Issues and topics
The following is an example of the types of issues and topics students will study within the GIS and Spatial Analysis specialization.
Mapping patterns
- Population change
- Migration
- Development
- Ocean currents
Visual presentation
- Organization
- Symbolization
- Color usage
Issue analysis
- Air pollution
- Planning
- Unemployment
- Poverty
Statistical analysis
- Disease rates
- Elections
- Hazard incidence
Location optimization
- Facilities/site selection
- Mass transit routes
- New construction
Implementation
- GIS software
- Modeling
Acquired skill sets
Students can expect to acquire and perform the following skills sets within this specialization. Students also should have a solid background in mathematics and the physical sciences.
- Critical thinking
- Critical writing
- Research
- Strong organizational skills
Technical skills:
- Quantitative data analysis
- Graphic communication (including map reading and development)
- Graphics and statistical software packages
- Computer programming
Career opportunities
Geographers can find career opportunities in many fields both within and outside the field of geography. Below is a partial listing of careers that students within the GIS and Spatial Analysis specialization are well-suited and where previous graduates have found employment.
- Planner: transportation, urban, health services, land use, etc.
- Real estate appraiser/researcher
- Shipper/route delivery manager
- Drafts person
- GIS analyst/consultant
- Cartographer (U.S. Defense Mapping Agency, U.S. Geological Survey, etc.)
- Software developer
- Map archivist/librarian
- Computer systems manager
- Data processor
- Market researcher/analyst
- Location/site selection expert
- Graphic designer