities.
  • Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP): Connects urban planners and educators for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
  • American Geophysical Union (AGU): Focuses on Earth and space sciences, with strong connections to geospatial technology and remote sensing.
  • Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA): Provides GIS professionals with training, networking, and certification opportunities.
  • International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS): A key organization for those interested in remote sensing and photogrammetry.
  • University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS): A network of universities and research institutions dedicated to advancing GIScience research and education. UCGIS offers opportunities for collaboration, professional development, and access to cutting-edge geospatial research.

By joining these professional networks and leveraging the skills gained in the GISTAR program, graduates are well-positioned to advance in academia, industry, or government roles, driving innovation and tackling global challenges through geospatial science and technology.