by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 269 U.S. colleges awarded 4,145 degrees and certificates in Geographic Information Science. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 70% of graduates. College Factual ranks 114 schools in its 2027 Best Geographic Information Science Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $44,342 one year after completing, rising to $63,861 after four years.
A degree in Geographic Information Science involves the study of Geographic Information Science And Cartography. A Program That Focuses On The Systematic Study Of Map-Making And The Application Of Mathematical, Computer, And Other Techniques To The Analysis Of Large Amounts Of Geographic Data And The Science Of Mapping Geographic Information. Includes Instruction In Cartographic Theory And Map Projections, Computer-Assisted Cartography, Geographic Information Systems, Map Design And Layout, Photogrammetry, Air Photo Interpretation, Remote Sensing, Spatial Analysis, Geodesy, Cartographic Editing, And Applications To Specific Industrial, Commercial, Research, And Governmental Mapping Problems. Examples: [Geographic Information Systems (Gis)], [Spatial Analysis], [Geomatics], [Remote Sensing].
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, geographic information science is a widely-pursued major, with 4,145 degrees awarded annually. 269 colleges award geographic information science degrees, an average of 15 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 171.
By level, the 4,145 awards include 158 certificates, 141 associate degrees, 845 bachelor’s degrees, 2,891 master’s degrees and 41 doctorates.
Women earned 43% of geographic information science degrees and certificates in the latest year (1,799 of 4,145). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (2,646) and Hispanic or Latino (471), and international students earned 341.
College Factual ranks 114 schools in its 2027 Best Geographic Information Science Schools ranking, including 2 for associate degrees, 36 for bachelor’s degrees, 24 for master’s degrees and 1 for doctorates. It also ranks geographic information science schools within 26 states. In all, 269 colleges offer geographic information science programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Geographic Information Science Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common geographic information science credential is the master’s degree: 2,891 of the 4,145 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to geographic information science call most for Reading Comprehension, Speaking and Writing, and for knowledge of English Language, Education and Training and Law and Government, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Written Expression and Oral Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a geographic information science degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 158 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 141 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 845 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 2,891 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 41 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to geographic information science, at 43.0%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 43.0% |
| Doctoral degree | 23.2% |
| Master’s degree | 8.9% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 7.2% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 4.9% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.5% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 3.0% |
| Some college courses | 2.9% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.1% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.2% |
Source: O*NET Online.
11 occupations are related to Geographic Information Science, with an average median salary of $104,828; the strongest outlook belongs to Compliance Managers, at 13.0% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Compliance Director, Modeling Agency Manager, Labor Union Business Representative and Registration Officer.
The occupation related to geographic information science with the most projected jobs is Managers, All Other, at 468,025.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Managers, All Other | 468,025 | 6.2% |
| Geography Teachers, Postsecondary | 420,756 | -3.5% |
| Compliance Managers | 310,203 | 13.0% |
| Loss Prevention Managers | 265,210 | 2.2% |
| Regulatory Affairs Managers | 206,415 | 9.9% |
| Wind Energy Operations Managers | 128,884 | 5.2% |
| Wind Energy Development Managers | 107,541 | 10.1% |
| Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers | 105,398 | -1.9% |
Geographic Information Science graduates earn a median $44,342 one year after completing their program, $63,861 after four years and $60,418 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $44,342 |
| 4 years | $63,861 |
| 5 years | $60,418 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to geographic information science is Wind Energy Development Managers, with a median salary of $169,952.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Wind Energy Development Managers | $169,952 |
| Loss Prevention Managers | $165,723 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $123,658 |
| Wind Energy Operations Managers | $122,567 |
| Compliance Managers | $117,178 |
| Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers | $99,321 |
| Managers, All Other | $95,684 |
| Regulatory Affairs Managers | $77,828 |
Geographic Information Science has 2 similar majors in the Social Sciences field, which together award 3,314 degrees a year; the largest are Geography (2,991) and Geography, Other (323). Browse all Social Sciences majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Geography | 2,991 |
| Geography, Other | 323 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
