By Tyler Hansen
Sept. 11, 2018
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Geographic analysis and geospatial technology are present in every aspect of modern life in our interconnected world, and there are many career opportunities for professionals who have the know-how to solve the most pressing problems facing our environment, society and economy.
To meet the demand for geography and geospatial professionals in the national job market, Oregon State University now offers a bachelor’s degree in geography and geospatial science 100 percent online, giving learners everywhere access to highly transferable skills in order to harness the power of “big data” analysis and geovisualization and build a career in almost any field or economic sector.
Geography is central to many important global matters including land-use planning, conflict resolution and global security, and adaptation to climate change. Geospatial science applies techniques such as web mapping, remote sensing and geographic information science (GIScience) to address a broad range of critical environmental, social and economic issues.
The program – offered by Oregon State’s renowned College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences and delivered online by nationally ranked OSU Ecampus – puts an emphasis on using spatial data to impact the Earth’s environment, its peoples and its places. There is a focus on human-environment relations with an international perspective aimed at enhancing global awareness.
“In this era of information technology and challenging social and environmental issues, our B.S. in Geography and Geospatial Science will open doors to exciting careers and lifelong learning.”
The coursework is designed to help students address challenges including those related to business, environment and natural resources, defense, transportation, natural hazards and public safety.
“In this era of information technology and challenging social and environmental issues, our B.S. in Geography and Geospatial Science will open doors to exciting careers and lifelong learning,” said Julia Jones, professor and director of the GGS program in OSU’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences.
Using the latest geospatial science tools, geographic knowledge and experiential learning, graduates of this program will be well-prepared for future-proofed careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, geographers had a high median salary of $76,860 in 2017, while cartography and photogrammetry are among the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S. with 19 percent job growth expected through 2026.
Oregon State is a member of The University Consortium for Geographic Information Science, and OSU’s GIScience undergraduate certificate and graduate certificate are among the leading online GIS programs nationally.
Students can apply to the program now, with classes set to begin with Oregon State’s winter term on Jan. 7, 2019.
