For people already working in the Geographic Information Systems field as a specialist or technician, a Master’s degree in Geographic Information Systems could expand their career options more than ever before.
Geographic Information Systems boils down to a method for capturing and understanding geographic data through a computer-based system. As a Geographic Information specialist, you would be responsible for maintaining and updating databases full of geographical information. This data can be used to show the resources or current wildlife in a certain area for conservation purposes. This information can also be used to construct virtual maps.
Many Geographic Information specialists work for some level of government, either locally or nationally. Their jobs can be a mix of being in a traditional office setting working on projects or working in the field. According to Payscale.com, a specialist with one to four years of experience usually clocks in around $49,000 annually – but more experience and a better degree equals more money. For Geographic Information Systems specialists with five to nine years of work experience, Payscale.com found that employees make $83,466 on an annual basis. Some of these specialists do prefer to work for themselves, and instead contract with larger companies on specific projects or initiatives. Other Geographic Information Systems technicians may work for private engineering and architectural firms.
Getting a Master’s degree in this subject could also help people climb the ladder up to an analyst position, which involves more problem solving instead of just creating up-to-date maps of specific areas. Others may prefer to go into management, overseeing the work of a team of specialists and setting goals and standards for their work.
Wondering what your options are when it comes to earning a Master’s in Geographic Information systems? We have 15 options for you to peruse. Click here to learn more.