Geographic Information Science and Technology, BS
Do you want to impact the way we understand our world? The field of geographic information science and technology (GIST) is central to the way we innovate, blending geography, technology, and data to solve real-world challenges. From mapping climate change impacts to designing smarter cities, GIST professionals are leading the way to a more sustainable, connected future. Learn how you can be a part of shaping the direction forward.
Program Overview
A BS in geographic information science and technology (GIST) prepares students to use technology to collect and model spatial data in the environment.
This program is ideal for students with an interest in using technology to better understand how Earth’s features physically change, and humans’ impact on these processes. If you’re fascinated with visualizing data for real-world impact and problem-solving, this program will equip you with the tools to succeed.
You will learn about topics like cartography, remote sensing, geospatial mapping, and the applications of computer science to GIST, while also gaining hands-on skills in GIST programming and technology. Plus, with our accelerated combined BA/MS degree option and our plethora of minors, you have endless pathways to ensure your education aligns with your future goals.
Accelerated Combined BS / MS
Our program offers an accelerated combined BS/MS program that allows students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. Undergraduate students take up to 9 credit hours of graduate coursework that counts towards both their BS and MS degrees. This flexible pathway allows you to tailor your education any way you see fit.
This program allows students to earn a BS in Geographic Information Science and Technology and an MS in geography.
Minors
The Department of Geography and Sustainability offers a minor in geographic information science for students who want to enhance their primary field of study with geospatial and remote sensing knowledge.
A complete list of minors offered by the Department of Geography and Sustainability includes:
- Geographic Information Science Minor
- Geography Minor
- Climate Change Minor
- Sustainability Minor
- Urban Studies Minor
- Applications of Uncrewed Aerial Systems Minor
Why Study Geographic Information Science and Technology?
A bachelor’s degree in geographic information science and technology equips you with hands-on research experience and excellent opportunities to gain practical skills in GIST. With community partnerships around the state and the possibility to study abroad, you can learn about GIST in the local Knoxville community and beyond, preparing you to contribute to impactful research and make a meaningful difference.
Engage in Hands-On Research
Our program has two research facilities for students to gain experience in GIST: the GIS Outreach and Engagement Lab and the Geographic Information (GIS) Science Lab. You will gain practical skills in geospatial mapping, remote sensing, and data visualization that will help you stand out.
Extensive Community Partnerships
Our students are encouraged to participate in internships with some of our many community partners: the Oak Ridge National Lab, the Tennessee Geographic Alliance, the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, the West TN River Basin Authority (WRTBA), and more.
Learn About Global GIST
Our students benefit from our program’s extensive involvement in study abroad. As recently as 2025, 11 of our undergraduate students visited Uvita, Costa Rica, and used their GIS skills to contribute to urban planning and environmental studies in the area.
What Can You Do with a BS in Geographic Information Science and Technology After Graduation?
A degree in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) prepares students for a wide range of careers by building skills in data science, data management, spatial thinking, geography, and more. Students get to explore sub disciplines such as transportation logistics, remote sensing, and resource and environmental management to further their study. You will get training in foundational skills (spatial, statistical, and mathematical analysis) and technical skills (spatial mapping, modeling, analytics), with hands-on opportunities to apply them to real-world problems and applications. Alumni go on to be professionals in the field at multiple levels, in public, private, and nonprofit organizations, as well as academic research.
GIST is a wide-ranging career opportunity, with a need for GIST in almost every field. In technology and data, you could become a GIS developer, GIS analyst, GIS database administrator, surveying and mapping technician, or remote sensing specialist. In environment and resources, you could become an environmental consultant or environmental scientist. With your skills in spatial thinking, you could become a geospatial intelligence analyst or spatial data scientist. You could also work in urban planning, as an urban or regional planner or cartographer. Other alumni become emergency management specialists, public health analysts, or geospatial software developers. Employers like local, state, and federal governments, as well as nonprofits and research or consulting organizations, are in high demand for graduates in this discipline. Your time as a GIST major at UT will prepare you to step into these fields with the knowledge and experience you need to succeed.
Featured Courses
GEOG 111 Our Digital Earth
This course explores the impact of geographic information technologies on our lives and on society. What geospatial technologies like GPS and geo-located data enable people, businesses and governments to do, and how our lives are influenced for better or for worse in terms of privacy, personal freedoms, convenience, economics, politics, and security.
GEOG 312 First Steps in GIS Programming
This course is ideal for first-time GIS programmers. Design and implement simple to complex sequences of calculations on geospatial information. Use Python scripts to automate GIS data preparation, analysis, and mapping.
GEOG 421 Maps, Society, Power
Students will explore maps as historical and contemporary technologies of social power and resistance; the wider political lives and place-making power of maps; and ethical and social justice implications of cartography and geospatial analysis.
GEOG 425 Human Dimension in GIScience
In this course, students will learn the connections and interactions between GIS&T and society range in scale from institutions and business enterprises down to the individual level. This course covers fundamental drivers behind those interconnections (e.g., political, economic, legal, and cultural). Topics include how rapidly developing GI technology and infrastructures generate various forms of public GIS practice as part of citizen science and VGI and social media.
Complementary Minors and Certificates
Looking to enhance your degree? Consider these programs as a complement to your primary major.
Looking For More Options?
The College of Arts and Sciences offers students the broadest range of academic programs and opportunities for research and creative activities at the University of Tennessee, powered by faculty expertise across every discipline.
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