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Geospatial Information Science and Technology

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

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Pursue a geospatial information science degree at UW

What do environmental management, urban planning, public health and civil engineering all have in common? They use geospatial information science and technology to make important decisions. Geospatial information provides the basis of navigation systems, land mapping and more for companies and individuals.

UW’s geospatial science degree gives students the tools to become proficient in spatial thinking and geospatial data science analysis. Students also develop fluency in geographic information systems, remote sensing, data analytics and data visualization.

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Program Details

Tuition and Fees

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Program Requirements

Curriculum & Courses

Department

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
School of Computing

About the Geospatial Information Science and Technology Program

The B.S. in geospatial information science and technology (GIST) equips students with spatial thinking, data analysis, visualization and remote sensing skills. Once students complete their core curriculum, they progress to advanced geospatial analysis, visualization, data management and elective courses.

All GIST students additionally complete an experiential learning requirement. Students fulfill this requirement through internship or research experience. This ensures all students graduate with real-world experience to kick-start their careers.

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Geospatial science students get to choose from a wide variety of advanced courses. Here are a few you might enjoy:

  • UAS Ground School and Operations (GIST 4440): This field course provides students with the opportunity to operate UAS (drones) safely, legally and effectively. Students learn about pertinent safety and regulations, and then spend much of the course time flying drones in the field and collecting data.
  • Spatial Data Visualization (GIST 2200): In this course, students learn to find, understand and act on spatial patterns and trends. Students also learn to use and critique powerful graphical representations of spatial data including 3D maps, web maps, interactive graphics and animations.
  • Introduction to Remote Sensing (GIST 3140): This is a combined lecture and computer lab course designed to teach students about the application of airborne and satellite imagery to study the earth’s surface.

Geospatial science is best practiced with a specialized knowledge base outside of the field. Students must declare a minor in another discipline or create a discipline concentration outside of geospatial information science, with the approval of their advisor. A second major also meets this requirement.

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What can you do with a geospatial information science and technology degree?

Our graduates are prepared to apply their geospatial knowledge and skills in a wide range of fields, from environmental management and public health to civil engineering and urban planning to economic analysis and marketing.

Notable College of Engineering Alumni Employers

  • Etsy
  • Amazon Web Services
  • Medtronic
  • Netflix
  • Uber
  • Los Alamos National Laboratory
  • Lockheed Martin
  • University of Wyoming Foundation
  • Intel
  • General Motors

 

 

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Is geospatial information science a growing field?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 19% growth in employment for GIST professionals from 2016-2026, which is much faster than average growth (7.5%) in other occupations.

 

 

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Geospatial Science and Technology Program Highlights

UW’s GIST program gives students the opportunity to take interesting courses and get involved on campus. Here’s more information on the things our students enjoy most about the program.

Access to Specialized Technology & Equipment

Students have access to all of the software, technology and equipment they need to thrive during their undergraduate education. Students can use software including ArcGIS, QGIS and ERDAS Imagine. They also have access to UW’s computer labs and field data collectors such as GPS receivers, hand-held spectrometers and uncrewed aerial vehicles.

On-Campus Organizations

Many of our students find that getting involved on UW’s campus and connecting with others is what truly makes our school feel like home. Here are a few of the organizations you may be interested in joining:

Geospatial Club
Women in GIS
Wyoming Geospatial Organization (WyGEO)
GIS Day
School of Computing Undergrad Research Experience (SURE)

One of the things I enjoy about the GIST major at UW is the potential for collaboration with students from other majors and disciplines. GIS is everywhere - it can be applied to any industry or field that deals with geographically distributed data in some way. As a GIS undergrad, I've worked alongside students majoring in agriculture, biology, computer science, journalism, political science, civil engineering, criminal justice and military science/ROTC, to name a few. It's helped broaden my horizons significantly.

- Kevin Sutherburg
Current B.S. in GIST Student

Related Programs

Interested in a geospatial science and technology degree? These programs may also be interesting to you:

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School of Computing

Geospatial Information Science & Technology

Department 4008, 1000 E. University Avenue

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-2532

Email: gist@uwyo.edu