Master of Science in Geo-Information Science

The master of science in geo-information science is a multi-disciplinary program of advanced study of geospatial technology and its applications whose purpose is to develop geospatial professionals that are proficient in the acquisition, analysis, use, and management of spatial information. GIS and related geospatial technologies, such as remote sensing from satellites and aircraft, are integral to a variety of applications, including mapping and surveying, environmental analysis and natural resource management, transportation and urban planning, business planning, crime analysis, and disaster management, to name only a few areas. An integrated and applied curriculum provides practical, real-world training in the utilization of leading geospatial technologies for research, planning, spatial data management, and project implementation.

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Program Requirements

Master of Science in Geo-Information Science

The MS in Geo-Information Science program at Salem State University is one of the preeminent geo-information science programs in Massachusetts and New England. Established in 1993, it was the first master’s program in GIS in the United States and continues to be a leader in training GIS professionals.  

Salem State's graduate GIS program offers students opportunities to develop skills in a broad array of leading geospatial software applications and technologies that are integral to the acquisition, analysis, and visualization of spatial data. Anyone working with geographic or geospatial data (data linked to some location on the Earth) may integrate GIS into their operations. Today, GIS plays a key role in many different occupations, including the earth sciences, computer science, intelligence, criminal justice, social science, public health, business analytics, and natural resource management. A wide array of public, private, and non-profit organizations use geo-spatial technologies. 

 Program Features 

  • Flexible pacing options: Full-time students can complete the program in two years. Part-time students can complete the program in three to six years, depending on the number of courses taken per semester. 

  • Course offerings: Evening courses, designed for working professionals. Courses can be taken in-person, online, or hybrid. The online program offers synchronous meetings and coursework. 

  • Hands-on training in leading GIS and remote sensing software packages and scripting languages, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, IDRISI, Google Earth Engine,  Python, R, PostgreSQL, JavaScript, as well as other open source programs for spatial databases and web mapping 

  • Use of Salem State University’s Digital Geography Laboratory (DGL), a state-of-the-art 37-seat facility for GIS education and geospatial data collection, analysis, and display 

  • Certificate opportunity: The graduate certificate in geo-information science is an excellent introduction to the world of GIS. After successfully completing the certificate, the credits may be applied towards the MS GIS program, if all other conditions are fulfilled. 

  • Graduate assistantships: Opportunities to apply for graduate assistantships, grants, and scholarships. 

Voices from Geo-Information Science
  • Jeannette Miranda '24G

    Jeanette Miranda ‘24G

    Current GIS Graduate Student

    GIS complements my degree in Geography and my goal is to help mitigate the effects of climate change. Being a first generation student navigating college by yourself is daunting, but this program and professors have been nothing but understanding and helpful! They truly want their students to succeed.

  • Peter Wamburu '21G

    Peter Wamburu ‘21G

    Development and Operations Engineer, Trimble Inc.

    If you are looking to unlock your potential as a spatial critical thinker, SSU Geography is the place to be. With a state of the art digital geography lab and specialized GIS software and hardware, it is the perfect place for a graduate research student.

  • Jill Carr '21G

    Jill Carr ‘21G

    Coastal Data Scientist, MassBays Nat'l Estuary Partnership

    Being at the forefront of using drones for coastal mapping was exciting, and having an enthusiastic advisor helped me to persist through the challenges that come with using novel equipment and analytical tools.

overview

Curriculum 

Students matriculate through a 30-32 credit-hour program that has a thesis or a non-thesis option. Throughout their coursework, students work closely with dedicated faculty in small classroom settings and are exposed to applied spatial problems generated from ongoing research initiatives centered at the University’s Digital Geography Laboratory (DGL), the Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development and Sustainability (CEEDS), and the North Shore Policy Lab.

Careers in Geo-Information Science

Geospatial careers are among the fastest‐growing in the U.S. and world today, and geospatial jobs are currently available in every industry (American Association of Geographers, 2025, “The Geospatial Job Market”). Geospatial technology is considered to be a high-growth industry by the U.S. Department of Labor and geospatial professions (e.g., geospatial or remote sensing information scientists and technologists, GIS technicians, cartographers, and photogrammetrists), are classified by the U.S. Department of Labor as “Bright Outlook” occupations.   

