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By University HQ Staff Writers
Edited by Evelyn Keener
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Overview of a Associates in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is an expanding field that combines Big Data analysis with geospatial technologies, including cartography and GPS. GIS professionals work with dynamic geographic data, analyzing trends like continental drift or environmental events such as forest fires. Online Associate in GIS programs provide the skills needed to excel in this exciting career, blending data science with environmental and geographical applications to solve real-world problems. This degree offers a pathway to a variety of roles in both the public and private sectors.

If you have an interest in geographic information systems (GIS), now is the time to get started on your academic journey. There is much to learn and explore and this page endeavors to serve as a guide for your education and subsequent career in GIS. An associate applied science degree in GIS prepares students to get started in this fascinating field. And a more advanced science degree program or GIS program, such as a bachelor's degree, may or may not be required to compete and move forward in GIS. Some of the courses that you might take in a GIS program will include the following subjects:

  • General Education Courses
  • Remote Sensing
  • Global Positioning
  • Geography and Cartography
  • Big Data and Data Technology
  • Urban Planning
  • And More

PROS

An Associate in Applied Science in GIS can be completed in two years with full-time study, providing the skills needed to begin a career in GIS. Graduates can quickly gain valuable experience as GIS technicians or in technical services. This degree opens doors to various job opportunities and helps professionals grow in the field, preparing them for career advancement.

Another positive aspect of an associate degree program in GIS is that you can build on your two-year degree when you pursue a four-year bachelor's degree in geographic information systems (GIS) or a similar field. You'll not only have solid academics backing your application, but you'll also have the practical knowledge that admissions counselors love to see.

Spending time in the GIS field before committing to a bachelor's degree allows you to assess your interests and make informed decisions about your career. A two-year associate degree provides the chance to explore your options and gain clarity on whether to pursue further education or adjust your career path.

CONS

While an associate degree in GIS can quickly launch your career, there are limitations. One major drawback is the inability to pursue additional certifications, which can significantly enhance your job prospects and salary potential. With only an associate degree, advancing beyond technician-level roles may be challenging, as higher positions typically require further education or specialized certifications to increase your qualifications and career growth opportunities.

To advance, you'll need to return to college for a baccalaureate degree program. That means you'll need to find a program, apply, and then make sure you have ample time for your studies. Since your salary will be capped at the technician level, financing a second degree, even if students attend college courses online rather than physical classes, might be difficult.

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Top 5 Best Online Associate in Geographic Information Systems Programs

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1

Bismarck State College

Score: 83.23

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $5,195
    • Out-of-State:$7,279
  • Net Price: $11,309
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 67%
  • Graduation Rate: 51%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,771
  • Undergrad Students: 3,771
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Bismarck State College
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
2

Roane State Community College

Score: 65.73

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,762
    • Out-of-State:$18,622
  • Net Price: $4,573
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 56%
  • Graduation Rate: 33%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,457
  • Undergrad Students: 4,457
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $36,100
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Roane State Community College
3

Columbus State Community College

Score: 59.31

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $5,338
    • Out-of-State:$10,917
  • Net Price: $6,964
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Graduation Rate: 26%
  • Total Enrollment: 25,129
  • Undergrad Students: 25,129
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $38,300
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Columbus State Community College
4

Rio Hondo College

Score: 59.3

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $1,388
    • Out-of-State:$9,884
  • Net Price: $6,099
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 25%
  • Total Enrollment: 16,139
  • Undergrad Students: 16,139
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $37,400
  • Student-to-faculty: 29:1
  • Rio Hondo College
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5

Harrisburg Area Community College

Score: 50.3

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,918
    • Out-of-State:$11,400
  • Net Price: $9,991
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 53%
  • Graduation Rate: 16%
  • Total Enrollment: 12,576
  • Undergrad Students: 12,576
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $42,100
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Harrisburg Area Community College
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Certificate vs. Associates

There are programs that offer both a certificate and an associate degree in geographic information systems. While the associate degree takes at least two years, a certificate program can get you to work in approximately one year. However, there are advantages to spending more time to complete an associate degree. If you don't yet have a degree, you are better served by spending more time to complete an associate degree. Degree holding GIS professionals earn more and have better job prospects over the long-haul. On the other hand, if you have a related associates or bachelor's degree, a certificate could be a great way to jump start your GIS career.

