Online MS in Geospatial Technologies

Map your future at the intersection of geography and technology

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.

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At a Glance

The online MS in Geospatial Technologies from OU Online equips you to harness the power of GIS and advanced tools like PostGIS, ArcGIS Pro, and Google Earth Engine for high-impact spatial analysis.

You’ll build a strong foundation in geospatial theory and application while developing the conceptual and professional skills to apply creative, qualitative, and mixed research methods. This program empowers you to drive informed decisions across government, environmental, business, and societal sectors using geospatial and remote sensing technologies—shaping a smarter, more sustainable future.

100% Online

Time to Complete:

21+ Months

Credit Hours:

Time Commitment:

10 to 20 Hours Weekly

start dates

Fall, Spring

cost

The MS in Geospatial Technologies delivers a strong return on investment, equipping you with the expertise to lead at the highest levels and command greater earning potential in a rapidly growing field.

Tuition and fees for the program total $33,495 ($1,015 per credit hour). Books and additional materials are not included.

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.

About the Online Geospatial Technologies Master’s Degree

From satellite and aerial imagery to GPS and GIS platforms, geospatial technologies are transforming how businesses, scientists, and policymakers understand and shape the world. These tools now drive critical decisions across industries and continents.

The OU Online MS in Geospatial Technologies is a 33-credit-hour program designed to prepare you for success in this fast-evolving field. Developed by the OU College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences and the Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability, the program delivers the geospatial insight, technical expertise, and advanced training needed to lead in a data-driven world.

Graduates will be equipped to apply geospatial and remote sensing techniques to support impactful decision-making in areas such as:

Urban planning
Natural resource management
Emergency vehicle routing
Cellular network design
Market analysis for goods and services
Natural hazard and disaster mapping
Global climate change research

A fully online, 12-credit-hour graduate certificate in Geospatial Technologies is also available and can be completed in as little as two semesters. Students can choose from two focused tracks—Geographic Information Science (GIS) or Remote Sensing.

*The full name of the degree program is an online Master of Science in Geography and Environmental Sustainability with a concentration in Geospatial Technologies. Graduates of the program will receive a Master of Science in Geography and Environmental Sustainability diploma. 

MS in Geospatial Technologies: Turn Spatial Data into Strategic Leadership

Earning an online MS in Geospatial Technologies from the University of Oklahoma positions you for advancement in the fast-growing GIS and remote sensing sector. You’ll gain the skills to accelerate your career in roles that shape how the world understands and uses spatial data. Top Career Opportunities with an Online MS in Geospatial Technologies:

GIS Analyst
GIS Manager
Intelligence Analyst
Geographer
Cartographer

Remote Sensing Scientist or Technologist
Director of Geographic Information Systems
Urban and Regional Planner
GIS Programmer
Independent Consultant

Industry insights:

Median pay: $97,200
Job outlook: Employment for geographers is projected to grow 3 percent by 2033
Job openings: An average of 1,600 openings for geographers are expected each year over the next decade

Program Outcomes: What You’ll Learn to Lead in Geospatial Technologies

OU’s online MS in Geospatial Technologies meets the rising demand for skilled leaders in GIS and remote sensing, preparing professionals to drive strategy and innovation across diverse industries.

Through this program, you will:

Build fluency in leading GIS software and emerging geospatial technologies
Analyze complex spatial data and communicate insights that drive smart, data-informed decisions
Explore advanced methods for interpreting and applying geographic data
Master the collection, management, and use of spatial data to solve real-world challenges

Course Details

The MS in Geospatial Technologies offers a comprehensive, future-focused curriculum that builds the geospatial insight, technical expertise, and advanced training needed to lead in this rapidly expanding field. You’ll explore essential industry topics and gain the skills to turn complex spatial data into actionable strategies that drive innovation and impact across sectors. *Additional GIS, Techniques, and Geography electives are also available from approved lists.

Core Courses

Research and Professional Development
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides a comprehensive background on the practice of geospatial technologies in geographic and environmental research. Students generate necessary tools for their career, like a resume and portfolio, while practicing communication skills, and exploring employment opportunities in geospatial technology-related fields. They also learn how to formulate a research proposal, including literature review, methodology, and consideration of ethics.

Thinking about Geography and Environmental Sustainability
Credit Hours: 3
Acting as a capstone to the program, this course exposes students to foundational literature in geography and environmental sustainability. Students also write an original research paper, applying the concepts and techniques acquired in the program.

Spatial Statistics
Credit Hours: 3
This course explains and demonstrates methods and techniques in spatial sampling, spatial autocorrelation, and spatial composition using RStudio. It also delves into spatially adjusted regression, local statistics, geo-statistics, and related techniques. Theoretical explanations and derivations, as well as practical applications, will be presented in the class.

Elective Courses

Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems
Credit Hours: 3
Designed to help students learn introductory to intermediate concepts of geographic information science (GIScience) and become proficient users of geographic information systems (GIS). The course covers a variety of topics but focuses on GIS data models, data structures, and spatial analysis. Teaching formats include lectures, in-class exercises, and lab exercises. No student may earn credit for both 4013 and 5013.

Fundamentals of Remote Sensing
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to the basic principles of remote sensing, image acquisition, image processing, image interpretation, and its geographic and environmental applications. Labs involve the processing of satellite, airborne, and other geospatial data in an open-source cloud computing platform to explore the concepts taught in lectures.

Advanced GIS and Spatial Analysis
Credit Hours: 3
This course expands and solidifies the GIS knowledge acquired in introductory and applied GIS classes. It focuses on highly complex geographic questions that cannot be solved in simple steps but instead require advanced GIS analysis and automation using programming R. The course is intended to prepare the student for a professional GIS position in the government or business world or a higher-level graduate position.

