Explore the World with Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Delve into the dynamic field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with our minor program. GIS combines geography, technology and data analysis to unlock the power of location-based insights.

Quick Facts

Credit Hours
17

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Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar

Now Enrolling

Apply by Date:
Agosto 10, 2026

Start Date:
Agosto 24, 2026

Apply Today!

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Review admission requirements

No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.

International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.

Complete your application

An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.

Send your official transcripts

Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Submit required statements/writing sample

If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.

Pay your application fee

You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.

Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;

International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.

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Courses & Catalog Information

Career Outlook & Potential Earnings

Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Bright Outlook

Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide

Median Annual Wage $116,580
Wage Range $55,940 – $188,470
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Bright Outlook

Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geograph

Median Annual Wage $81,390
Wage Range $53,740 – $126,950
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Writing
Typical Education: Post-secondary certificate, Bachelor’s degree, Some college, no degree

Remote Sensing Technicians

Apply remote sensing technologies to assist scientists in areas such as natural resources, urban planning, or homeland security. May prepare flight plans or sensor configurations for flight trips.

Median Annual Wage $62,280
Wage Range $39,000 – $102,690
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Critical Thinking
  • Mathematics
  • Reading Comprehension
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Associate’s degree

Hydrologic Technicians

Collect and organize data concerning the distribution and circulation of ground and surface water, and data on its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Measure and report on flow rates and g

Median Annual Wage $64,790
Wage Range $44,950 – $100,480
Projected Growth Below Average

Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Bright Outlook

Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, minin

Median Annual Wage $54,240
Wage Range $37,520 – $81,630
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Mathematics

Geodetic Surveyors

Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.

Median Annual Wage $75,440
Wage Range $46,880 – $125,590
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Mathematics
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Some college, no degree
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2026-08-24
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