Do I Need a Degree in Geographic Information Systems

[@seaysol]

Hi Katie and GIS friends! A few weeks ago I received my Bachelors in Geography with Geospatial Technology Concentration and minor in Biology at the University of Central Arkansas I highly recommended the program for those looking for schools. My first couple research projects were unpaid and was mostly basic data entry/cleaning data sets but thankfully due to that experience I was able to get a paid for another research project last summer that lasted about a year. I was able to work with drones and got lots of experience with analyzing Landsat imagery. Last December I was also able to get an internship at my states department of transportation in the Environmental section, currently an intern GIS/Data Management. I am in the process of interviewing for their full-time position. In the section, half of people don’t have a degree in GIS but rather in Biology or computer science, they started to lean towards GIS in their past jobs that worked with GIS a bit. Though the higher positions here do have Geography/GIS degrees. Also I want to point out like you briefly mentioned in your video that just because you get a geography degree does not mean you will learn GIS skills, look at the rubric and ensure there are GIS, field techniques, remote sensing, etc because just having a geography degree with no GIS skills will not land you a GIS job. I wish I discovered your videos sooner, I have been following for about a year now!

[@amandataub842]

The question of whether someone needs a GIS or a geography degree to get into the GIS profession can depend on what country you are seeking for your job. In the US, employers tend to want a bachelor's degree at the very least for a beginning qualification. That bachelor's can be paired with a GIS certificate if the degree is not in GIS. In some other countries, I have seen that employers are more accepting of employees only having a certificate, however more education may be needed to rise in the company. Management positions may request that applicants have Master's degrees. Academic positions tend to request Master's, to PhD, to post doc. You as the employee need to do your research as to your interests and goals to find out the specific requirements for your career. One last thing, if you go into any technology field, be a lifelong learner! Tech changes. Work changes. The questions you analyze change. You must be prepared for those changes!

[@maxmcdonald4628]

Hello everyone! I have a BA in business but I got my masters in GIS. I love the industry so I didn’t matter the subject matter of my job so long as I was doing spatial analysis or spatial data management. My first and current job in the GIS industry is for a water utilities company. I manage the spatial database for two of our contracts and produce map layouts for projects or our clients, while exploring spatial analysis options/extensions for ArcMap that the company pursues to better our rehabilitation processes for the contracts we have.

[@maxmcdonald4628]

My only experience was my education in master level geospatial workflows and theory, ESRI software and coding.

[@thomasrquintero]

Hey Katie, thank you so much for this video. Your content is just what I needed to see right now. Thank you. I just recently graduated with a B.S. in geology and didn't take a remote sensing class until the second semester of my senior year. It turns out that remote sensing is something I really enjoy! I've noticed though that although I am really pumped about the field of remote sensing and GIS (not to mention cool stuff like drone flying and LiDAR), I lack coding skills like python and JavaScript (for GEE and other applications). Would it be worth pursuing a Master's in remote sensing and GIS to learn and apply these skills? I have also noticed that the pathway of pay scales on the GIS career ladder goes from GIS tech, to GIS analyst, to GIS developer, to GIS manager. In your opinion, do I need to become a coding wizard with a CS degree to move ahead in this career path past an analyst position?

[@thomasrquintero]

Hey, just watched your video on advice for students in college and it sort of answered parts of my questions. I think my big takeaway is being more focused on internships and volunteer experiences that will expose me to learning more about machine learning and programming. Thanks for all of your hard work Katie!

[@KatieScheurer]

I’m glad you were able to find some answers. Your geology degree will take you a long way, mine has done well for me! Get out and start working then figure out if you need more degrees/certifications to get to the next level.

[@alexandra6430]

I have a bachelors in business information systems and GIS sounds super interesting to me. It sounds like my knowledge of databases may have applications in GIS. I've always been interested in database design, analysis, big data, etc. Sounds like this knowledge may be useful in the GIS private sector, and in that case my business knowledge and my (admittedly kinda limited) coding knowledge may be a plus too

[@fourmeow9609]

I’m in a similar situation too!

[@larissaaboh1679]

I wish to ask if someone with health background can work with GIS

[@gh00stie62]

Thank you for this video. I stumbled across GIS during my NR bachelor's course and got a minor in GIS & spatial studies. I would really like to go for a masters in GIS and have been on the fence for quite some time, knowing it will cost another 30k. But you've given me some good places to start looking and I appreciate it!

[@sammymarrco2]

what should you do if you dont know what you want to do, but have liked maps for almost a decade.

[@ildiko4047]

thank you my starting my final year in environmental science and just started a 5 months short course on GIS online to give me a foundation. I'm very interested in levelling up with GIS. thank you for your help :).

