Bachelor's in Geography – Geographic Information Science

Geographers explore both the physical properties of the earth and the human societies spread across it. The Bachelor’s in Geography — Geographic Information Science (GIS) degree, available as a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), allows you to focus your studies on the computer-based analysis of geospatial data from a variety of sources, and take more courses in GIS, remote sensing, and cartography. Whichever degree you choose, you’ll develop skills in using maps, geospatial computer programs, and remotely sensed images to answer geographic questions relevant to land use planning, urban development, geomorphic or biogeographic processes, and environmental impact assessment.

The GIS concentration is especially beneficial for those interested in careers in GIS analysis, information management, urban and environmental planning, and a wide variety of other fields that rely on the analysis of digital georeferenced data.

B.S. OR B.A. — WHICH GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE DEGREE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

The B.S. in Geography — Geographic Information Science degree requires more foundational physical and/or life science courses (such as chemistry and biology or physics) than the B.A. You’ll develop greater depth of knowledge and technical and applied skills in one narrowly focused aspect of geography.

The B.A. in Geography — Geographic Information Science degree offers a broader curriculum, with greater emphasis on analyzing issues that connect geography, climate, and humans’ place in these complex systems.

geographic information science (GIS) PROGRAM DISTINCTIONS

• You’ll have access to up-to-date geographic technology, including an oversized cartographic plotter, GPS equipment, and computers with industry-standard software programs like Arc/Info, ArcView, ERDAS Imagine, ArcGIS, Surfer, AtlasGIS, MapInfo, and ER Mapper.
• State-of-the-art laboratories — like the Carolina Tree-Ring Science Laboratory and the Regolith Analysis Laboratory — offer in-depth geographic analysis using the latest precision instruments.  
• UNC Greensboro is ranked as one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges, according to The Princeton Review, and is featured in its 2025 Green Colleges list.

THE gis STUDENT EXPERIENCE

• One of the hallmarks of UNCG’s Geography, Environment, and Sustainability Department is your ability to take summer field courses traveling to fascinating U.S. destinations like the Rocky Mountains, desert Southwest, and Pacific Northwest, as well as locations abroad like Iceland, Italy, and Southeast Asia.
• The student-led Geography Club hosts a series of speakers each year from planning departments, environmental agencies, GIS firms, and economic development companies.
• Academically high-achieving students in the B.A. in Geography — Geographic Information Systems degree may pursue Disciplinary Honors in Geography.
• Students who excel in the classroom can earn membership into UNCG’s Kappa Phi chapter of Gamma Theta Upsilon (ΓΘΥ), the international honor society in geography. 
• UNCG has an active state champion Geography Bowl team.

AFTER GRADUATIng with your degree in gis

• Bachelor’s in Geography graduates have found careers in business and industry, urban and regional planning agencies, departments of federal and state governments, and teaching.
• Our Bachelor’s in Geography — Geographic Information Science degree is an excellent foundation for advanced graduate studies — such as our top-ranked online Master’s in Sustainability and Environment and our graduate Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (PBC) program — or professional training in planning, business, or law.
• Potential career paths include:
  • GIS Analyst
  • Emergency Management Planner
  • Environmental Planner
  • Remote Sensing Analyst
  • Transportation Manager
  • Urban/City Planner
  • Educator

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