A GIS master’s degree provides students state-of-the-art training in remote analysis and mapping technologies to advance them in a GIS career. Geographic information systems degrees are growing in demand. By earning an on-campus or online GIS master’s, students will be prepared for a nice diversity of careers. Students can select from a variety of different GIS degree programs below.
TOP AFFORDABLE GIS MASTER’S DEGREES METHODOLOGY
For students who want to pursue a master’s in GIS, we have compiled a list of the top programs available. These programs have been selected for this ranking based upon a scoring system that considers the cost of tuition and the length of the program. These programs have been accredited by nationally recognized accreditation boards and have had their nonprofit status verified. The programs are ordered from highest to lowest score. Note that tuition rates listed below are based on cost per credit, and individual programs may have additional fees.
TOP AFFORDABLE GIS MASTER’S PROGRAMS 2021
#1. University of Central Arkansas
Master of Geographic Information Systems
Conway, Arkansas
The University of Central Arkansas offers this Master of Geographic Information Systems degree. Students in this degree program will develop an expertise in the latest software and hardware solutions used in GIS. Students will have gained the knowledge needed for higher-level positions in the GIS job market by completing this degree. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The University of Central Arkansas has received accreditation for this degree from the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $9,750
Score: 93.5
#2. Northwest Missouri State University
Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems
Maryville, Missouri
Northwest Missouri State University students can enroll in this Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems degree. This is a great option for students who want to advance their understanding of GIS concepts to command higher-paying careers in GIS. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program. Some of the courses in this program include Applications of Remotely Sensed Data, Fundamentals of Geostatistics, and more. The Higher Learning Commission has provided Northwest Missouri State University with accreditation for this program.
Tuition: $10,500
Score: 93.25
#3. Delta State University
Master of Applied Science in Geospatial Information Technologies
Cleveland, Mississippi
Delta State University offers this Master of Applied Science in Geospatial Information Technologies degree. Delta State University has earned a place among the top affordable schools for GIS by offering this program. Some of the courses in this program include Digital Photogrammetry, Applied Remote Sensing, Programming GIS, and more. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Delta State University has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. This degree is great for students wishing to expand their GIS knowledge to the graduate level in an affordable manner.
Tuition: $13,260
Score: 93
#4. University of West Florida
Online Master of Science in Geographic Information Science Administration
Pensacola, Florida
University of West Florida students can enroll in this Online Master of Science in Geographic Information Science Administration. This online GIS degree is among the few degree programs on the list offered entirely online. By offering this program online, the University of West Florida can control costs helping the school to rank among the most affordable schools for GIS. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided accreditation for this program. Students in this GIS degree online will take courses in GIS Programming, Computer Cartography, and more.
Tuition: $14,400
Score: 92.75
#5. Northern Arizona University
Master of Science in Applied Geospatial Sciences
Flagstaff, Arizona
Students can choose to enroll in this Master of Science in Applied Geospatial Sciences degree. This program of study is offered affordably by Northern Arizona University. Students in this program will build on their undergraduate knowledge to develop expertise in remote sensing technologies and geospatial analysis. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program. Northern Arizona University has received accreditation for this program of study from the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $24,444
Score: 92.5
#6. Kent State University
Master of Geographic Information Science
Kent, Ohio
Kent State University offers this Master of Geographic Information Science to its students. By offering this degree, Kent State University has placed among the most affordable GIS schools in the nation. This degree option is great for students who want to understand GIS technologies to help further their careers. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Kent State University has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission. Courses in this program include Geographic Information Science and Health, Geodatabases, Cartographic Design, and more.
Tuition: $29,970
Score: 94.5
#7. Pennslyvania State University
Online Master of Geographic Information Systems
Centre County, Pennsylvania
This Online Master of Geographic Information Systems degree is made available by Pennsylvania State University. This is one of the few programs on this list that can be completed entirely online. Pennsylvania State University also offers this program in an accelerated model. Students in this program will develop their GIS skills by studying topics including LIDAR technology, remote sensing, conservation, open web mapping, and more. Pennsylvania State University has received accreditation for this program from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this online GIS degree, one of the best online GIS certificate programs available.
