Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are computer-based tools that facilitate analysis of geospatial data (for example, data on soils, water resources, climate, terrain, land use, wildlife and human populations). Students specializing in GIS learn how to build such systems and how to apply GIS in land-suitability modeling, risk assessment, decision support, conservation planning, landscape ecology and other areas. The GIS program area is closely linked and integrated with the specialization in remote sensing.

The School of Natural Resources is housed in the newly renovated Hardin Hall on UNL’s beautiful East Campus. The new building has excellent laboratory, office and classroom facilities to support research, teaching and outreach regarding natural resources. In addition, students have access to the most modern hardware and software for geospatial data processing, including ArcGIS, ArcView and related products. Instruction and research in GIS is carried out in collaboration with the Center for Advanced Land Management Information Technologies (CALMIT).

Faculty Point-of-Contact

If you are interested in the Geographic Information Systems graduate specialization, please feel free to contact the following SNR faculty member:

Dr. James Merchant

Advising Faculty

Example Courses

  • Advanced Techniques in Geographic Information Systems
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
  • Seminar in Geographic Information Systems

Admission Requirements

All potential SNR M.S. graduate students must meet the following minimum requirements or provide the requested information:

  • A bachelor’s degree with a background that includes at least one course in each of the following disciplines with a minimum of eight courses total:
    • Mathematics (must include one semester of Calculus)
    • Physics
    • Chemistry
    • Life Sciences (Agronomy, Biology, Ecology, Forestry, Wetlands, etc.)
    • Earth Sciences (Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography, Soils, etc.)
  • GRE with minimum recommended scores of 1120 for Verbal and Quantitative copmbined and 4.0 for Analytical Writing.
  • TOEFL score of 550 paper-, 213 computer- or 79 web-based (applies only to international applicants for whom English is not the first language)
  • GPA of 3.0 (on a 4-point system)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose

Program Requirements

Print a document containing complete program requirements.

Demand for GIS specialists is increasing in virtually all public agencies that deal with natural resources, in private consulting firms and in academia.  For examples of career opportunities, see http://www.esri.com/industries/index.html and http://www.gjc.org/

Natural Resource
Sciences Program
Specializations