TOPIC:

Hello, all!

I have been struggling to identify a bachelor's level program that would be suit my needs as a GIS professional. I am currently enrolled in a computer science/software application development program, and would like to shift OUT of the land of coding. My second thought is to enroll in a Database Management program, which is less coding and more relating and querying databases. What kind of bachelor's degrees have you all obtained? History? Geography? Archaeology?... I am trying to get an idea of the diversity of GIS professionals educational backgrounds.

I appreciate your posts!

-Matt Bussler

I had done by Bachelors in Anthropology, it set me up for my background that I use in Historic Preservation. I'm finishing up my Masters in Native American Leadership this semester. I'm thinking of doing another Masters in Archaeology in the next 5 or 10 years. Another good one might be Native American Studies if you plan on working for your Tribe long term.

GIS is a powerful tool for assisting with whatever specialty you or your job focuses on, so I'd recommend you go with something that you enjoy and think of how you could use GIS to relate those topics. What is your goal for yourself? What do you have interest in or gain better perspective in? Then think of how you can relate GIS to that topic and how it can benefit your job or your Tribe.

Keep in mind I'm not a "GIS Professional", I just use parts of GIS to meet the needs of my Tribal Members.

Many universities offer bachelor's degrees in geography. However, it sounds like you are looking for more than just the normal intro, applied, advanced, and statistical GIS coursework. So, I would suggest you look for universities that offer a BS in GIScience. Penn State has a very good GIScience program as well as the University of Texas at Dallas. Here are some links for additional information:
www.utdallas.edu/epps/gis/dl/BS%20FAQs.pdf
www.cheyney.edu/social-behavioral-scienc...ormation-science.cfm
www.geog.psu.edu/research/giscience