GIS Programs and Highlights

To meet the challenges of academic diversity and changing technology, colleges and universities nation-wide are developing new courses of study related to geographic information systems (GIS). Some institutions offer degrees specifically in GIS science, focusing on foundations and theory of geographic technologies, while others integrate GIS into existing degree programs as an application tool or methodological approach drawing on theory from a particular discipline.

The Geospatial Information Science and Technology program at NC State University is multi-faceted and entirely inter-disciplinary to meet both of these models.

• Master of Geospatial Information Science and Technology (MGIST)
• This degree program was launched in the Spring 2010.
• The MGIST degree is available both as an on-campus and distance education degree.
• It is associated with national Professional Science Masters Degree program affording students an exceptional opportunity to work directly with companies and agencies in hands-on projects and experiences. As part of that effort, an advisory board of prominent industry and government leaders (from organizations such as SAS, ESRI, USGS, North Carolina state agencies, etc.) is being established to assist with program design and implementation.
• We offer a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems which provides students with a recognized professional credential and a quick start into the profession.**Students in the Graduate Certificate program can transfer with full credit for courses taken ( 12-credit hours maximum total with a B or higher earned) directly into the MGIST degree with consent of the student's advisor.**
  
• We offer two graduate minors: one in Geographic Information Systems and one in Remote Sensing.

An interdisciplinary GIS Faculty representing 8 different colleges and 18 departments oversees all of these programs.