What Associate Degrees are Available?

    • Associate of Science in Geographic Information Systems
      An Associate of Science in Geographic Information Systems is perhaps the most prevalent two-year degree in GIS. These degrees are said to look better on a resume, since many connect an Associate of Arts with humanities subjects. Whether or not this is fair, or even valid, is up for discussion. When you compare degrees, look first at the course offerings. After all, some programs offer an option for students to have either an AA or AS degree emblazoned on their diploma.
    • Associate of Applied Science in Geographic Information Systems
      An AAS in GIS will serve you very well when you look for a technician job. Applied Science degrees tend to focus on job training skills rather than the learning outcomes that four-year colleges look for. Therefore, investigate whether your AAS credits will transfer in case you decide to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree later on.
    • Associate of Arts in Geographic Information Systems
      An AA degree is often interchangeable with an AS, however there can be distinctions. Generally speaking, an AS degree will focus primarily on learning outcomes that align with STEM subjects rather than humanities topics.

Find Your Online Geographic Information Systems Program

GIS Associate Admission Requirements

Depending on the program, you will likely only need a high school diploma and satisfactory SAT (or ACT) scores to enter a GIS program at the two-year level. However, some schools may have prerequisite courses or even a minimum GPA requirement. You should be certain that the field is for you, however. If you have a strong background in mathematics and computer science, this could be the field for you. For instance, if you completed at least Calculus I in high school or are competent with at least one computer programming language, such as Java or Python, you likely have the aptitude to pursue GIS.

How long does it take to earn this degree?

Associate degrees in GIS are generally designed to take two years to complete. However, many students take up to four years to complete their degree. While this may be acceptable to the department, you should still strive to graduate within the prescribed two-year time frame. After all, a two-year degree will offer good, but limited, job prospects. For that reason, you should focus on finishing in a timely fashion so that you can get to the real work of your career as quickly as possible. After all, you will likely want to progress toward a baccalaureate degree so that you can take your career even farther.

Potential Careers in Geographic Information with an Associates

  • Geographic Information Systems Analyst:
    This position is a good place to start with an AS degree in GIS, though you will likely be in competition with four-year degree holders. You'll need to be able to code in Python and have a familiarity with common GIS software packages such as ArcGIS. The average salary for this job description is $55,200.
  • GIS Mapping Technician:
    Though you can land a position as a mapping technician with only a high school diploma, an AS in GIS will put you ahead of the pack. While the average salary for this position is $41,200, a two-year degree is sure to put you at the higher end of the scale.
  • GIS Specialist:
    When you have mastered coding in Python and working in ArcGIS, your salary in this position will rise significantly. While professionals in this position have degrees ranging from a two-year associate to a master's degree, an associate degree should help you earn the average salary of $53,300.
  • Information Technology Specialist:
    To excel in this position, you will need at least an associate degree in Information Technology, but a GIS degree may also help. On the other hand, some enter the IT field without an academic degree, but they usually have achieved an industry certification. The average salary for IT Specialists is, $57,900.
  • Database Administrator:
    A large part of a GIS career involves work with databases and Big Data. For that reason, there is crossover with database administration. In this job you'll maintain, build, and provide end-user permissions for your firm or clients. You'll need to master SQL and other specific technologies, but your GIS background should be a fantastic starting point. The average salary for database administrators is $74,000.

Options to Advance

To get ahead in this field, you should consider first completing a baccalaureate degree in the field. From there, you can pursue professional certifications that will bolster your resume and help you stand out above the pack. You can also consider regularly maintaining your knowledge and skills by attending conferences or formal classes that will reinforce your knowledge while keeping you current with the latest technology.

You can also earn certificates in related skills that will help you do your job even better. For instance, a certificate in database management might help you earn up to 20% more. You'll also want to stay current with the latest versions of Python and ArcGIS. You can also pursue a certification in big data, which is increasingly important across the business spectrum.

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