US News and World Report has shown that entry-level jobs today and virtually all senior management and senior professional positions now require a master's degree. The Master of Science in Geo-Information Science degree offers opportunities to learn the skills needed in the spatial information technology workforce. 

Recent GIS Graduate Positions

Recent graduates of our program can be found in all of the following occupations, along with many others: 

  • Director of Solutions Engineering - North American & European Defense, Planet 

  • IM/GIS Consultant, World Health Organization  

  • Cartographer, State of New Hampshire 

  • Geospatial Scientist and Consulting Senior Associate, ERM 

  • GIS Administrator, Mount Auburn Cemetery 

  • GIS Specialist, Essex County Greenbelt Association 

  • GIS Technician, Eversource Energy 

  • Senior GIS Specialist, Enel Green Power North America 

  • Professional Services Consultant, Trimble Inc 

  • GIS Specialist, RCAP Solutions Inc 

  • Mapping Technician III, New York State Department of Transportation 

  • GIS Transportation Program Planner, Massachusetts Department of Transportation 

  • GIS Coordinator, Town of Pepperell, Massachusetts 

  • GIS Manager, Mass Audubon 

  • Data Scientist, City of Baltimore, Maryland 

  • GIS Manager, Town of Wilmington, Massachusetts 

  • Integration Specialist – Programmer, Northern Essex Community College 

  • Transit Coordinator, MTM Transit 

  • Senior Project Analyst, Weston & Sampson 

  • Engineer II, City of Fitchburg 

  • GIS Program Manager, Town of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts 

  • Senior Integration Developer and Reporting Analyst, Salem State University 

  • Business Intelligence Analyst/Developer, Zellis 

  • GIS Specialist, New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness 

  • Senior Program Manager – Data & Analytics, ENGIE Impact 

  • Project GIS Analyst, Epsilon Associates 

  • Engineer II, Digital Prospectors 

  • Project Manager – Wildfire Mitigation, San Diego Gas & Electric 

  • Technical Support Engineer, Anaqua 

  • Software Development Engineer, Amazon Robotics 

  • Environmental Scientist, Credere Associates, LLC 

  • Senior Survey Technician, GPI/Greenman Pedersen, Inc 

  • Senior GIS Analyst, Boston Water & Sewer Commission 

  • Senior Risk Consultant, ABS Consulting 

  • Principal Analyst – Wildfire Modeling, Verisk 

  • Senior Data Analyst, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 

  • GIS and Data Librarian, University of Maryland 

  • Information System and Technology Manager, Marblehead Light 

  • New Business Models Controller, Nestle Purina PetCare Europe 

  • President, Lincoln’'s Risk Registry 

  • Director of Planning and Community Development, Town of Braintree, 

  • Massachusetts GIS Analyst, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (hurricane modeling) 

  • GIS Technician, Central Transportation Planning Staff, Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization 

  • Geospatial Analyst, U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) 

  • GIS Manager, City of Cambridge, Massachusetts 

  • Senior Project Scientist, New England Civil Engineering Corp. 

  • Assistant Professor, University of Alabama 

  • Compliance Manager, Santander Bank 

  • Vice President, Senior Branch Channel Market Planner, Citizens 

  • Regional Operations Manager, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency 

  • Technical Lead – Integrated Mapping Applications Portal, National Grid energy utility 

  • GIS Technical Connectivity Lead, Eversource Energy 

  • GIS Engineering Technician, NiSource energy utility 

  • GIS Analyst, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. 

  • Information Technologist, Complex Research Center, University of New Hampshire 

  • GIS Coordinator, Town of Natick, Massachusetts 

  • GIS Mapping Specialist, City of Portland, Maine 

  • GIS specialist, Massachusetts Water Resource Authority 

  • GIS specialist, Town of Ipswich, Massachusetts 

Take the Next Step

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Contact Us

Want to learn more about the geo-information science program? Contact the program coordinator, Marcos Luna.

For admissions-related questions, please contact graduate admissions. 

Graduate Admissions

978.542.6200
Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5 pm
331 Lafayette St.
Second Floor,
Salem, MA 01970
Mailing Address:
352 Lafayette St.
Salem, MA 01970
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