2023 Most Affordable Bachelor's in Geographic Information Systems Online

Delta State University (Delta State) is a public institution that offers two online degrees in geographic information systems: (1) a Bachelor of Applied Science in Geospatial Analysis and Intelligence and (2) Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences - Geospatial Technologies. They require 124 and 120 credit hours, respectively. Full-time students can complete one of these degrees in four years. They can also get started right away, as Delta State accepts every student that applies 100% of the time; however, the graduation rate is 41%.

At Delta State, students use the learning management system, Canvas, to access their 100% online, asynchronous coursework. Both programs require a capstone course and focus on geostatistics, signal processing, geomatics, report writing, and data fusion. Students take courses such as Geospatial Math, Algorithms, and Statistics; World Regional Geography; and Sustainable Development. Graduates pursue careers in emergency preparedness, geospatial research, and healthcare, but they may also find work in the military and business industries.

Western Illinois University (WIU) is a public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science, which requires 120 credit hours. This program offers two concentrations: (1) Geospatial Science and (2) Geoenvironment and Planning. Students may complete either track in four years if they maintain a full-time schedule. The acceptance rate at WIU is 67%, and the graduation rate is 57%.

At WIU, students use Western Online to access their coursework, which is all completed through distance learning. The geographic information science major helps students acquire GIS skills in order to scientifically model the geospatial world and its components using GIS. In general, graduates work for disaster response companies, land-use planning agencies, historic preservations firms, international businesses, location analysis firms, architectural firms, and wind energy/sustainable energy companies.

The South Dakota State University (SDSU) is a public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Sciences requiring 120 credit hours. This fully remote program typically takes four years to complete with a full-time schedule. SDSU's acceptance rate is 89%, and its graduation rate is 54%.

At SDSU, students use D2L to access their coursework virtually. The geographic information sciences program teaches students how to use computerized GIS that integrate hardware, software, and data in order to create and understand geographically referenced information. Core courses in this curriculum include Research Methods in Geography, Satellite Remote Sensing, and Sustainable Communities. SDSU also requires a capstone course and a minor. Graduates may work as geographic information systems analysts, urban planners, intelligence analysts, and cartographers.

Troy University (Troy) is a public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Sciences, which requires 120 credit hours. Students can typically graduate in four years with a full-time schedule. The acceptance rate at Troy is 92%, and the graduation rate is 37%.

At Troy, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is entirely online and asynchronous. The geographic information sciences curriculum provides students with an understanding of geospatial technologies, analytical skills, programming, modeling, and internet mapping. Core courses in this program include Spatial Information Analysis, Cartography and Geovisualization, and Web-Based GIS/Spatial Data Analysis. Additionally, Troy requires online students to either complete an internship or a senior project. After graduation, they often work as cartographers, surveying/mapping technicians, urban planners, and remote sensing technicians.

Old Dominion University (ODU) is a public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Geography - Geographic Information Systems. Requiring 120 credit hours, this program takes four years to finish for full-time students. ODU accepts 95% of students who apply, and the school's graduation rate sits at 58%.

At ODU, students use Blackboard to access their fully online and asynchronous classes. The geographic information systems concentration provides students with an understanding of geography and human-environment interrelationships. Core courses in this major include Cultural Geography, Research design, and Hazards: Natural & Technological. Alumni may pursue careers as GIS analysts, program managers, geospatial analysts, and transportation planners.

The North Carolina A&T University (A&T) is a public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Geomatics that requires the completion of 120 credit hours. This is a four-year program if students maintain a full-time study schedule the entire time. Overall, A&T's acceptance rate is 57%, and 50% of the students who are accepted end up graduating.

A&T Online utilizes the learning management system, Blackboard, which allows students to access their online coursework and complete it at their own pace. The geomatics curriculum provides students with an understanding of photogrammetry, boundary surveying, hydrography, GIS, and forensic surveying. Core classes include Route Surveying, Automation, Geodetic Science, Global Positioning Systems, and Adjustment Computations. Graduates may work as aerial surveyors, GIS analysts, cartographic specialists, and mapping managers.

Unity College (Unity) is a private institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geospatial Technologies, with concentrations in environmental GIS, renewable energy, sustainable business, wildlife ecology, and emergency disaster management. This fully remote degree requires 120 credit hours and typically at least a four-year commitment with a full-time schedule. Unity has a 100% acceptance rate and a 69% graduation rate.

At Unity, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is delivered asynchronously. The curriculum for Unity's environmental geospatial technologies degree helps provide students with an understanding of the fundamental theories and practices of cartography and visualization. It includes courses such as Environmental Impact Using Remote Sensing, Natural Resource Law, and Conservation Cartography and Visualization. Graduates are qualified to work as cartographers, surveyors, and environmental geospatial analysts.

The University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global) is a private institution that offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration - GIS and Data Analytics, which requires 120 credit hours. This fully online program is typically completed in four years with a full-time schedule, but students may graduate sooner by transferring up to 90 credit hours from a previous institution. The acceptance rate for new students is 95%, and the graduation rate is 57%.

AT UMass Global, students use Blackboard to access their online coursework. The GIS and data analytics program teaches students to communicate effectively in professional settings, understand cultural differences, evaluate ethical issues and apply business competencies. Core courses include GIS Methods and Ethics, Applied Data Wrangling, and Foundations in Spatial Communications. UMass also has two required courses: (1) Information Fluency and Academy Integrity as well as (2) Liberal Arts Core Foundations.

Oregon State University (Oregon State) is a public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Geography and Geospatial Science requiring 180 credit hours. Students who maintain a full-time courseload typically complete this program in four years. At Oregon State, the acceptance rate is 82%, while the graduation rate rests at 65%.

Oregon State students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is all online. The geography and geospatial science curriculum prepares students to address business, land use, natural resource, planning, transportation, natural hazards, national defense, and public safety challenges worldwide. Core courses in this program include Human Dimensions of Climate Change, Transforming Environmental Conflicts, and Geovisualization: Web Mapping. To graduate, students must also complete nine hours of “experiential learning,” such as completing a thesis or internship. Graduates may go on to work for organizations that help with global issues, including land-use planning, conflict resolution and global security, and adaptation to climate change.

Arizona State University (ASU) is a public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science requiring 120 credit hours. This degree is offered through ASU Online and takes about four years to earn with a full-time schedule. The acceptance rate at ASU is 73%, and the graduation rate is 52%.

Through ASU Online, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is entirely online. The curriculum of the geographic information science program focuses on teaching GIS software, statistics, and computer programming. Core courses include Statistics for Geography and Planning, Cartography and Georepresentation, and Spatial Decision Support Systems. Graduates work in fields such as urban planning, environmental science, insurance, software development, and data analysis.