With the U.S. geospatial analytics market projected to grow by about 10% annually, reaching approximately $17 billion in 2029, New Mexico State University's Department of Geography and Environmental Studies is stepping up to meet the challenge.

The department is launching a fully online Master of Science degree in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIS&T), set to welcome its first cohort in Fall 2025. Offered through the NMSU Global Campus, the program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals and recent graduates.

"This program is 100% online and asynchronous, making it ideal for working professionals looking to advance their careers or for those entering the geospatial workforce," said Michaela Buenemann, NMSU Geography and Environmental professor and academic department head. "Students can earn their degree from anywhere, study at their own pace, and tailor their coursework to align with their interests – all while maintaining their current employment.

"We are also committed to expanding access to advanced education for students across New Mexico, including those in rural and underserved areas, to help build a skilled geospatial workforce that meets the state's diverse needs," she added.

Geospatial professionals are in high demand across the country, with GIS&T expertise playing a critical role in sectors ranging from local to federal government, businesses and corporations, and non-governmental organizations to academic and research institutions. These professionals contribute to diverse applications, making GIS&T indispensable for solving complex challenges in human and natural systems, from short-term decision-making to long-term resource sustainability.

"In many cities and counties across the U.S., geospatial professionals are key players in planning and zoning, property valuation and taxation, emergency management, parks and recreation, and health and human services," Buenemann said. "Their expertise is also vital for addressing challenges such as natural resource management and climate change adaptation and mitigation. In the private sector, applications range from mapping, aerial imaging and environmental consulting to surveying and engineering, logistics and supply chain management, and market and public opinion research."

With opportunities growing in areas like climate adaptation, smart city development and renewable energy, GIS&T professionals are increasingly essential for overcoming modern challenges. In New Mexico, this demand is reflected in a projected 18% job growth for geographic information technologists and technicians over the next five years, with an average annual salary of $95,000.

"The need for GIS&T expertise is expanding rapidly," Buenemann said, "and this program is designed to help meet that demand while fostering workforce development and economic growth, especially in New Mexico."

The 30-31credit program offers a multidisciplinary and applied approach. Core courses cover basic and advanced topics in cartography, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, programming and spatial analysis and modeling, with hands-on exercises that draw from fields such as geography, urban and regional planning, conservation ecology, environmental science, public health, surveying and geomatics, and computer science.

Through a capstone project, students work with an external sponsor – such as a government agency, business, or non-profit – to tackle a real-world problem through a research project. This hands-on experience guides students through every stage of investigation, from conceptualization and planning to implementation, management, and the communication of findings with accuracy and impact.

"Our students will acquire geospatial and transferable knowledge and skills that prepare them for leadership roles in diverse professional sectors and domains, as well as for doctoral programs. It also allows them to build professional networks and gain insights into industry practices," Buenemann said.

Buenemann emphasized the program's unique position within New Mexico's higher education landscape.

"There are no comparable master's programs in the state. The closest similar programs are in Arizona and are 1.5 to 2 times as expensive. Our online format and affordable tuition make our program a compelling option for students in New Mexico and beyond."

The new GIS&T program builds on the long and successful track record of the Master of Applied Geography program in the NMSU Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, which also launched a collaborative Ph.D. program in geography with the University of New Mexico's Department of Geography and Environmental Studies in fall 2020.

With its flexibility, affordability and real-world focus, the program offers a unique opportunity to advance careers or join the growing geospatial field. To learn more about the GIS&T master's degree and the opportunities it offers, visit https://global.nmsu.edu/degree-programs/masters/geographic-information-science-and-technology-gist/


The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nmsu-offers-new-online-master-s-in-geographic-information-science-and-technology/s/f3e208de-e03e-48bf-b24f-3d545c726119