Advanced Remote Sensing
Credit Hours: 3
This course will introduce students to advanced topics in digital remote sensing towards understanding the theoretical and conceptual underpinnings in both aerial and satellite remote sensing. Focus will be placed on advanced active and passive sensors characteristics, digital image analysis, and processing for advanced issues in remote sensing, including new frontiers in the discipline.

GIS Applications
Credit Hours: 3
Designed to help students learn intermediate and advanced concepts of geographic information science related to a variety of socio-economic and environmental fields. Course topics may include landscape ecology and metrics, suitability modeling, binary and ranking index models, routing and network analysis, and other topics applicable to social or environmental fields. Teaching formats include both lectures and lab exercises.

Spatial Data Management for GIS Professionals
Credit Hours: 3
The goal of this course is to develop introductory computer science skills and information management literacy for GIS professionals finding work in industry. Students will learn how to capture, create, validate, and maintain spatial data for use in a professional GIS setting, and become familiar with navigating federal, local, and private online GIS data repositories for future GIS work.

Digital Image Processing
Credit Hours: 3
This course presents digital image processing techniques for sUAS (aka drones) derived and related optical imagery. It explores topics such as orthorectification, structure from motion (SfM), image analysis, and accuracy assessments, all in furtherance of geospatial activities.

GIS Applications
Credit Hours: 3
Designed to help students learn intermediate and advanced concepts of geographic information science related to a variety of socio-economic and environmental fields. Course topics may include: landscape ecology and metrics; suitability modeling; binary and ranking index models; routing and network analysis; and other topics applicable to social or environmental fields. Teaching formats include both lectures and lab exercises.

Spatial Data Management for GIS Professionals
Credit Hours: 3
The goal of this course is to develop introductory computer science skills and information management literacy for GIS professionals finding work in industry. Students will learn how to capture, create, validate, and maintain spatial data for use in a professional GIS setting, and become familiar navigating federal, local, and private online GIS data repositories for future GIS work.

Digital Image Processing
Credit Hours: 3
Theory and techniques for computer processing (digital image processing or DIP) of digital earth resources satellite imagery and incorporation into geographic information systems.

OU Online: The Edge You Need in Geospatial Technologies

OU Online delivers high-quality, affordable undergraduate and graduate programs designed for working professionals—offering the flexibility of a fully online format backed by the reputation of a top-tier public institution. The MS in Geospatial Technologies blends theory with hands-on application, equipping you with the conceptual and professional skills to apply creative, qualitative, and mixed research methods. You’ll gain the tools to better understand complex global systems and make meaningful, data-driven decisions that shape the world.

Faculty Expertise

The MS in Geospatial Technologies is powered by the expertise of world-class University of Oklahoma faculty and seasoned professors of practice who bring real-world experience into every course. By connecting students with industry leaders and academic innovators, OU Online delivers a cutting-edge curriculum that prepares you to lead with confidence and thrive in the evolving geospatial landscape.

Robust Student Support

OU Online offers robust student support services, including academic support, online tutoring, mental health counseling, and an online career development center. The program accommodates the needs of working professionals, allowing you to expand your technical skills while maintaining full-time employment.

Global Alumni Network

With more than 250,000 alumni across the world, becoming a Sooner means you’ll have access to a strong network of geospatial technologists to accelerate your career. As a Sooner, you’ll be part of a powerful network of leaders working in organizations across the world, helping you expand your geospatial technologies career.

Flexible Format

The MS in Geospatial Technologies is delivered 100 percent online in a flexible format designed for working professionals around the world. Earn your degree in as little as 21 months while balancing full-time work and personal commitments. Study from anywhere and gain specialized expertise in geospatial technologies that you can apply immediately in your career.

Tailored Experience

Move through the program as part of a small, focused cohort of professionals who share your passion for geospatial technologies. You’ll collaborate in online discussions with expert faculty and peers, building a strong professional network while developing the skills to thrive in the geospatial industry. This supportive learning environment fosters connection, career growth, and real-world impact.

The Geospatial Technologies online program at OU played a pivotal role in helping me land my current role as a GIS administrator in the water and wastewater industry. The flexibility of the online format made it possible to balance coursework with my other responsibilities, and the practical, real-world focus of the curriculum gave me the skills and confidence I needed to take the next step in my career. From spatial analysis to remote sensing and geoprocessing, everything I’ve learned has been directly applicable to my work. The faculty are supportive, and the program has truly exceeded my expectations.

Mark Hillin

MS in Geospatial Technologies

Cost & Financial Aid

Earning your MS in Geospatial Technologies is a powerful investment in your future—and OU Online is committed to making that investment accessible, affordable, and clear from day one.

Tuition for the program is $1,015 per credit hour, totaling $33,495 for the full program. Books and additional materials are not included.

Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may be available to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Our dedicated financial services team is here to support you every step of the way—so you can stay focused on your education and career goals.

Have questions about financial aid? Contact the Online Aid office at onlineaid@ou.edu or call 405-325-2929 to get personalized guidance.

Take the Next Step

To apply to the online MS in Geospatial Technologies program, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university (or the international equivalent) and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Application Timeline

The admissions committee reviews applications on a rolling basis, with decisions typically made within two weeks of receiving a completed application. While admissions may remain open until two weeks before classes begin, some programs may have earlier deadlines. Applying early is encouraged to ensure your spot and allow time for financial aid and enrollment planning.

Step 1

Contact an Enrollment Coach to discuss your qualifications and interest in the program.

Step 2

Complete the online application.

Step 3

Provide supplemental materials, including a resume, personal statement, and undergraduate transcripts. Applicants are encouraged to submit one or more of the following: reference letter, written paper or report from the last three years, or portfolio of past GIS work (if applicable).