July 22, 2020
Bachelor of Science in geographic information science and technology to begin in fall
Beginning fall 2020, Kansas State University's Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences will launch a new Bachelor of Science in geographic information science and technology, with focused knowledge and skill development in spatial data management, analysis and application development. In addition to the bachelor's degree, successful graduates will also earn a minor in geography, the computer science certificate, and the undergraduate certificate in geographic information systems, or GIS.
This new degree is founded within the discipline of geographic information science, which underpins the wise and effective use of geospatial technologies and methods, including GIS, acquisition and analysis of remotely sensed imagery, cartography and mapping, and quantitative spatial analysis and modeling. The program features significant hands-on learning in computer science and geographic techniques and allows students to specialize in one of several application areas based upon their interests and career plans to earn even more academic credentials — e.g., double-major, minors, certificates — at little to no additional tuition cost.
Graduates with expertise in geographic information science and technology enjoy excellent employment prospects and competitive salaries in a variety of career fields with duties including analyzing spatial data through mapping software, developing digital maps, designing and maintaining spatially enabled databases, writing programs and scripts to improve spatial analyses, and developing custom software applications to deliver geographic services to users.
One of the 20 fastest-growing occupations in the U.S. over the next decade, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts 15% job growth for geographic information science and technology professionals nationally and a 24% increase within the state of Kansas with a median annual salary exceeding $65,000. Geographic information science and technology careers are highly dispersed across many job titles and fields, most of which — e.g., geosciences — are expected to see continued and significant job growth into the future or, as with the career geographer, comprise the necessary skills for today's most highly-ranked science jobs.
This interdisciplinary degree program is designed to train students in a field experiencing rapid technological change and expanding career opportunities across many sectors of the global workforce. As a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics degree, graduates will enjoy a competitive advantage for immediate workforce entry, post-university professional certification opportunities, or further graduate-level education in a variety of science fields.
For more information about this degree or related certificate options, please visit the department's website or contact Shawn Hutchinson in the Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences.