Master of Science in Geo-Information Science

The master of science in geo-information science is a multi-disciplinary program of advanced study of geospatial technology and its applications whose purpose is to develop geospatial professionals that are proficient in the acquisition, analysis, use, and management of spatial information. GIS and related geospatial technologies, such as remote sensing from satellites and aircraft, are integral to a variety of applications, including mapping and surveying, environmental analysis and natural resource management, transportation and urban planning, business planning, crime analysis, and disaster management, to name only a few areas. An integrated and applied curriculum provides practical, real-world training in the utilization of leading geospatial technologies for research, planning, spatial data management, and project implementation.

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Program Requirements

Master of Science in Geo-Information Science

MS in Geo-Information Science Program Overview

The MS in Geo-Information Science program at Salem State University is one of the preeminent geo-information science programs in Massachusetts and New England. Established in 1993, it was the first master’s program in GIS in the United States and continues to be a leader in training GIS professionals. 

Salem State's graduate GIS program offers students opportunities to develop skills in a broad array of leading geospatial software applications and technologies that are integral to the acquisition, analysis and visualization of spatial data. Anyone working with geographic or geospatial data (data linked to some location on the earth) may integrate GIS into their operations. Today, GIS plays a key role in many different occupations, including the earth sciences, computer science, intelligence, criminal justice, social science, public health, business analytics, and natural resource management. A wide array of public, private and non-profit organizations use geo-spatial technologies.

Students matriculate through a 30-32 hour program that has a thesis or a non-thesis option. Throughout their coursework students work closely with dedicated faculty in small classroom settings and are exposed to applied spatial problems generated from ongoing research initiatives centered at the University’s Digital Geography Laboratory (DGL) and the Center for Economic Development and Sustainability (CEDS).

Program highlights

  • Hands-on training in leading GIS and remote sensing software packages and scripting languages, including ArcGIS, ERDAS, IDRISI, MapInfo, Python, R, PostgreSQL, JavaScript, as well as other open source programs for spatial databases and web mapping
  • Use of the Salem State University’s Digital Geography Laboratory (DGL), a state-of-the-art 37-seat facility for GIS education and geospatial data collection, analysis, and display
  • Evening courses, designed for working professionals
  • Graduate assistantships and financial aid available
  • Graduate certificate in GIS is also available (credits earned applied toward the GIS master's degree)
  • Continuously rolling admission
Voices from Geo-Information Science
  • Peter Wamburu '21G

    Peter Wamburu ‘21G

    Development and Operations Engineer, Trimble Inc.

    If you are looking to unlock your potential as a spatial critical thinker, SSU Geography is the place to be. With a state of the art digital geography lab and specialized GIS software and hardware, it is the perfect place for a graduate research student.

  • Jeannette Miranda '24G

    Jeanette Miranda ‘24G

    Current GIS Graduate Student

    GIS complements my degree in Geography and my goal is to help mitigate the effects of climate change. Being a first generation student navigating college by yourself is daunting, but this program and professors have been nothing but understanding and helpful! They truly want their students to succeed.

  • Jill Carr '21G

    Jill Carr ‘21G

    Coastal Data Scientist, MassBays Nat'l Estuary Partnership

    Being at the forefront of using drones for coastal mapping was exciting, and having an enthusiastic advisor helped me to persist through the challenges that come with using novel equipment and analytical tools.

Careers in Geo-Information Science

Geospatial careers are among the fastest‐growing in the U.S. and world today, and geospatial jobs are currently available in every industry (American Association of Geographers. 2012. “The Geospatial Job Market”).   Geospatial technology is considered to be a high-growth industry by the U.S. Department of Labor and geospatial professions (e.g. geospatial or remote sensing information scientists and technologists, GIS technicians, cartographers and photogrammetrists), are classified by the U.S. Department of Labor as “Bright Outlook” occupations.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in these professions are projected to grow faster than average through 2024 (US Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook 2015).

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), workers with a master’s degree earned 20% more on average than their counterparts with only a bachelor’s degree. US News and World Reports has shown that entry level jobs today and virtually all senior management and senior professional positions now require a master's degree. The Master of Science in Geo-Information Science degree offers opportunities to learn the skills needed in the spatial information technology workforce. The Graduate Certificate provides a way for professionals to sharpen their skills while drawing on the resources and knowledge of academic professionals.

Recent GIS Graduate Positions

Recent graduates of our program can be found in all of the following occupations, along with many others:

  • Geospatial Applications Engineer, KEYW Corporation
  • GIS Manager, GoodPointe Technology
  • GIS Analyst, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (hurricane modeling)
  • GIS Technician, Central Transportation Planning Staff, Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization
  • Geospatial Analyst, U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • GIS Manager, City of Cambridge, Massachusetts
  • PhD student and Research Assistant, Center for Global Change & Earth Observations, Michigan State University
  • Staff member, NASA’s BOREAS Project
  • Distribution Analyst, Santander Bank
  • Technical Lead – Integrated Mapping Applications Portal, National Grid energy utility
  • Business & GIS Analyst, New Hampshire Department of Information Services
  • GIS Engineering Technician, NiSource energy utility
  • GIS Analyst, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.
  • Information Technologist, Complex Research Center, University of New Hampshire
  • GIS Coordinator, Town of Natick, Massachusetts
  • GIS specialist, Massachusetts Water Resource Authority
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