Is a master’s degree in GIS worth it?

If you’re employed in the field of geographic information sciences (GIS), earning a GIS master’s degree might be on your mind.  

But is it worth the extra time (and tuition) to earn an advanced GIS degree? The benefits of earning a master’s in GIS include greater opportunities for advancement, higher earning potential, and deeper expertise in the constantly shifting GIS field. 

Let’s break down the benefits so you can decide if a master’s in GIS is worth it for you. 

Career advancement

As you consider your next step, reflect on where you’d like your career to be in 5 years. For example, do you want to lead teams or become a GIS department head – or would you rather continue in a technician or analyst role? A master’s in GIS helps you break through to those senior roles and sets you apart in today’s data-driven world.  

Not only will an advanced GIS degree help you stand out, you’ll also gain the confidence and the expertise needed to be successful in your new leadership role. Simply put, if you hope to ascend the ranks at your organization, a master’s in GIS is worth it. 

Higher salary

A leadership role comes with greater responsibility, which often means a higher salary. Advanced roles in the GIS field usually pay more, and those roles often require or prefer advanced education, like a master’s in GIS.  

For example, according to a 2024 report by the Geospatial Professional Network, roles such as Director of Geographic Information Systems or Geographic Information Officer (GIO) typically require a master’s degree, in addition to managerial training and advanced software skills. These roles top $120,000 per year on average, while the median salary for other geospatial-related roles clocks in at $100,000 nationally. 

Deeper expertise

A master’s in GIS is worth it if you’d like to deepen your knowledge and truly specialize your skillset. While Ohio State’s GIS master’s program covers foundational topics such as cartography, professional ethics, and remote sensing, you can also customize your programs with electives in topics like geospatial data management, geovisualization, project management, and Python programming. 

Ohio State’s program was designed with a strong focus on technology, evident in the curriculum: In courses like “GIS Algorithms and Programming,” students learn to develop custom GIS applications. The GIS master’s at Ohio State also prepares students to apply GIS principles in the public sector, as well as in other industries such as banking and insurance. 

Why Ohio State Online?

Ohio State’s 100% online Master of Geographic Information Science and Technology (MGIST) program is designed to prepare you for leadership roles in GIS analysis, spatial data science, remote sensing, and more, opening doors to career growth and higher earning potential. 

“With its cutting-edge coursework, this program has been the perfect opportunity to formalize my skills and grow as a GIS professional – all while continuing to serve in my current role,” confirms current student and GIS analyst Todd Schmieder. 

Whether you’re pursuing a promotion, a new path, or deeper specialization, a master’s in GIS is worth it to gain the expertise and credentials to advance with confidence. 

Ready to take the next step in your GIS career? Reach out to an Ohio State Enrollment Advisor to get started.