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Geography Education: Going in the Right Direction with GIS


New Geography technology is changing the way we locate ourselves, transforming the paper map into an accessible online database of information. Geographic information systems make it possible to track crime frequency in big cities, get directions anywhere, and even map endangered species. Getting your geography education with GIS training places you in a promising market where your only direction is up.

A Geography Job with Computers

A geography education examines the earth's environments, societies, landscapes and social structures and teaches you how to understand the world as a system. With a master degree in geographic information systems, you will learn how to distribute this same information into one large computer system: an online database where maps and people's questions find each other.

Online Degree: Get Your Geography Education at Home

When you pursue your master degree in GIS through an online degree program, you give yourself the time and flexibility to learn the fundamental skills and applications needed for growth in this field. In a GIS degree program, you learn:
  • Fundamental geography information
  • How to develop GIS databases
  • Applying GIS to the environment
  • Cartography and using GIS to problem solve

Master Degree Increases Your Opportunities

The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes GIS professionals as members of a growing and progressive field but also acknowledges that breaking into a more specialized geography job requires GIS training at the master degree level. You can earn an online degree at a university that offers extensive geography education opportunities, such as gaining experience through an internship or fieldwork.

Find out about GIS technologies online and learn about the diverse career opportunities you can access when you pursue this exciting facet of geography education.

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About the Author
Marianne Salina is a freelance writer in Spokane, Washington. She has a B.A. in Literature and Creative Writing from UC Santa Cruz and writes about various educational pursuits as a First Stop Online Degree columnist.