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GIS Graduate Programs
The University of Southern California’s accelerated GIS graduate programs are unique in higher education. Designed and taught by world-renowned faculty, a USC GIS education offers a multidisciplinary framework for understanding and applying spatial information to modern business, government, military and organizational challenges.
USC offers:
- Six master’s programs that can be completed in 24 months
- Four graduate certificate programs that can be completed in as little as eight months
Each program combines education in research and theory with extensive hands-on experience. Students learn to use the latest data sourcing techniques, leveraging the best GIS software and working with spatial data in a real-world context. Graduates will be able to go beyond basic analysis of GIS data; they will be adept at developing solutions for some of the industry’s most complex problems.
Simply put, we provide a comprehensive, sophisticated GIS education that you can’t get anywhere else.
This video was created in 2019 and may contain out-of-date information.
Learn More About USC’s GIS Graduate Programs
Our master’s programs and graduate certificates offer options for individuals of all backgrounds, from people just beginning their career to career changers to industry veterans. The geospatial leadership graduate certificate is specifically designed for experienced GIS professionals who are interested in managerial positions.
If you have questions about any of our graduate GIS programs, please contact an enrollment specialist.
Why Choose USC for Your GIS Graduate Program
Whether you study remotely or on campus, USC GIS graduate students are part of the Trojan community. This means you not only receive an education from a top-ranked independent university, you benefit from a combination of professional networking, academic rigor and personal attention that few other GIS programs can offer.
Key advantages of USC GIS programs include:
- Personal interactions with fellow GIS professionals and mentorship from our distinguished faculty
- Accelerated, flexible formats designed for working professionals
- Hands-on experience with industry software and tools such as ArcGIS Pro
- Opportunities to develop and execute your own GIS projects
- Access to both lectures on campus or through our virtual course delivery system
Request a Brochure
To learn more about the University of Southern California's GIS Graduate Programs and download a free brochure. If you have any additional questions, please call 213-325-2474 to speak to an enrollment specialist.
GIS Career Outlook
Professionals with the vision and insight to address major global challenges and make innovative breakthroughs with GIS are in high demand across numerous industries, in government and military operations, and not-for-profit organizations around the world. In addition to commanding rising salaries, GIS professionals contribute to solutions at the very heart of human security and well-being.
"The best part about my experience at USC is that through the help of GIST professors, I have a great job as a significant contributor to critical humanitarian mapping projects, while also having a paleontological and geological-based thesis project that is completely different. It is the best of both worlds for me — geoscience and helping to save lives."
– Kacey Johnson Pham, M.S. in GIST, Class of 2015, GIS Manager at International Medical Corps