Tuition: $33,264
Score: 94.25
#8. University of California-Los Angeles
Online Master of Applied Geospatial Information Systems and Technologies
Los Angeles, California
The University of California-Los Angeles offers this Online Master of Applied Geospatial Information Systems and Technologies degree to its students. This program of study helps students to deepen their training and understanding of GIS technologies and remote sensing. Students will learn how to use spatial data analysis and computer programming techniques to design and operate geospatial information systems. This program is offered to students entirely online. A total of 36 credits are needed to complete this program. The University of California-Los Angeles has received accreditation for this program from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Tuition: $33,300
Score: 94
#9. University of Denver
Online Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems
Denver, Colorado
Students enrolled at the University of Denver can choose this Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems degree program. This program is offered both on-campus and online. Offering this degree online has allowed the University of Denver to ensure its affordability to place among the most affordable schools for GIS. The University of Denver has received accreditation for this degree from the Higher Learning Commission. A total of 48 credit hours are needed to complete this GIS degree online. Students who earn this GIS online degree will have developed many skills needed for a successful career in GIS.
Tuition: $35,040
Score: 93.75
#10. Michigan Technological University
Master of Geographic Information Science
Houghton, Michigan
Michigan Technological University offers this Master of Geographic Information Science degree. This program is a great choice for students who wish to understand better the various technologies and software that power GIS systems. By completing this degree, students will have an expert understanding of topics such as remote sensing, GIS analysis, cartography, and more. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Michigan Technological University has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $40,470
Score: 93.5
#11. University of Utah
Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems
Salt Lake City, Utah
Those interested in studying at the University of Utah can enroll in this Master of Science in Geographic Information Sciences. This program is designed for students who want to develop mathematics, mapping, programming, and statistics skills needed to work in the GIS industry. A total of 36 credit hours are required to complete this program. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has provided the University of Utah with accreditation for this study program. Some of the courses included in this program are Geospatial Big Data, GeoProcessing with Python, Geovisualization, and more.
Tuition: $40,637
Score: 93.25
#12. Johns Hopkins University
Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems
Baltimore, Maryland
Johns Hopkins University offers students this Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems degree to their students. Those who complete this degree have gone on to work as GIS analysts, cartographers, geographers, GIS technicians, and more. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Johns Hopkins University has received accreditation for this program from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Students in this degree will develop their understanding of geospatial data science, predictive analytics, project management, and more. This program can be completed in 12-24 months. A total of
Tuition: $42,530
Score: 93
#13. University of Texas at Dallas
Master of Science in Geospatial Information Sciences
Dallas, Texas
Those who would like to study at the University of Texas at Dallas can enroll in this Master of Science in Geospatial Information Sciences degree. By offering this program, the University of Texas at Dallas has been able to rank among the most affordable schools for GIS. Through this study program, students will learn how to gather, analyze, and interpret geospatial data. They will learn how to manipulate and use the latest GIS software and hardware solutions. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete an online GIS degree. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided the University of Texas at Dallas with accreditation for this program.
Tuition: $49,663
Score: 92.75
#14. Northeastern University
Online Master of Science in Geospatial Services
Boston, Massachusetts
Northeastern University offers this Online Master of Science in Geospatial Services degree to its students. This study program is designed to be completed entirely online, one of the few programs on the list for which that is possible. Students can expect to complete this degree in 12-18 months. By offering this online GIS degree, Northeastern University can maintain its affordability, helping it place on this ranking. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. This GIS online degree is a great option for students who want to advance their GIS careers affordably.
Tuition: $58,140
Score: 92.5
#15. University of Southern California
Online Master of Science in Geographic Information Science and Technology
Los Angeles, California
This Online Master of Science in Geographic Information Science and Technology degree is made available by the University of Southern California. This study program is designed to teach students the multidisciplinary skills needed for a successful career in GIS. Students will learn about topics including remote sensing, spatial analysis, cartography, and much more. This program is offered in three different tracks: Geospatial Information Management, Geospatial Programming & Software Development, and Geospatial Analytics. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges have provided the University of Southern California with accreditation for this online GIS degree.
Tuition: $59,260
Score: 92
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THIS CONCLUDES OUR RANKING OF THE TOP AFFORDABLE MASTER’S IN GIS 2021.
NPCO Staff
February 2021
