Easiest Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Degree Programs

Geographic information systems (GIS) are used to store, analyze, interpret, and manage geographic data. It's needed for many things, including conservation, wildlife rescue, and disease tracking.

Degrees for geographic information systems are often technical and can be difficult for some. The easiest GIS degrees are associate degrees. Keep reading to learn more about the easiest geographic information systems degree programs.

What Are the Easiest Geographic Information Systems Degrees?

Degrees in geographic information systems are available as associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The easiest of these is an associate degree.

Associate degrees are undergraduate degrees that typically require around 60 semester credits and take about two years of full-time study to complete.

There are a few reasons why associate degrees in geographic information systems are the easiest to complete. First, they're offered at community and technical colleges, which often have lower tuition costs and higher acceptance rates.

Associate degrees also take less time to complete than other types of degrees, and they cover basic and foundational concepts but don't include highly advanced coursework.

An associate degree in geographic information systems teaches students how to use common GIS software and methods of collecting, managing, and maintaining data. Courses often cover:

• Geospatial analysis
• GIS applications
• GIS programming
• Mapping and cartography
• Remote sensing

Additionally, many associate programs in geographic information systems also require courses in:

• Statistics
• Geography
• Geology
• Sometimes computer science

What Colleges and Universities Offer Associate Degrees in Geographic Information Systems?

Over 50 schools across the United States offer associate degrees in geographic information systems or a similar field. These include:

• Austin Community College District in Austin, Texas: Associate of Applied Science in geographic information systems
• Columbus State Community College in Columbus, Ohio: Associate of Applied Science in geographic information systems, available online
• CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College in New York City: Associate of Science in geographic information science
• Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, California: Associate of Science in geographic information systems/global positioning system
• Eastern Florida State College with multiple locations in Florida: Associate in Science in computer information technology with a specialization in geographic information systems
• Edgecombe Community College in Tarboro, North Carolina: Associate of Applied Science in geospatial technology with a concentration in geographic information science
• Front Range Community College in Longmont, Colorado: Associate of Applied Science in geospatial science
• Lake Superior State University in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan: Associate of Science in geospatial technology
• Portland Community College in Portland, Oregon: Associate of Applied Science in geomatics
• Saint Paul College in Saint Paul, Minnesota: Associate of Applied Science in geographic information science, available online

These types of programs are primarily available on campus, but occasionally they are offered fully or partly online.

What Can I Do With an Associate Degree in Geographic Information Systems?

Many people who study GIS go on to work as geographic information systems technologists and technicians, who assist scientists in building, maintaining, modifying, or using GIS.

Other roles for those with associate degrees in GIS may include:

• Cartographer
• Forest conservation technician
• Photographer
• Surveyor

Some employers and roles may require a bachelor's degree, but not all do. Your associate degree may allow you to transfer into a bachelor's program if you choose.

Other Geographic Information Systems Degrees

More advanced degrees in geographic information systems include bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. These degrees all require more years of study and more advanced coursework than associate degrees.

Bachelor's Degrees in Geographic Information Systems

Bachelor's degrees are another type of undergraduate degree. These degrees usually require about 120 semester credits and take four years to complete, twice as long as an associate degree.

A bachelor's in geographic information systems provides a broad understanding of geospatial technology. They teach students how to collect, manage, and analyze geographic data, and help them develop essential GIS skills.

These programs often have core GIS major courses that all students in the program must take, but also allow students to choose electives in GIS to tailor their degrees to their particular interests.

Bachelor's degrees in geographic information systems are slightly more common than associate degrees. Online bachelor's degrees in geographic information systems may be offered as well.

Master's Degrees in Geographic Information Systems

Master's degrees are graduate degrees that often require around 30-40 semester credits. These programs may take anywhere from one to three years to complete. A bachelor's degree is usually required for entry.

Master's degrees in geographic information systems help students develop advanced GIS knowledge and allow them to delve more deeply into specializations within GIS, such as geospatial intelligence or geodesign.

These degrees are a great option for those wanting to advance their career in GIS, and these programs may be offered on campus or online.

Doctorate Degrees in Geographic Information Systems

Doctorate degrees are also graduate degrees and are the most advanced type of degree you can earn. A doctorate in geographic information systems is usually a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.

PhDs are research degrees, and PhDs in geographic information science are for those who want to dive in and conduct advanced research in the field. Students generally must have at least a bachelor's, if not a master's, to begin these programs.

Students usually spend the first two or three years of their PhD program taking courses, and then spend an additional two to four years researching, composing, and defending their PhD dissertation.

Doctorate degrees in geographic information systems are not particularly common and are most often offered on campus, although some programs are available online.

Find Easy Geographic Information Systems Degrees

The easiest geographic information systems degree is an associate degree, as these take the least amount of time and have less advanced coursework. For more information about GIS degrees, explore Learn.org today.