What Can You Do With a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Degree in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What does a GIS analyst do on a daily basis?

A GIS analyst plays a critical role in transforming geographic data into actionable insights, supporting decisions in fields like urban planning, environmental science, and business operations. Their daily work blends technical data management with practical problem-solving.

Here are some of the key tasks a GIS analyst handles day to day:

• Data Collection and Management: GIS analysts gather spatial data from sources such as satellites, drones, surveys, and government databases. They then organize, clean, and maintain this data in geodatabases to ensure accuracy and usability.
• Spatial Analysis: Analysts run geospatial models and perform analyses to identify patterns, relationships, and trends. For example, they might analyze traffic flow, flood risk, or population distribution to inform planning decisions.
• Map Creation and Visualization: A large part of the role involves creating detailed maps and visualizations that communicate findings clearly. These maps may be static or interactive, often used by decision-makers who need quick, intuitive insights.
• Collaboration with Teams: GIS analysts regularly work with planners, engineers, environmental scientists, and business managers. They translate complex geospatial data into insights that are understandable and actionable across different disciplines.
• Software and Technical Tasks: Daily work includes using GIS software such as ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, or web mapping tools. They may also write scripts in Python or SQL to automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows.

Many GIS analysts also pursue advanced education to expand their expertise, and programs like the fastest online master's in environmental management can provide specialized training that complements their geospatial skills.

This combination of practical GIS work and environmental knowledge allows analysts to address complex challenges such as climate change, land-use planning, and sustainable development.

What does a GIS developer do, and how is it different from a web mapping developer?

A GIS developer and a web mapping developer both work with geospatial data, but their roles focus on different aspects of building tools and applications. While they share some overlap, their daily responsibilities and goals set them apart.

Core Responsibilities

A GIS developer designs and builds custom applications that process, analyze, and visualize spatial data. They work with programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, or C# to create tools that extend the functionality of platforms like ArcGIS or QGIS.

Meanwhile,  web mapping developer specializes in creating interactive, browser-based maps that users can access online. They primarily use web technologies like JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Leaflet, Mapbox, or ArcGIS Online APIs to design intuitive and visually engaging interfaces.

Daily Work

GIS developers' tasks include integrating spatial databases, automating workflows, building geoprocessing tools, and ensuring that complex GIS functions can be accessed more efficiently by analysts or end users. They focus heavily on back-end systems and geospatial data infrastructure.

In contrast, web mapping developers work on coding web apps, styling maps, managing layers, and ensuring smooth performance for users. They emphasize usability, interactivity, and making geospatial data accessible to non-technical audiences.

In short, the main distinction is that GIS developers are more focused on building the back-end tools and data-processing workflows, while web mapping developers concentrate on the front-end user experience of maps.

This overlap of technical and versatile skills often sparks broader career considerations, leading some students to wonder what can you do with a general studies degree, since programs like GIS also draw on interdisciplinary problem-solving, research, and communication skills that can apply across many industries.

How long does it take to complete a GIS degree program?

A bachelor’s degree in geographic information systems typically takes about four years of full-time study to complete, though some schools offer an accelerated geographic information systems online degree that allows students to graduate more quickly.

Students generally need around 120 credit hours, which include core courses in mapping, geospatial data analysis, cartography, and database management. Some programs also require internships or capstone projects, which provide hands-on experience applying GIS in real-world contexts.

For graduate students, a master’s degree in GIS can usually be finished in one to two years, depending on whether the program is taken full-time or part-time. Accelerated master’s programs may be completed in as little as one calendar year, while part-time or online formats may extend the timeline to two or more years. These programs often focus on advanced topics like geospatial programming, remote sensing, and spatial modeling.

Which industries hire GIS majors (environmental, urban planning, utilities, transportation, defense)?