[@ziintle]

Hi! If you don’t mind me asking, which GIS short course have you started?

[@ildiko4047]

@@ziintle it’s a specialised course on Coursera

[@gradyelmore7710]

I've a BS in Geology and have an interview coming up with my local government as a GIS analyst. I have limited relevant knowledge and experience aside from course work. However, I am looking to change that. I have a strong a desire to be an active member of the community and help make positive changes. Thank you for the videos. I'll probably be watching all of them over the next few days as well as any others I can find. If, by some miracle, I happen to get this job I've no doubt I'll be looking to expand my skill set and industry knowledge. Any helpful information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again.

[@KatieScheurer]

Check out the job descriptions for clues on software and industry priorities. Then research these. Having a small knowledge to answer and better yet ASK educated questions will show you are interested and committed to putting in the work to learn.

[@gradyelmore7710]

That's great advice. Thank you!

[@ASAPKING313]

Still looking for my post degree job. Got it in GIS but it seems like everyone wants at least 3 years

[@KatieScheurer]

Start applying even if you don’t have the 3years. You never know where you will fit or if that is a hard requirement unless you apply. If you get an interview do your research on the company and practice. Have examples that show your skills

[@lunaleja100]

Katie, me encanta escucharte siempre. Saludos desde Colombia.

[@nathangood4009]

Thanks for your videos, they are very helpful! Im in remote sensing with UAVs for agricultural R&D. I use some GIS (looking to expand career to be more GIS focused). I have qualifications in Marine Science and Environmental Management, having various experiences and networking has taken me to this current role. Currently, I find the positions in the market are experience focused, but some do look for computer/data science background, my crazy list of experiences are not necessarily what the HRs are looking for - however, that will not deter me! :)

[@agrophile2095]

Hello sir, How can I contact you. I need some answers.

[@reggiekarssiens1176]

Hi katie im 21 and a narcist and i adore your video. There is so much information in there that i can use for my career. Which i dont have hahaha. But i want better my life (in earning money because i didnt do this in comparison to how much i partied) and start focussing more on GIS. Natural Hazards may something, but i do not know if im gonna be able to live with how many dead people will cross by if i also need to focus on the news etc. Because think of if we would be able to map emotions ( it was in a ted talk, but i cant remember te name of the woman ) Okay at least thank you for this making this video. Hope you do well !

[@jaredtaylor632]

Great Answer, it depends. I went the route of Graduate Certificate in a program that allowed me to pursue a Master’s in GIS concurrently. This was at Northern Arizona University. I got my current GIS job at a water utility because of my experience and knowledge in GIS. Before my graduate program I took MOOCs and worked with GIS in my biology work. Like you said, it all depends on multiple factors. Being personable is one of the biggest I think.

[@KatieScheurer]

Yes being personable is very important.

[@Ezster69]

I got a BS in Geography this summer. I want to go into GIS. I honestly had no idea the Industry doesn't use GIS as a keyword. I'm considering It and planning, but I definitely need to do more research in what I want to do.

[@KatieScheurer]

Ezzys Nails there still are many positions mainly in public sector which do use GIS in job titles but there has been a strong movement away from this. So if you are looking for something in the private sector you will want to expand you search with different keywords.

[@books4493]

I would like to use GIS at marine policy as well as investment in blue economy. my goal to build Artificial Intelligence strategy.

[@m.kaddouri]

Nice to see you Katie

[@najibahmed5958]

Hey Katie, Thank you for the information . I wish I knew some this before taking my degree. I recently graduate with a BSc in Geography and a concentration in GIS (October 2019). I'm interested in going into urban panning/ community development sector. I have not heard back from any of the companies I've applied to . I was wondering if you had any useful advice on getting an entry job and how I could build my experience/skills?

[@melr1720]

I would look into getting your ICC Permit Technician Certification. You have that on you resume you can apply for Permit Technician, Planning Technician, Land Use Technician, Community Development Technician etc. All which are entry level planning jobs

[@edgewaterjr]

How did the search go? Any updates?

[@nelsonmayo8856]

I got a geography degree and I am interested in GIS and data analysis

[@egates]

If I'm 56 with 30 years in software support and implementation (financial and identity), what would you recommend to transition into GIS

[@Wayclarke]

Hey Katie! I hope you don't mind some feedback on a question related to whether I need a degree or not to work in the field. I would work in Europe however but I would still appreciate any thoughts! I've been suffering from health issues since a long time that set back my education and work experience severely (~10 years) due to a sleep disorder. In the past two years I've had successful treatment however and have been catching up on my education. I am well aware of how this will negatively affect my prospects but I am determined to try to improve my possibilities and as part of catching up I discovered a love for geography. Due to being older than most people entering the job market I am currently considering a two year vocational rather than getting a degree. This vocational is entirely focused on GIS and programming. How attractive would I be with a vocational education as compared to a degree in the earth sciences?

