Overview

The Geographic Information Science programme at the University of Minnesota provides students with the theoretical and practical expertise required to excel in the rapidly growing field of geospatial technology. This degree focuses on using advanced tools to understand and manage the complexities of modern economic, environmental, and social systems.

Students engage with a curriculum designed to address real-world challenges, such as natural hazard mitigation and urban planning. By utilising satellite and drone technologies, the programme prepares you to monitor environmental changes and inform sustainable adaptation strategies for various industries and global communities.

Why Geographic Information Science at University of Minnesota?

The university offers a personalised learning environment with small class sizes, typically under 20 students, ensuring direct attention from expert faculty. A dedicated laboratory staffed by experienced students provides constant support for technical queries and hands-on project work.

The curriculum is continually updated based on annual assessments by industry professionals, ensuring that the skills taught align with current employer demands. Students also benefit from extensive experiential learning opportunities, including a mandatory internship, independent study options, and potential teaching assistantships.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 20950 per year
National fee: USD 20950 per year
Local fee: USD 15200 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on the application of geospatial technologies to create sustainable solutions. Modules may include:

Geographic Information Science
Remote Sensing
Spatial Analysis
Geospatial Technologies
Environmental Monitoring
Urban Forecasting
Research Methods
Professional Experiences

Careers with Geographic Information Science

Graduates from this programme are highly sought after by employers in both the public and private sectors. Many students secure roles in environmental and social-service consulting firms, as well as local, regional, and national government organisations. The skills gained are also applicable to non-governmental organisations and land management agencies.

Common career paths include roles as GIS practitioners, urban planners, and environmental consultants. Students have successfully completed internships and found employment with organisations such as the City of Duluth, the State of Minnesota, and various mining and natural resource research institutes.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Learning in Community

The Physical Geography OR Geology and Earth Systems

College Writing

Mathematics and Statistics Course

Oral Communication & Languages

Geographic Information Science I: Theory and Analysis

Distributed Geographic Information Services: Mobile and Web Based Solutions OR Geoprocessing with Python

GIS Data Capture & Management

Cultural Diversity in the US

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-14 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-15 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Duluth, United States

Disciplines

Geography Geographical Information Systems (GIS) View 453 other Bachelors in Geography in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

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

High school transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for currently enrolled students who have not graduated.

Senior year (12th grade) course schedule, if not included on the transcript.

If applicable, college or university transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for currently enrolled students.

ACT/SAT scores (optional)

Grade trends and academic rigor

Personal Statement

Specific courses taken

Submit a one-time $50 non-refundable application fee.

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

20950 USD / year

≈ 20950 USD / year
Out-of-State

20950 USD / year

≈ 20950 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

15200 USD / year

≈ 15200 USD / year

Additional Details

International: the cost includes tuition and fees and is for last year. Costs are calculated differently due to visa requirements.

Living costs

Duluth

United States

965 - 1380 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

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

Additional Details

Living costs

Duluth

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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