A GIS degree prepares graduates for careers across many industries, since spatial data and mapping are vital for decision-making in both the public and private sectors. Each industry uses GIS in unique ways, offering diverse career opportunities. Here’s how GIS majors contribute in some of the top fields:

• Environmental Industry: GIS professionals in this sector track land use, monitor ecosystems, and analyze environmental change. They often work on projects related to conservation, climate change, natural resource management, and environmental impact assessments, as highlighted by the
• Urban Planning: In city and regional planning, GIS is used to evaluate zoning, infrastructure, and population growth. GIS experts help planners design smarter cities by modeling transportation networks, optimizing land use, and supporting sustainable development.
• Utilities: Utility companies use GIS to manage infrastructure like water lines, electrical grids, and gas pipelines. GIS specialists help optimize maintenance schedules, track outages, and support field crews with accurate, real-time maps.
• Transportation: GIS professionals in transportation analyze traffic patterns, plan public transit routes, and improve logistics. They also support large-scale infrastructure projects, ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable movement of people and goods.
• Defense and Security: The defense industry relies on GIS for mapping, surveillance, and strategic decision-making. Analysts use GIS to interpret satellite imagery, track troop movements, and support national security and disaster response operations.

Interestingly, GIS professionals also benefit from transferable skills similar to those seen in humanities major careers, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. These interdisciplinary abilities allow GIS graduates to branch out into roles that require both technical expertise and the ability to interpret data in broader social, cultural, or policy contexts.

What are the core skills needed to succeed as a GIS specialist or analyst?

A GIS specialist or analyst needs a mix of technical, analytical, and soft skills to succeed, since the role involves not only working with complex data but also communicating insights to diverse stakeholders. Here are the core skills that matter most in this career:

• Spatial Analysis: Specialists must be able to interpret geographic data, identify patterns, and run spatial models to support decision-making. This skill is at the heart of GIS work.
• Cartography and Data Visualization: Creating clear, accurate, and visually appealing maps is essential. Analysts need to know how to balance aesthetics with data accuracy to effectively communicate insights.
• Database Management: Strong skills in handling geodatabases, SQL queries, and relational databases are vital for storing, organizing, and retrieving large volumes of spatial data.
• Programming and Automation: Proficiency in languages like Python, R, or JavaScript helps automate tasks, build custom tools, and improve workflows. Coding is increasingly important for advancing in GIS careers.
• Remote Sensing and Imagery: Many roles require interpreting aerial and satellite imagery, LiDAR, and drone-collected data. These skills expand the range of applications GIS professionals can support.
• Web Mapping and App Development: Knowledge of web technologies like Leaflet, Mapbox, or ArcGIS Online APIs allows specialists to create interactive maps and applications for a broad audience.
• Project Management: Many GIS professionals coordinate projects, manage timelines, and collaborate across teams, making organizational skills highly valuable.

Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail are equally important, as small errors can have major impacts in geospatial work. Many students strengthen these skills by pairing their GIS training with related fields, and programs like a fast track environmental engineering degree online can provide complementary expertise that broadens career opportunities in sustainability, infrastructure, and resource management.

How much can you earn with a GIS major in various job roles?

A degree in geographic information systems opens the door to a wide range of career paths, from hands-on data collection to high-level management and advanced geospatial analytics.

Salaries vary significantly based on job role, industry, and experience level, but GIS professionals are in steady demand across government agencies, private companies, environmental organizations, and tech firms. Below are some of the most common GIS careers and their typical average annual earnings:

• GIS Technician ($47,396): GIS technicians assist in collecting, maintaining, and updating geospatial data. They often prepare maps, digitize data, and support analysts with routine tasks. Many work for local governments, utilities, and engineering firms.
• GIS Analyst ($70,264): GIS analysts perform spatial data analysis, create maps, and build geodatabases to support decision-making. They are commonly employed by government agencies, environmental organizations, and private companies in sectors like urban planning and transportation.
• Cartographer ($80,864): Cartographers design and produce maps using geospatial data and visualization tools. They may work in publishing, education, or government, focusing on making geographic information accessible and visually appealing.
• Remote Sensing Specialist ($85,416): Remote sensing specialists analyze aerial photography, satellite imagery, and LiDAR data to monitor land use, environmental change, and natural resources. They are often employed in environmental consulting, defense, and research organizations.
• GIS Developer ($104,519): GIS developers design custom applications, web mapping solutions, and geospatial tools using programming languages like Python, JavaScript, and SQL. They often work in tech firms, government agencies, or as consultants building specialized solutions.
• Urban Planner with GIS Focus ($83,720): Urban planners use GIS tools to analyze zoning, transportation networks, and population growth. They contribute to sustainable city design and infrastructure development, working for municipalities and regional planning agencies.
• Geospatial Data Scientist ($122,738): Geospatial data scientists apply machine learning, predictive modeling, and big data analytics to solve spatial problems. They often work in industries such as logistics, environmental monitoring, and public health.