[@Godedu1]

Hi, I am curious. Does GIS relate to Real estate, land development, and construction?

[@yahirrangel2204]

Or construction management

[@sammymarrco2]

definitely

[@j2393T]

Great information, thank you! I have a BS in Civil Engineering (few courses in urban planning with focus in environmental and water eng.), completed a certificate program in GIS half a year ago and currently learning Python and a bit of QGIS. What industries could I possibly and potentially look into? Is disaster response or emergency management an option for me? Last one, do you know any freelance Spatial Analysts and what their day is typically like (hours, pros/cons, sustainable, etc.)? Thank you in advance! (:

[@TOCR815]

You'd be a shoe-in for a water/wastewater utility and in the public sector you'd be employed full-time. The only "freelance" analysts I know of are consultants who work for a private firm. It doesn't sound like that's what you're actually looking for though.

[@melr1720]

If you have AutoCAD experience or courses, you can apply for the city as an Engineering Technician. We use AutoCAD as well as GIS

[@alkeshjangid9249]

Is both GIS and GIS developer different?

[@buannelgeosolution]

In simple terms, GIS is the software and GIS developer creates GIS apps and GIS software.

[@alkeshjangid9249]

@@buannelgeosolution I'm a Geology student, is I'm eligible for GIS Developer post?

[@KatieScheurer]

They are different. A GIS developer will work developing application that use GIS data. These positions typically require computer science experience. This would be a very different skill set than a geology degree will give you.

[@buannelgeosolution]

@@alkeshjangid9249 You would want to sharpen your programming skills. Preferably get a Computer Science degree with specialization in programming. Then get some more education in GIS. Finally combine the CS and GIS skills to become GIS developer.

[@alkeshjangid9249]

@@KatieScheurer ohk... Thank you so much ma'am!!

[@kristinalabrie6027]

I love your videos. You always say the right things. I am less than a year away from a degree in Geosciences with a concentration in Geospatial Technology. I did exactly what you recommended. I want a career in GIS used for areas relating to climate change or Earth processes. And I will need a degree, possibly even a Masters in GIS. That is my plan. The education will give me experience and skills necessary for the field I want to be in. Thank you so much for all your videos! You are a great inspiration!

[@KatieScheurer]

I’m glad you are enjoying them and find the info helpful!

[@Whatsername868]

Hi! Curious, have you found a job now?, or did you continue with your Masters?

[@mohamedsaleh2062]

what Is the online course do you recommend to start a career in GIS ??

[@dwmedi21]

Thanks for the information! Would a bachelors in Environment, Sustainability, and Geography and a minor in computer information systems be a good major? I’m also getting a GIS certificate. My second plan would be to major in International business and a certificate in GIS. Which do you recommend? Thanks

[@KatieScheurer]

David it is really up to you. They would lead to different positions between businesses analytics and more traditional GIS. Research the job websites and LinkedIn to see what positions are more interesting.

[@alexguzman3183]

Hello! I am a middle eastern studies major and am doing my project on microbus systems in Cairo. There is an organization that maps the system with GIS and it has made me fascinated in looking at urban mobility this way. Is it too late for me? I’m a second semester senior and am taking an introduction to GIS graduate course. What would my next steps be after this?

[@KatieScheurer]

No it’s never too late. I got my bs in geology then got into GIS. GIS is also a great way to enhance other careers which can allow you to make maps but also have variety of your chosen career. I would talk to your advisors for positions or internships you can get that have mapping and see if you like it enough to do it every day or keep it as a tool you can use to complete other work.

[@binwoods23]

I just want a stable job that allows me to pay my rent and transportation. I don’t want a degree because I’ve not done well in school. Would a Geographic Information Systems - Certificate allow me to get a stable job?

[@funkyskunk1]

Would a bachelor's in Anthropology along with a GIS certificate be enough to get a job in GIS?

[@FashionInstra]

hello mam'm I m from India wanted to know that which sector is good to start first government or cooperate sectors?

[@mwmingram]

Good advice.

[@bigmicahlittle]

youre videos are great. i am a senior graduating in environmental science with a minor in GIS and I really want to work with GIS. I graduate in a week and it feels still hopeless. Do I need a masters in GIS? It feels like I just keep applying to jobs and not hearing anything back. I don't know how to get a foot in the door with no real world experience. Any recommendations?

