Geographic Information Systems, MAS
Turn location data into decisions that shape climate resilience, supply chain logistics and public health. Step into a field expanding fast beyond traditional sectors into autonomous systems, AI-assisted spatial analysis and real-time data visualization.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation and professional licensure
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
ASU is not currently accepting applications for this program.
Degree description
Geographic Information Systems, MAS degree description
The Master of Advanced Study program in geographic information systems is a compact, one-year master's degree program that fosters advanced study in the management and use of GIS technology in public and corporate environments. The program meets important educational needs, whether you are a working professional or a recent college graduate seeking to improve your career standing. This comprehensive professional program balances work in the theoretical and technical aspects of GIS with the applications domain. You are exposed to innovative technology with a focus on building invaluable problem-solving skills, and you have the opportunity to work on practical, applicable GIS projects.
The program places the focus on location --- the heart of geography and GIS. From that foundation, you learn advanced modeling solutions in GIS and Earth observing, as well as how to integrate computer science, statistics and geography to address a multitude of questions.
Small class sizes ensure quality attention from the faculty, and classes are held in the evening during the week, allowing flexibility for the working professional.
The degree is achievable in one year. A new cohort begins the program each August, evening classes during the fall and spring semesters. Upon completion of the spring semester, you select a project to complete during a summer eight-week session. Final presentations take place in mid-July, completing the program.
Why study geographic information systems at ASU?
ASU's geographic information systems program was built by people who helped shape the discipline itself and who work in close partnership with the leading developers of GIS software and technology. Award-winning instructors carry that expertise into the classroom in genuinely accessible ways, whether you're seated in a Tempe lecture hall or logging in from across the country.
Because faculty keep deep ties to professional and industry networks, the skills you're taught are the ones employers are actively seeking. Those same connections open real pathways through internships and applied research that reach well beyond typical coursework, giving you experience and a professional network before you've crossed the stage.
Additional details
School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning is home to Geospatial Research and Solutions, a professional services group that has delivered geospatial support to ASU and the surrounding community for more than 20 years. GRS faculty and staff take active roles in ASU's geographic information systems program, administering it, developing and teaching courses, advising capstone projects and connecting you with chances to build GIS skills while supporting hands-on clients.
You can also enhance your education, build community, and grow professionally through ASU YouthMappers, an international university consortium focused on mapping for resilience.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (GPH 693 or GIS 693)
Required Core (24 credit hours) Other Requirement (3 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
GIS 601 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (2)
GIS 602 Intermediate GIS (2)
GIS 603 Spatial Statistics and Modeling (2)
GIS 604 Implementation in the Corporate and Public Sectors (2)
GIS 605 GIS Project Planning and Implementation (2)
GIS 606 GIS Project Presentation (2)
GIS 610 Programming the GIS Environment (3)
GIS 630 GIS Technologies (3)
GIS 640 GIS for Business (3)
GIS 650 GIS for the Internet (3)
GIS 684 Internship (3)
GIS 693 Applied Project (3) or
GPH 693 Applied Project (3)
Other Requirement coursework may be substituted with approval of the academic unit.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Construct a geospatial workflow to address a real-world geographic problem.
- Produce a professional-grade geospatial project report.
- Evaluate the appropriateness of spatial statistical methods for analyzing geographic phenomena.
Construct a geospatial workflow to address a real-world geographic problem.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution or a bachelor's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution if they demonstrate a minimum of three years of related professional experience. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information Applicants must prepare a formal, written personal statement regarding relevant academic experience, professional experience and overall interest in GIS. Letters of recommendation must be from two people who can attest to the applicant's academic and professional achievements. Letters can be from any combination of current or former instructors, supervisors or professionals currently employed within the GIS field or a related discipline.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this geographic information systems degree prepares you for
Professionals with expertise in geospatial information science are in high demand across sectors and industries, including consulting firms, government agencies and community organizations. Skills in geographical data science, mapping and data analysis are valuable to businesses and institutions that rely on data-driven approaches to solve complex practical problems.
Graduates are prepared for careers in private and public industry. Employees with these skill sets are needed for a wide variety of positions, such as software developer, GIS analyst, mapping engineer, real estate researcher and more. Additional career examples include:
- cartographer or photogrammetrist
- geospatial information scientist or technologist
- geospatial intelligence analyst
- mapping technician
- remote sensing scientist or technologist
- software developer
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning
|
COOR 5671
SGSUP.gradprograms@asu.edu
480-965-7533
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
