Geographic Information Science

Upon admission to the university, students can enroll directly in the geographic information science program. 

Freshman year

• Human Geography or Economic and Social Geography
• Introduction to Statistical Analysis         

Sophomore year

• Cartography and Map Design    
• Elementary Computer Programming
• Spatial Data Analysis    

Junior year

• Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems
• Geovisualization    
• GIS Algorithms and Programming 

Senior year

• Geographic Applications in Remote Sensing
• GIS Design and Implementation
• Emerging Topics in GIS
• Spatial Simulation and Modeling

Contacts among state and local government agencies (e.g., Ohio Department of Transportation) and local businesses are especially valuable for students seeking part-time work or internships. Current geography students with a specialization in geographic information science have obtained valuable experience through such internships, many of which are paid positions.

The Department of Geography offers students the opportunity to earn credit for a structured work experience either as an employment position or a position identified as an internship. GIS students may apply that credit toward their major as a major elective.

The department's faculty in the area of geographic information and related sciences are easily accessible to students for course-related issues, career advice and research opportunities.

Students graduating from Ohio State with a bachelor’s degree in geographic information science will be prepared to find employment in areas such as resource management, spatial database development and management, environmental planning, transportation planning, software development, cartography, conservation, urban planning, and spatial decision support services. Graduates will also be competitive applicants for graduate schools. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists, and surveying and mapping technicians is expected to grow 19% from 2008 to 2018, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Increasing demand for fast, accurate and complete geographic information will be the main source of job growth. Traditionally, the public sector has been the main employer of geographic information science professionals, but there are also growing opportunities within the private sector. 

Graduates will be prepared for positions beyond routine use of geospatial technologies and will be able to apply spatial analysis techniques to address sophisticated problems in a variety of fields. In addition, graduates will have begun to develop the business and communication competencies required for advancement in government agencies and private businesses.