Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis, M.S.
Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

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
Dates:
Next Start: August 20, 2025 Admission Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer
Learning Format:
Online asynchronous
Program Overview
Thrive In A High-Growth Industry
This program is a fully online M.S. in GIS and Spatial Analysis led by the Department of Geology and Geography in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University, with support from other programs across campus. Ideal for those seeking to expand their credentials and for working professionals, the graduate program offers a strong focus on the applications of geospatial science in the environmental sciences and resource management, as well as applications for spatial analysis, geocomputation and coding, and digital cartography.
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.
- GEOG 550: Geographic Information Science, 4 credit hours
- GEOG 797: Research, 6 credit hours
- 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
- 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
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)
- Mail To: WVU Hub P.O. Box 6004 Morgantown, WV 26506
- or email to: GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu.
Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid
- 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.
Connect with an Admissions Coach
Jessica Carr Online Admissions Coach
(304) 293-6841 jessica.carr1@mail.wvu.edu
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Careers and Employment
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