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Gis specialist education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a gis specialist. Gis specialists usually study geography, environmental science, or geology. 72% of gis specialists hold a bachelor's degree, and 15% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 2,598 real gis specialist resumes to see exactly what gis specialist education sections show.
The most common colleges for gis specialists are the Texas State University and the Texas State University.
There are also many online gis specialist courses to help get the education required to be a gis specialist.
There are certain gis specialist certifications that you should consider. These gis specialist certifications include Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP) and GIAC Information Security Professional (GISP).
What education do you need to become a gis specialist?
What degree do you need to be a gis specialist?
- Bachelor's, 72%
- Master's, 15%
- Associate, 9%
- Diploma, 1%
- Other Degrees, 3%
What should I major in to become a gis specialist?
Most common colleges for gis specialists
| Gis specialist common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Texas State University | 10.48% |
| Pennsylvania State University | 8.57% |
| Texas A&M University | 7.62% |
| Colorado State University | 6.67% |
| Arizona State University | 6.35% |
Best majors for gis specialists
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Geography | 47.9% |
| 2 | Environmental Science | 11.9% |
| 3 | Geology | 7.5% |
| 4 | Business | 3.9% |
| 5 | Anthropology | 3.1% |
Best colleges for gis specialists
The best colleges for gis specialists are Northwestern University, Johns Hopkins University, and University of California, Berkeley.
A gis specialist with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for gis specialists. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become gis specialists.
1. University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$14,184
Enrollment
30,845
2. SUNY at Binghamton
Vestal, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$9,808
Enrollment
13,990
3. University of Washington
Seattle, WA • Private
In-state tuition
$11,207
Enrollment
30,905
4. North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC • Private
In-state tuition
$9,101
Enrollment
23,708
5. University of California - Davis
Davis, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$14,402
Enrollment
30,698
6. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN • Private
In-state tuition
$14,760
Enrollment
31,451
7. Duke University
Durham, NC • Private
In-state tuition
$55,695
Enrollment
6,596
8. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$55,584
Enrollment
10,764
9. Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$18,454
Enrollment
40,108
10. Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH • Private
In-state tuition
$55,453
Enrollment
4,312
20 best online courses for gis specialists
Advertising disclosure
1. Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is an increasingly sought after skill in industries from agriculture to public health. This Specialization, offered in partnership with ArcGIS developer Esri, will teach the skills you need to successfully use GIS software in a professional setting. You will learn how to analyze your spatial data, use cartography techniques to communicate your results in maps, and collaborate with peers in GIS and GIS-dependent fields. In the final Capstone...
2. Fundamentals of GIS
Explore the world of spatial analysis and cartography with geographic information systems (GIS). In this class you will learn the basics of the industry’s leading software tool, ArcGIS, during four week-long modules: Week 1: Learn how GIS grew from paper maps to the globally integrated electronic software packages of today. You will install ArcGIS on your computer and learn how to use online help to answer technical questions. Week 2: Open up ArcGIS and explore data using ArcMap. Learn the...
3. Core Spatial Data Analysis: Introductory GIS with R and QGIS
Become Proficient In Spatial Data Analysis Using R & QGIS By Working On A Real Project - Get A Job In Spatial Data!...
4. Spatial Analysis and Geospatial Data Science With Python
Learn how to process and visualize geospatial data and perform spatial analysis using Python...
5. GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis
This Specialization is for those new to mapping and GIS, as well as anyone looking to gain a better understanding of how it all works and why. You will learn practical skills that can be applied to your own work using cutting-edge software created by Esri Inc., the world's leading GIS company and our industry partner.\n\nPLEASE NOTE: THE SOFTWARE IS NO LONGER PROVIDED WITH THIS COURSE. YOU WILL HAVE TO OBTAIN IT ON YOUR OWN...
6. GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality
In this course, the second in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialization, you will go in-depth with common data types (such as raster and vector data), structures, quality and storage during four week-long modules: Week 1: Learn about data models and formats, including a full understanding of vector data and raster concepts. You will also learn about the implications of a data’s scale and how to load layers from web services. Week 2: Create a vector data model by using vector...
7. Spatial Analysis & Geospatial Data Science in Python
Learn how to process and visualize geospatial data and perform spatial analysis using Python...
8. ArcGIS Desktop For Spatial Analysis: Go From Basic To Pro
Spatial Data Analysis With Arc GIS Desktop: Master GIS Techniques and Open Doors to Amazing Geospatial Careers...
9. Introduction to web programming for GIS applications
Understanding web programming fundamentals focused on geospatial applications using Leaflet, Turf.js, and Post GIS...
