With the U.S. geospatial analytics market expected to grow about 10% annually, reaching about $17 billion in 2029, New Mexico State University’s Department of Geography and Environmental Studies mobilizes to meet the challenge.
The department is launching a fully online Master of Science in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIS&T), which is expected to welcome its first cohort in fall 2025. Offered through the NMSU Global Campus, the program is designed to meet the needs working professionals and recent graduates.
“This program is 100% online and asynchronous, making it ideal for professionals looking to advance their careers or for those entering the world of geospatial work,” said Michaela Buenemann, professor of geography and environment at NMSU and head of the academic department. “Students can earn their degree anywhere, study at their own pace, and tailor their courses to suit their interests, all while maintaining their current job.
“We are also committed to expanding access to higher education for New Mexico students, including those in rural and underserved areas, to help build a skilled geospatial workforce that meets the diverse needs of the State,” she added.
Geospatial professionals are in high demand across the country, with GIS&T expertise playing a vital role in sectors ranging from local to federal government, businesses and corporations, non-governmental organizations, and 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 United States, geospatial professionals are key players in planning and zoning, property assessment and taxation, emergency management, parks and recreation, and public services. health and social,” Buenemann said. “Their expertise is also essential to address challenges such as natural resource management and climate change adaptation and mitigation. In the private sector, applications range from mapping, aerial imagery and environmental consulting to surveying and engineering, logistics and supply chain management, and surveys. market and public opinion.
With growing opportunities in areas such as climate adaptation, smart city development and renewable energy, GIS&T professionals are increasingly essential to meeting modern challenges. In New Mexico, this demand is reflected in projected 18% employment 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 growing rapidly,” Buenemann said, “and this program is designed to help meet that demand while promoting workforce development and economic growth, particularly in New -Mexico. »
The 30-31 credit program offers a multidisciplinary and applied approach. Core courses cover basic and advanced topics in cartography, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, programming, spatial analysis and modeling, with hands-on exercises drawn from fields such as geography, urban and regional planning , conservation ecology, environmental sciences. , public health, surveying and geomatics, and computer science.
In a capstone project, students work with an external sponsor—such as a government agency, business, or nonprofit organization—to solve a real-world problem through a research project. This hands-on experience guides students through each stage of inquiry, from conceptualization and planning to implementation, management, and reporting results with accuracy and impact.
“Our students will gain geospatial and transferable knowledge and skills that will prepare them for leadership roles in diverse sectors and professional fields, as well as doctoral programs. It also allows them to build professional networks and gain knowledge about industry practices,” Buenemann said.
Buenemann highlighted the program’s unique position in 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 more expensive. Our online format and affordable tuition make our program an attractive option for students in New Mexico and beyond.
The new GIS&T program builds on the long and successful experience of the applied geography master’s program in the NMSU Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, which also launched a collaborative Ph.D. program in geography with the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of New Mexico in fall 2020.
With its flexibility, affordability and real-world orientation, the program offers a unique opportunity to advance in a career 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/
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CUT: NMSU geography students engaged in field training using unmanned aerial systems (drones) for aerial imaging and field spectroradiometers for recording spectral data of grasses, soils and other materials. (Courtesy photo)
CUTLINE: Michaela Buenemann is professor and head of the department of geography and environmental studies at New Mexico State University. The department offers a new online Master of Science degree in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIS&T). (Courtesy photo)
CUT TO: Department of Geography and Environmental Studies alumni at the New Mexico Geographic Information Council (NMGIC) fall 2024 meeting. Top row from left: Robert Kracht, Adam Ratliff, Daniel Estrada, Rebecca Martin, Alejandro Samaniego, Alma Pacheco, Zach Edwards, Racheal Tovar and Carol Campbell. Bottom row from left: Trenton Bianchi, Kristen Hestir and Dennis McCarville. (Courtesy photo)