The Geographic Information Science program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities required by today's highly competitive and highly paid geospatial job market.
The Geographic Information Science degree program enables students to apply computing, physical science, and mathematical principles (including multivariate calculus and differential equations) to design and build physical systems to model the Earth. Our students are educated to gather geospatial data via remote sensing and land surveying then convert this data, along with other geospatial data resources, into manageable digital maps and databases for display and analysis. A career in the geospatial industry is a student's opportunity to explore the world and utilize the latest computer technologies and sciences. In addition to many careers in the geospatial industry, all graduates are eligible to take the licensing examination for Surveyor in Training (SIT) and, ultimately, Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS).
The Geographic Information Science and Geospatial Systems Engineering Programs are located in the Conrad Blucher Institute for Surveying and Science at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. The institute conducts innovative research and encourages scientists and professional engineers to develop and apply technology solutions relevant to surveying, scientific measurements, and to the issues in the Gulf of Mexico region. The Institute has achieved and maintains a national reputation for developing innovative geospatial science research and serves as a focused resource area for geospatial datasets relevant to the coastal environment.
Why Study GIS and Geomatics at TAMU-CC?
- High paying jobs. Nearly all of our students have job offers well before completing their degree. The average annual salaries for graduating students with less than a year of experience are approximately $43,000 for GIS Analysts, and $52,000 for surveyors. Past graduates with approximately five years of experience report an average salary of $65,000.
- Preparation to join a fast growing field. The Geospatial field has been identified as the fastest growing industry in the United States by the Department of Labor. Our degree programs have graduated successful students who have joined this dynamic industry since 1998. Our students have successfully transitioned into graduate school, business ownership, professional licensure, and many leadership positions.
- Graduates in Demand. The average age of Registered Professional Land Surveyors (RPLS) in Texas is 57 years old. In fact, there are more RPLSs currently practicing that are over the age of 70 than there are practicing under the age of 40. As the average age of the RPLS continues to increase, the need for young surveyors continues to be critical.
- Accredited. Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi offers the only combined geomatics and GIS focused Bachelor of Science Degree in Geographic Information Science in the nation that is also accredited by the Applied Science Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
- Feedback from industry professionals. Our Undergraduate Degree Program has an Academic Advising Committee composed of members of the geospatial industry. The Committee was established to provide a link between the professions and the Geographic Information Science program at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. The Committee meets twice a year and offers ideas and input to further develop the GISc program, and make suggestions for a quality curriculum that will produce well-rounded, highly qualified graduates.
