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Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis, M.S.

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Two surveyors on a work site

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Spatial Analysis M.S., led by the WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, is the first of its kind in West Virginia. With the growing demand for geospatial technology experts, this online program offers training in a variety of spatial analysis, quantitative analysis, remote sensing, computational, and spatial programming techniques.

Cost:

$705 / Cost per credit hour *

Courses and Credits:

10 Courses / 31 Credits

Duration:

Two years / 16-week terms

Dates:

Next Start: August 20, 2025 Admission Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer

Learning Format:

Online asynchronous

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Program Overview

Thrive In A High-Growth Industry

The fully online M.S. in GIS and Spatial Analysis is designed for professionals and learners seeking to advance their skills in geospatial science and spatial data technologies. With a strong emphasis on real-world applications, this program prepares you to lead in environmental science, resource management, and spatial analytics.

  • Flexible Online Format: Study from anywhere with a program built for working professionals.
  • Applied Geospatial Focus: Gain hands-on experience in spatial analysis, geocomputation, and digital cartography.
  • Cutting-Edge Skills: Learn remote sensing, spatial programming, and quantitative analysis techniques in high demand across industries.
  • Interdisciplinary Training: Build a broad skill set that blends environmental science, data science, and geographic technology.
  • Career-Ready Curriculum: Prepare for roles in government, private industry, and research with practical, project-based learning.

Curriculum

Coursework and the required professional project explore a wide variety of topics and skills of value in the growing GIS and geospatial disciplines including geo-visualization; web GIS; spatial analysis, data science, and analytics; geo-computation; remote sensing; machine learning and deep learning; and applications in the environmental and health sciences. A bachelor’s degree is required to apply to the program, but no prior experience or training in GIS or geospatial data science is necessary. This program makes use of a variety of commercial and open-source software tools, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, QGIS, Python, and R. It has a strong focus in spatial problem solving.

Learning Outcomes

  • Design, execute, and defend a professional project that effectively addresses a need, problem, or research question with a spatial component.
  • Collect, create, use, and manage data to address a spatial problem.
  • Apply a variety of spatial analysis, quantitative analysis, remote sensing, computational, and spatial programming techniques to investigate a problem that has a spatial component.
  • Critique and compare a variety of spatial analysis and quantitative analysis techniques to solve a problem.
  • Make recommendations as to the best data and methods for investigating a question with a spatial component. 
  • Construct multi-part and complex analyses to address a question or problem.
  • Produce written reports that effectively communicate the methods and results of an analysis.
  • Design and create maps and graphics that effectively communicate findings and data.

Credit Hours: Students must complete 31 hours of coursework, including a minimum of 3 credits in Resource Management.
Grade Point Average: Students must earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, and a GPA of 3.00 in all courses applied to the graduate program.
Graduation Requirement: In addition to completing the required coursework, students must complete a graduation project. This may include a written report or deliverables/products, such as data, software, maps, web maps, code, and/or web apps. An oral defense of the work is not required.
Note: Certificate students who have completed RESM 585: GIS and Spatial Analysis Project, must complete a new project and register for Geography 797: Research.

Core Courses
  • GEOG 550: Geographic Information Science, 4 credit hours
  • GEOG 797: Research, 6 credit hours
Select two of the following:
  • GEOG 651: Geographic Information Science: Technical Issues, 3 credit hours
  • GEOG 655: Remote Sensing Principles, 3 credit hours
  • RESM 540: Geospatial Modeling, 3 credit hours

Electives: 15 Credit Hours
  • GEOG 462: Digital Cartography, 3 credit hours
  • GEOG 651: Geographic Information Science: Technical Issues, 3 credit hours
  • GEOG 654: Environmental Geographic Information Systems Modeling, 3 credit hours
  • GEOG 655: Remote Sensing Principles, 3 credit hours
  • GEOG 657: Open-Source Spatial Analytics, 3 credit hours
  • RESM 540: Geospatial Modeling, 3 credit hours
  • RESM 545: Spatial Hydrology and Watershed Analysis, 3 credit hours
  • RESM 575: Spatial Analysis for Resource Management, 3 credit hours
Total: 31 Credit Hours

Admissions Requirements and Eligibility

  • Possess a baccalaureate degree from a college or university
  • Have a grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (or an average of 3.0 or higher for the last sixty credit hours)

Admissions Process and How to Apply

  • Apply with the Online Graduate Application
  • Pay graduate application fee
  • Provide three letters of reference from persons acquainted with the applicant’s professional work, experience, or academic background
  • Submit resume or curriculum vitae
  • Submit a written statement of 500 words or more indicating the applicant’s goals and objectives relative to receiving a graduate degree
  • Request official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU)
The GRE is not required for admission.

International students have the additional requirement to submit a minimum score of 550 on the paper TOEFL examination or 213 on the electronic TOEFL examination if their native language is not English.

Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid

The University provides a comprehensive approach to helping you finance your education. Learn more on the WVU Financial Aid Website.

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies, and living expenses. Visit the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Students are encouraged to:
  • File the application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the June deadline to determine eligibility for funding and scholarships.
  • Inquire with your employer about potential financial support for continuing your education.
Tuition per credit hour is listed on the page of your program of interest. Please note, tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change at the start of each academic year.

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Jessica Carr Online Admissions Coach

(304) 293-6841 Jessica.Carr1@mail.wvu.edu

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Careers and Employment

Geospatial professionals are in high demand within local government, state and federal agencies, consulting companies, technology companies, and institutions of higher education. 

Due to the growing trend of using location intelligence to enhance decision-making, organizations worldwide are increasingly dependent on GIS. This has created a higher demand for GIS careers than ever before. GIS professionals, armed with spatial analysis and data visualization expertise, are now eligible for job opportunities in a vast array of fields that could include the following careers: 

Career Paths

  • Data Scientist
  • Surveying and Mapping Technician
  • Remote Sensing Technician
  • Urban and Regional Planner
  • Climate Scientist
  • Conservationist
  • Forester
  • GIS Manager
  • Helicopter Firefighter
  • App Developer

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The WVU Online team is here for you during your online learning journey. We can help you navigate the curriculum of your program of interest, understand the application process, and keep you posted on upcoming events and deadlines.

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