Learn how to analyze and visualize data in ways that can answer big questions and solve complex problems with Portland State's graduate programs in geographic information systems and science (GIS). Our program equips you with the hands-on geospatial training and the technical knowledge you need to successfully become a GIS professional or advance your GIS career.
We offer both a master's degree in Geographic Information Science and a graduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems.
You can:
- Jump into the master's program right away.
- Earn the certificate as a standalone credential or pair it with another master's or doctoral degree.
- Apply 100% of the certificate credits toward the master's in GIS if you choose to continue your education.
- Earn a bachelor's in geography and a master's in GIS in as little as five years with our accelerated bachelor's plus master's program.
There is high demand for advanced, graduate-level GIS training from employers across the private and public sectors. When you graduate from Portland State, you'll be well-positioned for GIS jobs in a variety of fields including environmental management, urban planning, government, business, emergency preparedness and response, and public health.
The graduate certificate introduces you to the design and application of GIS technology, learn more about admission to the graduate certificate program. For those wanting to advance their GIS careers, the master's degree provides additional training for applying GIS knowledge and skills in real-world applications and for developing specialized knowledge that complements GIS.
Portland State's graduate certificate and master's degree in GIS trains you in skills that are widely sought after both locally and nationally.
Our focus on geospatial technologies prepares you to tackle problems through the collection and analysis of locational intelligence, from solving homelessness to developing smart cities.
In your classes, taught by faculty who are actively engaged in GIS research, you'll gain key GIS competencies, including:
- Geospatial software tools
- Map production and cartography
- 3D and terrain modeling and analysis
- Fundamental skills in information science, such as spatial database design and GIS programming
- Remote sensing systems and data
- Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)-based photogrammetry
You can target your coursework in one of five focus areas:
- remote sensing and digital image analysis
- cartography and geovisualization
- computer and information sciences
- spatial statistics and quantitative methods
- system and data science
Our Portland metro region is home to many major GIS companies, mid-size GIS consultant companies, and government agencies who are increasingly seeking to enhance their GIS capacities. You'll have the opportunity to collaborate with a community partner on an applied project, bringing together everything you've learned in the GIS master's program.
At PSU, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to build your professional network. Our GIS faculty members and student GIS Club regularly interact with the GIS communities through speaker series, internship opportunities, and professional conferences such as the GIS in Action and Portland Cartography Symposium.
Geospatial careers are among the fastest-growing in the U.S. and geospatial jobs are available in nearly every industry. The vibrant GIS industry in the Portland metro region offers great GIS career opportunities regionally and nationally.
When you graduate from PSU's GIS master's program, you'll have the educational requirements needed to pursue professional certification with the GIS Certificate Institute (GISCI) and the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS).