Geospatial Analysis – B.S.
Turn Spatial Data Into Solutions for the Real World
Geospatial analysis is mapping, but so much more. Learn to use spatial data to understand places and solve real-world problems. Develop valuable technical and analytical skills – and launch a career in government, environmental science, planning, intelligence, technology, and more.
Paths of Study
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
- Major
Explore:
What You’ll Study
At UMW, you’ll combine geography with technologies like geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, satellite positioning, and programming to tackle questions that matter to communities, organizations, and the environment.
Sample course topics include:
- GISC 250 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Cartography
- GISC 351 Spatial Analysis
- GISC 340 Remote Sensing and Air Photo Interpretation
- GISC 355 Mobile Geographic Information Systems and Global Navigation Satellite Systems
For a full list of courses in acting, visit the Academic Catalog.
Why Geospatial Analysis Matters at UMW
Build technical expertise in spatial analysis and geospatial technologies while putting those skills to work on real-world problems. UMW’s location provides access to a strong market for geospatial careers, with opportunities in federal, state, and local government and intelligence agencies, technology companies, and more.
Program Highlights
Put Your Skills to Work
Take what you learn in the classroom into the community. UMW students have mapped and analyzed environmental contamination near the Mattaponi Indian Reservation, assessed the legacy of racially restrictive property deed covenants in Fredericksburg, and helped create Fredericksburg’s Civil Rights Trail and Stafford County’s African American Heritage Trail.
Map the Future of Our Communities
Students use LiDAR and mobile GIS to assess historic earthworks for the National Park Service and create maps for Spotsylvania County Public Schools. On campus, students and faculty build geospatial databases to support safety, emergency response, accessibility, and future planning at UMW.
Build Your Professional Network
Tap into a strong network of UMW geography and geospatial alumni who connect students with internships and career opportunities. Graduates work for federal agencies such as the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and U.S. Geological Survey; state and local governments; and companies such as Esri and Blue Raster.
Career Outcomes
The B.S. in Geospatial Analysis prepares you to put spatial data to work across government, business, environmental science, planning, intelligence, technology, and other fields. Graduates can pursue careers as GIS analysts and developers, geospatial specialists, cartographers, remote sensing analysts, planners, intelligence analysts, and other data- and mapping-focused professionals.
Scholarships
Geospatial Analysis majors are eligible for two departmental scholarships:
- The Explore Geography Scholarships are awarded to new majors who have completed between 2 and 4 courses in the program.
- The Marshall E. Bowen Scholarship is typically awarded to a rising senior to recognize their achievements and contributions to the Geography Department.