The Geographic Information Science degree program at KSU is one of the few GIS undergraduate programs in the country. This program offers the integration of practical GIS skills with scientific, technological and contextual knowledge. Courses in the GIS major provide an appropriate background in information technology with principles of environmental and planning tools to better prepare students for current and future demands in the job market.

The GIS program provides distinctive opportunities to our graduates in both the GIS industry job market and in continuing their education in graduate schools. The increasing demand of local private firms and public sector agencies for students with GIS skills is the evidence that our students are in demand. The general academic formation and the GIS theoretical and practical foundations provided to our students allow them the possibility of accessing graduate programs that focus in GIS applications.

Two areas of concentration are available within the GIS degree program:

•Environmental: The environmental concentration focuses on natural resource management theories and applications of GIS. GIS is routinely used in environmental impact statements and assessments, forestry, hydrology, biology, geology, and pollution studies.

•Urban Planning: The urban concentration focuses on urban planning and management applications of GIS. In this setting, GIS is commonly used for planning and zoning, utilities (water, sewer, electricity, and phone), emergency services, and traffic management. This is the largest field for GIS applications.

Students who have completed the GIS certificate program can incorporate these courses into their degree program.