Over 90
Students have completed over 90 research presentations in the last five years at academic conferences.
Bachelor of Arts in Geographic Information Systems
Uncover deeper insights about the world around us. The geographic information systems (GIS) degree program at the University of St. Thomas provides you with the skills and tools you need to communicate, analyze and solve complex problems around the world.
Why study Geographic Information Systems at St. Thomas?
Our interdisciplinary approach means you will utilize knowledge from the physical and social sciences, as well as the humanities, throughout your time at St. Thomas. We promote collaborative research between students and faculty, internships, student research grants and service learning. You graduate with strong problem solving, critical thinking, data analysis, communication and collaboration skills, making you a versatile employee for any industry. Our graduates are working in multiple sectors, including government, private business and education.
A new perspective
Course Requirements
You start by taking human geography, exploring several different effects on the world from a geographic perspective. You then complete coursework focusing on how globalization influences the unique character and culture of other countries. You will supplement your knowledge with classes in geology, remote sensing and global health. It culminates with a capstone research project with a local community organization.
Four-Year Plan
We recommend connecting with a member of our faculty to plan your career at St. Thomas. For more information about geography coursework view a Sample Degree Plan.
Degrees Awarded
Bachelor of Arts in Geography – Geographic Information Systems
Minor in Geographic Information Systems
Certificate in Geographic Information Systems
Internships and Research
All students work closely on real-world projects with community partners, such as the Nature Conservancy, Great River Greening and the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota. Many of our students also complete internships to gain practical experience. Past internships have been with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Brightside Produce, St. Paul Regional Water Service and Three Rivers Park District.
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
You start by taking human geography, exploring several different effects on the world from a geographic perspective. You then complete coursework focusing on how globalization influences the unique character and culture of other countries. You will supplement your knowledge with classes in geology, remote sensing and global health. It culminates with a capstone research project with a local community organization.
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
We recommend connecting with a member of our faculty to plan your career at St. Thomas. For more information about geography coursework view a Sample Degree Plan.
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
Bachelor of Arts in Geography – Geographic Information Systems
Minor in Geographic Information Systems
Certificate in Geographic Information Systems
Internships and Research
Internships and Research
All students work closely on real-world projects with community partners, such as the Nature Conservancy, Great River Greening and the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota. Many of our students also complete internships to gain practical experience. Past internships have been with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Brightside Produce, St. Paul Regional Water Service and Three Rivers Park District.
Curious about the world around us
Our faculty, students and alumni are traveling the world, applying their knowledge and skills to address complex issues.
Dr. Paul Lorah
Dr. Lorah's research interests primarily focus on the economic value of the wilderness and national parks. He uses geographic information systems technology to model the environmental quality and effectiveness of federal land management policies. He is an active conservationist as well, collaborating with students to write multiple grants resulting in over $200,000 for various conservation projects such as an oak forest restoration project.
Alice Ready and Emma Rinn
Alice and Emma used drones to discover how aerial images can gather data and support the work of the Minnesota Nature Conservancy. Collaborating with Dr. Paul Lorah, Emma and Alice gathered and analyzed data that continues to provide information to the Nature Conservancy for years to come. Alice and Emma also became registered commercial drone pilots with the Federal Aviation Administration.
Career Paths
We give you the tools and knowledge you need to work in a variety of different industries after graduation.
- Cartography
- Urban Planning
- Surveying
- GIS Consulting
- Military Intelligence
- Academia
Practical experiences inside and outside of the classroom
You will have access to numerous opportunities for mentorship, research and more inside and outside of the classroom with our program.
Grants
Students have earned multiple grants over the last few years, including two Sustainability Scholars Grant and two McNair Scholars Awards.
Collaborative research
We promote research projects to all students in our program, and faculty are always eager to get you involved with what they are studying.
Faculty with Real Experience
Dr. Paul Lorah
Dr. Lorah focuses on the economic value of national parks and the wilderness.
Dr. David Kelley
Dr. Kelley is interested in environmental analysis, landscape evolution and environmental management.
Vast knowledge. Versatile skills.
The interdisciplinary nature of our program will develop your knowledge and skills in various fields.
Connecting Locally
As part of a community art grant and the SOLV Initiative in the College of Arts and Sciences, geography students have been surveying the Midway Neighborhood to examine its environment and its impact on its citizens as the surrounding area undergoes economic development.
See the World
There are multiple opportunities to go abroad in our program. For example, students recently had the opportunity to participate in doing fieldwork at a Roman archaeological site on an island off the coast of Croatia.
Make an Impact
Our students are actively involved in collaborative research projects with faculty, using their knowledge and skills to make a difference in society.
Lead Change for the Future
Students have led efforts to write several grants generating over $200,000 for sustainability initiatives.
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.