For context, salary outcomes for GIS professionals are competitive with other advanced fields. For instance, those researching a natural sciences masters salary will find that GIS-related roles often align closely, since both fields demand technical expertise, analytical skills, and the ability to translate data into practical applications that support decision-making.

For those interested in leadership within mission-driven organizations, pairing GIS expertise with an accelerated MBA in non-profit management online can open doors to management roles in NGOs and international development.

From technical mapping to advanced data science applications, GIS careers offer both stability and opportunities for advancement across multiple industries. The chart below highlights how salaries compare across these roles, giving you a clear picture of the income potential with a GIS degree.

What minors or double majors pair well with a GIS degree

Pairing a GIS degree with the right minor or double major can significantly enhance career opportunities, since geospatial skills complement many disciplines. The best combinations depend on whether a student wants to focus on technology, science, or applied social fields. Here are some of the top options:

• Computer Science: Adding computer science provides strong programming and software development skills, which are increasingly critical for GIS automation, web mapping, and custom application development.
• Environmental Science: This pairing strengthens knowledge of ecosystems, conservation, and sustainability, making graduates well-prepared for environmental consulting and resource management careers.
• Urban Planning: Combining GIS with urban planning equips students to design smarter cities, analyze land use, and contribute to sustainable infrastructure projects.
• Geology or Earth Science: A double focus on GIS and geology prepares students to work in natural resource exploration, hazard assessment, and environmental monitoring.
• Civil Engineering: This combination supports careers in infrastructure development, transportation planning, and utilities management, where GIS is used for mapping and modeling.
• Statistics or Data Science: Pairing GIS with statistics or data science strengthens quantitative and analytical skills, ideal for roles in predictive modeling, spatial analytics, and big data projects.
• Business or Economics: Adding business skills helps GIS graduates transition into management, market analysis, and logistics, where location intelligence drives strategic decisions. Pursuing an online master of business administration in analytics can further strengthen this pathway by combining geospatial expertise with advanced business strategy and data-driven decision-making.

What is the average GIS analyst salary, and how does it vary by city or industry?

The average salary for a GIS Analyst in the United States is about $70,264 per year. This role typically involves analyzing spatial data, building geodatabases, producing maps, and supporting decision-making processes for organizations.

Entry-level analysts may start with slightly lower pay, while those with advanced skills in programming, remote sensing, or statistical modeling often earn above the average. Experience, certifications, and technical expertise all play a significant role in salary growth over time.

Salary levels can vary widely depending on factors such as:

• Location: GIS analysts working in major metropolitan areas or technology hubs usually earn higher wages because of greater demand and higher cost of living.
• Industry: Professionals employed in defense, energy, and consulting firms tend to have higher salaries compared to those working in nonprofit organizations or local government.
• Experience level: Senior GIS analysts and those with supervisory or project management responsibilities earn significantly more than entry-level employees.
• Technical skills: Analysts with advanced programming knowledge, automation expertise, and strong spatial modeling skills often command higher pay, and some enhance their technical background by pursuing an accelerated software engineering degree online to deepen their coding and development capabilities.
• Certifications and education: Credentials such as the GISP certification or advanced degrees like a master’s in GIS can boost earning potential and open doors to leadership positions.

What kind of certifications should GIS degree graduates pursue?

Earning certifications after completing a GIS degree is a smart way to validate skills, stand out in a competitive job market, and open doors to advanced roles. Different certifications focus on technical software expertise, professional credibility, or specialized applications of GIS. Here are some of the most valuable ones for graduates:

• GISP (Certified GIS Professional): Offered by the GIS Certification Institute, this credential demonstrates broad professional competence and experience in GIS. It is widely recognized across industries and emphasizes both technical knowledge and ethical practice.
• Esri Technical Certifications: Esri provides role-based certifications (e.g., ArcGIS Desktop Associate or ArcGIS Enterprise Administration) that validate expertise in its widely used software. These are excellent for students seeking to demonstrate proficiency with the most popular GIS platform.
• Certified Remote Sensing Scientist (CRSS): This certification, offered by the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS), focuses on advanced skills in remote sensing and image interpretation. It is particularly useful for careers in environmental monitoring, defense, and earth sciences.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification: For GIS professionals working with drones, this certification is required to operate UAVs commercially in the United States. It expands career options in surveying, agriculture, construction, and environmental applications.
• Programming and Data Certifications: Credentials such as Python Institute certifications, Microsoft SQL Server, or cloud platform certifications (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) strengthen the technical foundation needed for GIS development and data science roles.

