Overview

As a student in the Geographic Information Science program of Ball State University, you’ll learn about topics as wide-ranging as natural resources, environmental science, transportation, emergency management, social science, and planning.

Students with this type of degree are in high demand by employers in a variety of industries.

What are Geographic Information Systems?

Geographic Information Systems, commonly referred to as GIS, are computer systems that acquire, manipulate, analyze, and map spatial (or geographic) data. A GIS connects a map and a database that allows powerful analysis of information related to physical spaces. By studying GIScience, you’ll understand how these systems work. This will ultimately let you use technology to have a substantial impact on society.

What You Will Learn

In the GIS curriculum, you l learn how to visualize information in ways that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends by using computer software for:

practical skills and software relevant to jobs in GIScience

underlying theory and concepts that inform the best use of GIS technology and data

project management skills from start to finish: time management, data preparation, analysis, visualization, and final reporting

communication skills, which will improve during immersive projects with peers and clients – this includes practice communicating the possibilities and outcomes of GIS analysis in plain language with non-experts

What Can You Do with a Degree in Geographic Information Science?

Geographic information science (GIS) is a multibillion-dollar industry employing people worldwide. Many public and private organizations use geographic information processing and mapping systems worldwide and college graduates with these skills are in great demand.

With this new wave of technology, you can pursue a variety of jobs, including:

natural resource and agricultural land manager

infrastructure manager

environmental engineer

environmental planner

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Cartography and Visualization of Spatial Data 1-2

Remote Sensing

Advanced GIS Analysis

GIS Applications Design and Development

GIS System Design

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-15 00:00:00 , International

More details

Nationals: An application and all required application materials must be received two weeks prior to the start of classes for a given term.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Muncie, United States

Disciplines

Geography Geographical Information Systems (GIS) View 457 other Bachelors in Geography in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.5

Average admitted student GPA.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Admission to Ball State is competitive. We review each individual application to consider your academic performance, level of course work, and English proficiency test scores

Admission criteria include the strength of your high school curriculum and your performance, curricular patterns, and if your grade trends in academic courses were positive and consistent

SAT/ACT scores are not required for admission but scores may be used to meet our English proficiency requirement

You must pay a nonrefundable application fee of U.S. $60

You must provide high school transcripts and diplomas from all institutions where you have studied in the past. They must be submitted in English or with an official translation

Passport Photocopy

Financial Documentation

No grade point average guarantees admission to Ball State. We look for applicants that have demonstrated above average grades.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

27496 USD / year

≈ 27496 USD / year
Out-of-State

27496 USD / year

≈ 27496 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8948 USD / year

≈ 8948 USD / year

Living costs

Muncie

United States

876 - 1417 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Geographic Information Science.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

What are Geographic Information Systems?

What You Will Learn

What Can You Do with a Degree in Geographic Information Science?

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Muncie

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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