Geography: Geographic Information Sciences
Major, Minor

Program Overview

Geographic Information Science prepares you to answer real world problems using spatial data and tools. From public health to business to environmental science, the world is increasingly interconnected and GIS creates, manages, and analyzes these connections. 

Program Snapshot

Program Type: Full-Time
Location: On-Campus
Program Length: 4 years (major), 1-2 years (minor)
Credit Hours: 21 - 45

Why This Program & What You'll Learn

Geospatial data and technology is essential for city planning, constructing and maintaining infrastructure, environmental management, business, public health and so much more.

You’ll gain essential technical skills and learn how to solve real world problems using the latest industry leading geospatial technology.

Customize your major with specialized courses in cartography, environmental modeling, spatial statistics, social-science applications of GIS, python programing and more. You'll also learn about GIS careers from alumni and prepare digital portfolios highlighting skills to future employers in a senior capstone course.

Courses What Will Transfer Department of Geography and Environmental Studies

Program Highlights

As a student in our geography program, you’ll:

  • Gain hands-on experience with our state-of-the-art virtual computing labs – access industry-leading software in the classroom, residence hall room, or anywhere with internet access.  
  • Benefit from small classes, field trips, and opportunities to do research with faculty.
  • Gain professional development and contacts through student organizations such as the Geography Club.
  • Complete a senior capstone course that prepares you for careers through networking with alumni, resume and portfolio development, and a final project that shows off your skill to future employers.
  • Be able to combine your major with a certificate in Cartographic Design or Drones to impress future employers. 

Concentrations

Filter Concentrations by Location:
Analyze and digitally create the geographic information that companies and government agencies use every day to examine the economic, environmental, physical, and even social events that shape the events of today and those of the future.

Careers & Outcomes

Prepare for an exciting career in geography with highly marketable skills that give you access to many opportunities. Become a geospatial intelligence analyst, GIS analyst, urban planner, cartographer, resource manager, environmental consultant, climatologist, and educator.

Career Projected Salary
Urban and Regional Planner $78,500
Cartographer $68,900
GIS Analyst $62,612
Survey equipment set up in front of construction equipment.
Two people in hard hats and vests walk through a quarry.

Explore the CMU Center for Geographic Information Science

The Center for Geographic Information Science at Central Michigan University has provided geospatial facilities and services to the university, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industry for over 25 years.

Discover the Center for GIS

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