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Geographic Information Systems Technology

Bachelor of Science

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Top 3%

Online Bachelor's Program in the Nation

- U.S. News & World Report, 2024

Top 25

Public Flagship University

- U.S. News & World Report, 2024

Quick Facts

Credits Required: 120
Cost Per Credit: $525

College of Social And Behavioral Sciences

This bachelor’s degree program, offered by one of the top 10 geography schools in the nation, gives you the tools to map your own path. Geographic Information Systems Technology (GIST) is on the rise in every industry, so you’ll have career options ranging from app developer to volcanologist.

Arizona’s program stands out from the pack via expert faculty who balance GIST fundamentals with key growth areas, allowing students to gain the experience needed to enter the high-tech workforce. This is achieved by emphasizing cutting-edge coursework in cartography, geo-visualization, web and mobile applications, and open source programming, all of which give you an edge over the competition. We also offer a strong remote sensing science component developed by top research faculty.

This undergraduate program focuses on professional GIS and applied GIS, which are vital for students looking to obtain a job right out of college. You’ll complete applied, project-based coursework and a senior capstone project tailored to you and the professional skills you want to build for your career. Arizona’s GIST programs are based on the U.S. Department of Labor’s Geospatial Technology Competency Model, meaning you’ll have a clear path to your career as soon as you graduate.

This College of Social and Behavioral Sciences major requires a minor (or double major).

The BS-GIST is a 120-credit hour bachelor’s degree program. Students take 14 classes in their major, training in GISystems and technologies, basic programming for GIS, and application of GIST to web and mobile environments.

GIST students will be using ESRI software, which requires a Windows-based computer. Check your computer's ability to run ArcGIS Pro 2.0.

*Residents of some U.S. Territories may not be eligible. Please see our Eligibility & State Authorization page for more information.

The curriculum for this program includes:

Click here to view a complete list of GIST courses.

GIST 214: Introduction to Map Science
GIST 314: Cartographic Design and Production
GIST 330: Introduction to Remote Sensing
GIST 417: Geographic Information Systems
GIST 418: Introduction to Spatial Analysis & Modeling
GIST 420: Advanced GIS

Skills

Earning your Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems Technology will build core skills, including:

  • ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online
  • Data science
  • Data visualization
  • Geoprocessing
  • GIS analysis
  • Python programming
  • Quality assurance and control
  • Remote sensing
  • Web mapping