Geospatial Information Science without Thesis

Professional Master of Science (M.S.)

Online

Student conducting field work

Study Geospatial Information Science to learn the power of location

The professional M.S. in geospatial information science program provides students a path toward their future as GIS professionals in the natural and physical sciences, business, engineering, planning, data and information management, as well as government and non-profit organizations.  

Our online setting is the perfect place for working professionals who may need some flexibility in their schedule as they complete the 33-credit program. The intense plan of study will set you up for a successful career. 

What is Geospatial Information Science?

Students Surveying Prexies

Our professional M.S. in GIS program teaches students to use the power of location to solve problems. Students will think spatially and learn to manage, visualize and analyze data using spatial software. Experience gained with UW can be applied to many fields of work. 

GIS faculty bring years of project experience to UW’s curriculum. Some serve as project coordinators, developers and specialists in the field.

Di Yang is a geographer and programmer focusing on the study of human-environment interactions. Current projects include geospatial modeling, citizen science, and the applications of Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) at the macrosystems scale. 

Person flying a drone
People looking at maps

 

What can you do with a Professional M.S. in Geospatial Information Science?

Geospatial Information Science is everywhere. The GIS job market is growing and there is a variety of careers available to professionals who can apply geographic information science.

Geospatial Information Science Careers

  • Urban Planner 
  • Mapping Technician 
  • Pipelayer
  • Cartographer 
  • Geoscientist 
  • Engineer 
  • Landscape Architect 
  • Construction 
  • Geographer 
  • Natural Resource Specialist 
  • Resource Manager 
  • Surveyor 
  • Photogrammetrist 

 

Students in Prexie's Pasture

Here are a few places Professional M.S. in GIS Alumni have made a difference!

  • State Parks 
  • Wyoming Geographic Information Science Center 
  • Wyoming Geological Survey 
  • Energy Innovation Center 
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Professional GIS Program Highlights

From the state of the art software to a network of like-minded professionals, students in our professional M.S. in GIS program have resources right on their desktops. 

Learning Resources

Specialized software is used in almost every class involving spatial data.  ENVI, an image processing software with analysis capabilities is just one of many geospatial information systems available to improve learning. 

Experiential Opportunities

In the Capstone course, students create a semi-independent geospatial project that applies GIS concepts, tools and methods. Projects are then presented by the students as scientific reports at a geospatial forum.

Financial Support

Students pursuing professional development may receive support from their place of work. Additionally, UW does have connections to scholarships and opportunities that students may be eligible for.

Networking & Student Groups

Virtual attendance is an option for various networking opportunities through organizations such as the Geospatial Forum. This is a speaker series that invites professionals to give presentations on work in the field of GIS.

I pursued this program for a few reasons. I really wanted to dive deeper into programming and become more established as a UAS Pilot. The courses offered in both programming and UAS content allowed me to do that all while continuing employment with Wyoming State Parks. The flexibility of asynchronous courses also really helped make juggling family and work life feasible. The program has been challenging and enjoyable at the same time.

- Jon Cicarelli
Class of 2022

Contact Us

We're Eager to Help!

School of Computing

WyGISC

Department 4008, 1000 E. University Avenue

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-2532

Email: gist@uwyo.edu