[@olarewajuaishat6720]

Hi Katie, I finished from Geology some years back and I have interest in Gis, what kind of online course would you recommend. Thank you

[@babagbemijohn6185]

Hello Aishat, Hope you've ventured into that ?

[@akawiangel]

I’m planning on graduating with my BA in human geography this spring. My biggest worry is that I completed the coursework for my gis certificate but didn’t pass one of the classes in the certificate for me to obtain it. If I retake the class I will not graduate in time. Any advice whether if I should just get my bachelors degree and have the coursework and experience on my resume even though I came really close to getting my gis certificate? Would I still be qualified to get an entry level gis technician job?

[@KatieScheurer]

The degree is important. I never completed my paperwork to get my certification either and I didn’t finish my master. But I have the knowledge and I made sure that came through in my interviews and application. The experience is what matters.

[@yahirrangel2204]

Would this help if iam pursuing a degree in construction management?

[@hrishikamoitra1757]

I am currently pursuing a bachelors in Earth Science...however I really love GIS and wish to be a GIS consultant...is a masters required?

[@tushabesamuel5583]

I have a degree in commerce, but still looking for a job.

[@keyurlukhi734]

I had architecture degree and going to have gis certification. Is it good for for me ? @Katie

[@filip4900]

I'm majoring in Economics and minoring in Business Analytics, looking to go into market research/analytics. I recently heard about GIS but unfortunately I'm almost done with college so too late to study it here. Is it normal for people to study an unrelated subject and get a GIS certificate later in their careers?

[@KatieScheurer]

Yes it is very normal. Many people find GIS after studying other things and it’s better to have domain knowledge and apply GIS in my experience.

[@filip4900]

@@KatieScheurer Great! Thanks for the reply. Have you seen many people use GIS for marketing or business analytics? I thought using it for political consulting could also be interesting.

[@KatieScheurer]

@@filip4900 GIS and mapping are used a lot in political analytics and need to be handled with care to communicate without manipulation. Many businesses are turning to GIS to track customer needs, supply chains, marketing, and many other things.

[@filip4900]

@@KatieScheurer I might well get a certificate :) Thanks for your insight!

[@kumulonline490]

Hi Im a GIS still looking for job almost 2 years now after leaving colleges

[@melr1720]

Contract companies like Apex Systems are always hiring. Good way to get some experience

[@ananyadas8077]

I got a BS.C & M.Sc in Geography from India. I want to go into GIS. and i did GIS course from Michigan state University and doing also ESRI certification , learning python programming.Can you please tell me what type of work do i need to apply for GIS Industry level .I am planning, but I definitely need to do more research in what I want to do. My professor said to me for jump to GIS field(based on present market) i need to stick on Python programming language if i want. Please suggest me what position i need to looking for what type of work has done in GIS industry level i am quite interests for GIS analytical work, remote sensing work or anything i should to learn?

[@KatieScheurer]

Ananya Das you should start researching on a job listing site. Search for GIS, spatial, geospatial, remote sensing, image processing, data analysis, or any other keywords you come across. Read the job descriptions and find some that are interesting and you would mostly qualify for. You can start filling in the gaps or just start applying. Even if you don’t meet all the requirements.

[@ananyadas8077]

@@KatieScheurer thank you so much

[@_MattyG_]

Just started Community college for a certificate. I don’t want to get a degree but I might have too after watching this. Yikes!

[@Neverland13]

I'm currently an entry level civil engineer with 2 year experience. I found an opening in my company for an associate level GIS analyst. I fit all the requirements and used GIS in one of my semester projects in uni which was cool. The reason I want to leave engineering is because of large scale projects and teams i have to deal with + my industry focuses on topics I didn't fully understand during uni . I honestly enjoy working with a small team and with maps. So what do you think, should i leave engineering for GIS?

[@keyshlaclass9881]

Where do you live?

[@manishaunak9459]

Hi Katie, Myself Manikant, Actually I have seen your video to learn Arcgis online free, so i have login it, but concren is how to start first. Will you support me.

[@KatieScheurer]

Check out Esri’s free training online. It will walk you through the beginning but giving yourself a project and figuring things out is the best way to learn.

[@marwanyousif-ls8gb]

I'm in the hill , after I saw your page ,I'm in heaven and you're my angel.

[@jjpp846]

Can an architect become a gis analyst? I like so much geography

[@KatieScheurer]

Certainly if you put in the work.

[@GaxtonOkobah]

In my country you need degree for anything else you may not be well valued.

[@everyonecanbefascist]

I guess you don't have to have a degree of GIS, BUT when your competitor has a relevant degree, then you are out.