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