Are GIS jobs in demand, and what is the job outlook over the next decade?

Yes, GIS jobs are in demand, with strong growth expected over the next decade as more industries rely on geospatial data for decision-making. The projected job growth rate for GIS analysts is 9% from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average for many other occupations.

This growth is fueled by the increasing use of GIS in urban planning, environmental management, transportation, utilities, and even emerging fields like smart cities and climate change analysis. As organizations continue to integrate location intelligence into everyday operations, skilled GIS professionals will remain highly sought after.

Additionally, the job outlook for geographers shows modest growth over the 2023 to 2033 period, with employment projected to increase by 3%, which is slightly slower than the 4% average growth rate for all occupations.

By comparison, social scientists and related workers as a broader group are expected to see stronger growth at 6% over the same timeframe. While the demand for geographers may not grow as quickly as some related fields, it remains steady, reflecting continued reliance on geographic knowledge and spatial analysis in areas such as urban planning, environmental management, and policy development.

GIS also fits into the larger category of applied sciences careers, where technical expertise is used to solve real-world problems. Like engineering, data science, or environmental science, GIS work demonstrates how applied knowledge can directly improve infrastructure, sustainability, and business decision-making, making it a critical and growing area within the applied sciences.

The chart below illustrates these projections, showing how geographers compare to both the overall labor market and the broader category of social scientists.

Here’s what graduates have to say about their GIS degrees:

Other things you should know about getting a GIS degree

How do I get a GIS internship with limited experience?

Even with limited experience, you can secure a GIS internship by demonstrating your willingness to learn and showcasing relevant coursework or projects. Building a small portfolio with class assignments, open-source datasets, or personal mapping projects can make you stand out.

Many organizations, including local governments, nonprofits, and environmental agencies, offer internships that focus on data collection, map production, and entry-level analysis. Networking through university career services, LinkedIn, and GIS professional groups like URISA can also increase your chances of finding opportunities.

Are online GIS degrees and bootcamps respected by employers?

Yes, many online GIS degrees and bootcamps are respected by employers, especially when offered by accredited universities or well-known training providers. Online programs often provide the same curriculum and faculty as in-person classes, making them equally rigorous.

Bootcamps are valued for offering practical, project-based learning and quickly building technical skills like Python scripting, web mapping, or spatial analysis. However, employers may look for evidence of hands-on experience, so creating a portfolio of projects is essential. Combining an online credential with certifications or internships can greatly strengthen your resume.

Do I need visas or special credentials for GIS jobs abroad?

Yes, working in GIS abroad typically requires a valid work visa, which can vary depending on the country and the specific job role. Some regions may also expect additional certifications or familiarity with local data standards, such as national coordinate systems or environmental regulations.

For example, in Europe, knowledge of INSPIRE-compliant datasets may be useful, while in Canada, bilingual skills could give you an edge. International NGOs and multinational corporations sometimes sponsor visas for specialized GIS roles, especially for candidates with strong technical expertise.

It’s important to research country-specific requirements before applying, as they can significantly influence your eligibility.

Can GIS jobs be fully remote, and which roles work best from home?

Yes, many GIS jobs can be fully remote, especially those focused on analysis, cartography, data management, and web mapping. Roles like GIS analysts, GIS developers, and data scientists often lend themselves to remote work because they primarily involve digital data and software tools.

However, positions that require fieldwork, such as data collection or surveying, are less likely to be remote. With the growth of cloud-based platforms like ArcGIS Online and collaboration tools, remote GIS teams are becoming increasingly common. For those who prefer flexibility, freelance GIS consulting is another popular remote career path.