10. [Intermediate] Spatial Data Analysis with R, QGIS & More
Become an Open source GIS Guru and Tackle Spatial Data Analysis Using R, QGIS, GRASS & GOOGLE EARTH...
11. Complete Google Earth Engine for Remote Sensing & GIS
Harness the Power of Google Earth Engine for GIS Spatial Data Analysis & Remote Sensing...
12. Practical QGIS For Spatial Data Analysis: Beginner to Expert
Master Geographic Information Systems (GIS) For Spatial Data Analysis With QGIS: Go from Basic To Expert Level...
13. Exploring Spatial Information using ArcGIS Pro
Arc GIS Pro is the latest in-demand skill for GIS Professionals that you can master using this highly structured course!...
14. Introduction to Spatial Databases with PostGIS and QGIS 3
Learn Spatial SQL and database management for GIS Professionals...
15. Tableau Data Analyst/Specialist Desktop Certification
From beginners to skills needed for Data Analyst or Desktop Specialist certifications. Tableau 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020...
16. Machine Learning in GIS and Remote Sensing: 5 Courses in 1
Understand & apply machine learning and deep learning for geospatial tasks (GIS and Remote Sensing) in QGIS and Arc GIS...
17. Python for Geospatial
learn to write Python scripts for Arc GIS, QGIS, Postgres, and other geospatial software...
18. Groundwater Potential Zones GIS - Complete Project ArcGIS
Also covers, Flood Risk Map, Drought Analysis, Fluctuation from Observed data, Watershed Delineation, Tutorial in depth...
19. Internet Mapping with Geoserver, Postgres, and Openlayers 3
Create your first Internet Map Server application using Open Source GIS tools this weekend...
20. Geospatial Analyses & Remote Sensing: from Beginner to Pro
Learn Remote Sensing, QGIS & GIS , main concepts, machine learning, QGIS classification, change detection, Earth Engine...
Top 10 most affordable universities for gis specialists
The most affordable schools for gis specialists are Hunter College of the City University of New York, university of florida, and brigham young university.
If the best universities for gis specialists are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for gis specialists.
1. Hunter College of the City University of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,182
Cost of attendance
13,998
2. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,381
Cost of attendance
21,034
3. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
4. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,798
Cost of attendance
18,306
5. Florida International University
Miami, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,556
Cost of attendance
19,434
6. Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$5,656
Cost of attendance
21,623
7. California State University - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,749
Cost of attendance
14,823
8. California State University - Fullerton
Fullerton, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,886
Cost of attendance
17,645
9. USF St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$5,821
Cost of attendance
19,849
10. Lehman College of the City University of New York
Bronx, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,210
Cost of attendance
14,359
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for gis specialists
The hardest universities for gis specialists to get into are Northwestern University, Johns Hopkins University, and University of California, Berkeley.
Some great schools for gis specialists are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for gis specialists based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
1. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
2. Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD • Private
Admissions rate
11%
SAT average
1,513
3. University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA • Private
Admissions rate
15%
SAT average
1,448
4. Duke University
Durham, NC • Private
Admissions rate
9%
SAT average
1,516
5. Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, MO • Private
Admissions rate
15%
SAT average
1,506
6. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,492
7. Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH • Private
Admissions rate
9%
SAT average
1,488
8. University of Chicago
Chicago, IL • Private
Admissions rate
7%
SAT average
1,520
9. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
22%
SAT average
1,420
10. Colgate University
Hamilton, NY • Private
Admissions rate
25%
SAT average
1,443
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for gis specialists
The easiest schools for gis specialists to get into are William Paterson University of New Jersey, mount saint mary's university, and sonoma state university.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a gis specialist without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for gis specialists.
1. William Paterson University of New Jersey
Wayne, NJ • Private
Admissions rate
93%
SAT average
994
2. Mount Saint Mary's University
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions rate
84%
SAT average
1,031
3. Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
1,072
4. San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA • Private
Admissions rate
72%
SAT average
1,054
5. Curry College
Milton, MA • Private
Admissions rate
93%
SAT average
1,026
6. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Standish, ME • Private
Admissions rate
84%
SAT average
1,069
7. Thomas More University
Crestview Hills, KY • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
1,099
8. Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA • Private
Admissions rate
78%
SAT average
1,062
9. Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN • Private
Admissions rate
86%
SAT average
1,086
10. California University of Pennsylvania
California, PA • Private
Admissions rate
97%
SAT average
1,007
Average gis specialist salary by education level
| Gis specialist education level | Gis specialist salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $79,154 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $69,676 |
| Doctorate Degree | $79,681 |
| Some College/ Associate Degree | $56,580 |
Gis specialist education FAQs
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025