Online MS in Geographic Information Science
Impact the World with Innovative and Emerging Technology
The online MS in Geographic Information Science program from Calvin University will prepare you to conduct geographic research and examine information in the context of culture and history. Through a Christian liberal arts perspective, you’ll gain experience working with cutting-edge technologies.
Learn More Today
Complete the form to learn more about this program.
- Duration 9-24 months
- Cost per Credit $673
- Credit Hours 30
Program Benefits
- Hands-on experience through virtual lab component
- Comprehensive 16-week courses
- No GRE required for admission
Gain Cutting-Edge Training for an In-Demand Industry
Calvin University’s online MS in GISC program delivers the geographic information science skills you need for a variety of advanced professional opportunities. Through a curriculum based on the industry-standard University Consortium for Geographic Information Science GIS&T Body of Knowledge, you’ll learn from world-renowned educators with professional experience in the field as you explore today’s most innovative and ground-breaking technologies to prepare for career advancement.
The Master’s in Geographic Information Science degree is delivered entirely online through a liberal arts curriculum founded on Christian principles and ethics. The program asks students to consider deep questions related to what they are learning and how it can impact that world for its betterment. To ensure online students receive a hands-on educational experience, the program features a virtual lab component that allows students to train on drones for remote sensing and learn state-of-the-art techniques while working with modern software.
Career Outlook
Calvin University’s online MS in GISC program is designed to enhance your professional skills and prepare you for a variety of advanced careers in geographic information science.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is expanding at a steady pace of 5%, creating a growing need for geoscientists. Professionals in this role earned a median annual salary of $92,040 in 2019.1
Career OutlookCurriculum
Calvin University provides students with an academic experience founded on liberal arts and Christian perspectives. With the online MS in GISC program, you’ll gain the quality education Calvin is known for, along with access to its convenient and innovative online learning platform.
The online Master’s in Geographic Information Science degree requires the completion of 30 total credit hours. Each course includes a virtual lab component to ensure students receive the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with today’s cutting-edge geographic information technologies.
View Courses
Program Outcomes
After completing the online MS in GIS program, you’ll be able to:
- Navigate sophisticated and emerging technology in the field of geographic information science, including GPS software and drones.
- Collect, use and examine census data in the context of culture and history.
- Design and maintain geospatial databases.
Course Spotlight: GEO 562 Remote Sensing of Earth
This course provides an introduction to remote sensing of Earth. During the semester students engage in the physics and technical aspects of photogrammetry and satellite imagery for the study of physical and human-created aspects of Earth. This course includes a laboratory component as an integral learning method using remote sensing software and drones. Topics covered in this course range from aerial photography to analysis of 3D models of terrain to the sustainability of sprawl in urban systems. Multiple themes of application will be discussed.
Admission Requirements
To apply for the online Master’s in Geographic Information Science program from Calvin University, you’ll need:
- A completed application
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Official transcripts of all post-secondary academic coursework to demonstrate a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- A personal statement
Tuition Details
Calvin University’s online Master’s in Geographic Information Science program requires the completion of 30 credit hours, at $673 per credit.
Get Tuition DetailsCalvin Faculty
Calvin’s online MS in GISC instructors are world-class experts in GIS and academic geographers that deliver the technical skills within a broad conceptual framework. They bring real-world experience to every class to ensure you develop the skills you need for career success.
Faculty Spotlight
Jason VanHorn Ph.D., Program Director
Dr. VanHorn is an expert in cartography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing. He holds a PhD from The Ohio State University, Master of Science from Texas A&M University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University. He is the Director of the Master of Science in Geographic Information Science program at Calvin University. Professor VanHorn has four major research themes: 1) Cartographic History and Philosophy of Geographic Thought, 2) Counter/Anti-terrorism spatial dimensions, 3) the spatial science of geomorphology and physiography, and 4) Christian geography and application. He has directed over twenty-five different GIS research projects since 2007. He has consulted on numerous projects and he has worked extensively with Ethiopian spatial data, having co-led the January 2012 Digital Atlas Workshop at Bahir Dar University and was the lead lecturer for the Ethiopian National Geospatial Standards Summit in December 2013 in Addis Ababa. He and his students have produced a series of national digital atlases and numerous online mapping applications, listed in this CV. He is an expert on the history of geography and especially Twentieth Century American cartographic history.
Financial Aid
At Calvin University, we’re committed to making your education affordable. Find out more about your financial aid options, including U.S. military benefits and employer tuition reimbursement.
Get Financial Aid DetailsOnline Learning That Fits Into Your Life
The program engages all areas of life. At Calvin, we believe that learning comes from doing, and we maintain our commitment to practical, hands-on application and experience for online students.
Embrace the flexibility of an online program coupled with individualized instruction.
Online Student ExperienceFrequently Asked Questions
If you have a question we don’t cover here, request more information or call 1-855-474-8346.
The online Master’s in Geographic Information Science program can be completed in as few as 9 months.
Yes. The online Master’s in Geographic Information Science program offers both part- and full-time options.
The first step is to complete and submit the online application.
Upcoming start dates for this program include August 30, 2021 and January 10, 2022.
Once you complete the online Master’s in Geographic Information Science, you’ll have the credential to pursue positions such as geographer, geoscientist, geospatial data scientist, cartographer, and more.