Geographic Information Science

The Geographic Information Science (GIS) concentration within the MPI program offers a compelling opportunity in today’s dynamic data-driven landscape. With a significant portion of available datasets being spatial or easily transformable into spatial references, students specializing in GIS learn to acquire, analyze, visualize, and share this critical information. These skills not only empower professionals in making informed decisions in fields such as public administration and environmental studies, but also serve as a powerful communication tool, enabling the creation of both static and interactive maps. The growing need for GIS expertise is evident in the public sector, where accurate mapping and spatial analysis are essential for urban planning, disaster management, and public services. By completing the requirements of this concentration, students enhance their portfolio with valuable skills and gain insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with working with spatial data.

Concentration Requirements

• Three 3-credit courses for Bloustein Master of Public Informatics (MPI) students
  OR
• Four 3-credit courses for the Artificial Intelligence Certificate (non-MPI students)

Since the Bloustein School is only one of the homes at Rutgers for spatial analysis and mapping, courses in the Department of Geography and the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences are included in the selection of elective courses below.

Required Courses

For the GIS Concentration

• 34:816:651 Intro to GIS for Public Informatics OR 34:970:595 Command-Line GIS
• 34:970:592 Topics in GIS

For the GIS Certificate (Non-MPI students)

• As approved by concentration chair or advisor.

Elective Course (Choose one)

• A broad range of courses available from Bloustein and Other colleges at Rutgers – Students will coordinate with their advisors / Concentration Chair to select a suitable elective.

The Geographic Information Science (GIS) concentration is suitable for:

The Public Informatics Geographic Information Science (GIS) concentration is suitable for students with undergraduate degrees or currently enrolled in a graduate degree program in any field with necessary quantitative skills related to spatial data.

Why invest in the Geographic Information Science (GIS) concentration?

• Develop expertise on Geographic Information Science (GIS) applications for public good
• Acquire specialized skills on spatial analysis in public informatics domains
• Capitalize on the critical importance of GIS in data-driven governance and planning

The increasing demand for Geographic Information Science (GIS) in the public sector is evident in the robust growth projected for the North America GIS market. The market is estimated to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 16.22% between 2022 and 2027, with a forecasted increase of $4,999.08 million. This growth is driven by the rising applications of GIS solutions, particularly in disaster management, emphasizing the critical role GIS plays in enhancing emergency response and preparedness. In the UK, the government’s unveiling of the UK Geospatial Strategy 2030 underscores the strategic importance of GIS in unlocking economic benefits through harnessing location data and technologies. This initiative aims to leverage AI, satellite imaging, and real-time data across key sectors such as property, transport, and utilities, showcasing the diverse applications and potential economic gains associated with GIS adoption. Simultaneously, the US government’s launch of the GIS Assessment Project reflects a commitment to understanding and optimizing the use of GIS in emergency response system 911. The insights gathered from this project are instrumental in establishing the Next Generation 911 (NG911) system, ensuring nationwide GIS data-sharing that is interconnected and interoperable, thereby enhancing emergency communication and response capabilities on a national scale.

Why study Geographic Information Science (GIS)?

Graduates of the Bloustein Master of Public Informatics Geographic Information Science (GIS) concentration can tap into opportunities in geographic information systems, regional planning, and environmental analysis.

• Cartography and photogrammetry jobs are expected to grow by 5% from 2022 to 2023, which is faster than the average growth of jobs.
• About 1,000 openings for cartographers and photogrammetrists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.