The Geographic Information concentration provides students with a comprehensive background in the field of geospatial technology. This involves the study and application of theory, method, technology and data knowledge to processes, relationships and patterns in both human and physical geography. This rapidly growing field can be divided into three areas: geographic information sciences (capturing, checking, integrating, analyzing and displaying spatially referenced data); remote sensing (analyzing and interpreting aerial data and satellite imagery); and global positioning systems. Students in this concentration gain quantitative and technical skills to prepare them for jobs in both the public and private sectors, or for further study in graduate school.

Career Opportunities

Geographers can find work in the government or private sector. All levels of government hire geographers as development or planning officers, researchers, mappers, and GIS or satellite image analysts. The private sector hires geographers to apply their ideas, skills and technologies to complex real-world systems. This can include conducting marketing studies, planning transportation routes, understanding international markets, and determining environmental risks associated with landuse change. Currently geospatial technology is the third fastest growing industry in the USA.