Master of Applied Geography (M.A.Geo.) Major in Geographic Information Science | Texas State University

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 15-1299.02

Skills

Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive ListeningSpeakingComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingWritingSocial Perceptiveness

Knowledge

GeographyComputers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageMathematicsDesign

Abilities

Oral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingNear VisionOral ExpressionProblem SensitivityVisualizationSpeech Recognition

Tasks

Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Infor
Design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, using GIS ha
Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.

Technology

Data base user interface and query softwareDocument management softwareDevelopment environment softwareVideo creation and editing softwareGraphics or photo imaging software

Tools

Computer data input scannersComputer laser printersComputer serversDesktop computersDigital camerasDigitizersGlobal positioning system GPS receiversLaptop computersLarge-format plottersLaser facsimile machinesLight detection and ranging LIDAR systemsMainframe computersMulti-line telephone systemsPersonal computersPhotocopying equipment

Work Values

AchievementIndependenceWorking ConditionsRecognitionSupportRelationships

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium15-1299.02	Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: advanced (Level 4)(based on Master's Degree)

Enterprise GIS strategy — define and implement across an organization, aligning spatial data infrastructure with business objectives and long-term technology roadmaps.
GIS competency frameworks and training curricula — develop and deliver to build technical capability across junior and mid-level technician staff at an organizational scale.
Geospatial data governance policies — establish including metadata standards, access controls, and data lifecycle management to ensure enterprise-wide data quality.
Cross-functional project teams — lead by coordinating GIS technicians, software developers, and subject-matter experts on large-scale mapping or analytics initiatives.
Novel GIS research and development initiatives — direct by evaluating emerging spatial technologies, piloting new analytical methods, and driving adoption of innovations.
Stakeholder relationships — cultivate at senior levels by translating complex geospatial capabilities into strategic value for executive decision-makers and external partners.
Organization-wide GIS platform architecture — design and oversee including server infrastructure, web services, and mobile data collection systems for enterprise deployment.
Quality assurance frameworks — author and enforce for all spatial data products organization-wide, setting measurable accuracy and completeness standards.
Budget planning and resource allocation — lead for GIS programs by forecasting technology, staffing, and training investments aligned to departmental or agency priorities.
Interdisciplinary collaboration — orchestrate between GIS, engineering, environmental science, and policy teams to deliver integrated spatial intelligence solutions at regional or national scale.

Course Pathway

50 courses in this program

150 courses