Geographic Information Science (GIS)

Changing the World One Map at a Time

About Us

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) emphasis in the Geography Program at MSU Denver provides students with the theoretical knowledge and technical training to become proficient in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), mapmaking and data management in order to define and solve problems in the real world. We offer a minor and certificate in GIS. Our Program includes a dedicated GIS open computer laboratory in addition to a GIS teaching lab, the latest software and devices for working with spatial data, and offers a wide range of classes to enable students to develop mastery in the discipline.

Why MSU Denver?

MSU Denver’s Geography-GIS emphasis will provide you with a deep understanding of Geographic Information Systems, which is the foundation of modern mapping and spatial technologies including GPS, web mapping and augmented reality.

GIS is used in almost every industry and field including environmental science, wildlife biology, criminal justice, anthropology, sociology, health information, and business analysis. As an MSU Denver Geography student emphasizing GIS, you will take classes in spatial modeling, GIS applications, cartography, visualization, spatial databases, GIS programming and GIS web mapping. Equipped with this knowledge combined with hands-on experience in advanced geospatial toolkits, you will develop skills that meet the demand for a fast-changing, high-tech GIS career.

The MSU Denver Geography-GIS emphasis program has a dedicated GIS open computer laboratory in addition to a GIS teaching lab and the latest software and devices for working with spatial data. The program also maintains an active GIS Club, which presents hands-on workshops, mapathons, social gatherings and other events.

Geography-GIS emphasis open a world of opportunities. These are some careers you might pursue with a GIS degree:

Geographers are among the government officials, community leaders, activists, researchers, and business people who use data-driven research to develop solutions to complex environmental, social, economic, and political problems. Geography is unique in bridging the social sciences and the natural sciences, and in providing geospatial analyses of environmental and socio-economic problems. The program provides a foundation for understanding problems and implementing equitable solutions to improve the quality of human-environment dynamics. Engagement in environmental, social justice and ethical issues is facilitated through applied research and learning in the Denver Metropolitan Area. The Geography curriculum combines fundamental courses in natural and social systems and geospatial science with specialized electives within four disciplinary sub-fields – Political Economy Approaches to Sustainability, Geographic Information Science, Physical Geography, and Planning. Students have flexibility in choosing courses and pursuing their areas of interest. The major prepares students for professional careers in both the private and public sectors as well as for graduate studies.

The mission of the Geography Program is to: 

1. Provide a multidisciplinary education guided by multi-scale geographical approaches that emphasize human-environment interactions, sustainability, spatial analysis, and solutions to socio-economic and environmental inequities;
2. Facilitate students’ community engagement in environmental, social justice and ethical issues through research and learning in the Denver Metropolitan Area;
3. Develop problem solving skills through critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. 

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Examine the relationships between human and physical systems. 
2. Demonstrate competency in both writing and oral presentation of geographic information. 
3. Evaluate geographical information for its appropriateness for practical uses, such as decision-making and problem solving. 
4. Select and apply analytic tools to examine spatial issues, problems, and conflicts. 
5. Design, plan, and evaluate solutions for complex multi-dimensional geographical problems.