Cities are systems of tremendous, ever-evolving complexity. Responsibly guiding an area’s development requires spatial information that’s robust, nuanced and constantly updated, as well as the problem-solving skills to apply that information. This challenge has made geographic information science and technology (GIST) invaluable to urban planners. Spatial data points the way to improving quality of life and building sustainable communities, while geographic information science (GIS) professionals use spatial thinking to transform that data into actionable insight and solutions. What Is The Rol ..read more

GIS certifications validate an individual’s knowledge and skills within specific areas of GIS such as the applications of GIS or geospatial intelligence. Given the number of different options, it can be difficult to determine which provide the most benefit to you— especially when you start to examine both graduate certificates and professional GIS certifications. While not all careers within GIS require specific certificates or certifications, they can be beneficial in several ways. Gaining the broadly applicable research knowledge and exposure to GIS techniques covered in graduate certificat ..read more

Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) includes a versatile range of tools and techniques for capturing, analyzing and leveraging spatial information. With each passing year, advances in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) reveal exciting possibilities for urban planning, retail, space exploration, and more. Experts make the most of these opportunities by staying up to date as new ways of optimizing and employing GIS technology emerge. By implementing robust GIS software applications, professionals can capture and visualize valuable geospatial intelligence. That’s why it’s vital ..read more

Michele Fong (she/her) is a GIS analyst at engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services firm HDR. Living in Richmond, VA, Michele completed her online Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) from the USC Spatial Sciences Institute in 2022. She tells us all, particularly on how this graduate certificate helped her land an internship and ultimately a full-time role at HDR as well as why Michele then decided to continue on and earn her M.S. in GIST. In this Q&A, Michele explains the factors that motivated her to delve deeper into geo ..read more

Building your professional network, maximizing your resume and researching market roles are important steps to take throughout your graduate education. Whether you’ve just begun researching online GIS programs or are approaching your final months at the USC Spatial Sciences Institute, understanding how to navigate the job market prepares you to find and acquire the job of your dreams upon graduation. We’ve provided a comprehensive guide to support prospective students, current students and alumni of GIS programs as they take steps toward finding new careers. Make the job search more effective ..read more

Time management is the ability to organize responsibilities and allocate the appropriate time to complete tasks. When you’re effective at managing your time, you’re able to meet deadlines, increase your productivity, combat procrastination and reduce stress. As a student and professional, time management also helps you produce higher-quality work more consistently and make progress toward reaching your goals. Getting your GIS graduate degree or certificate online provides you flexibility to complete your coursework on your own time. But the open-ended nature of the graduate GIS programs at USC ..read more

We’re honoring the active service members and veterans in USC’s Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) graduate programs by sharing stories about their geospatial work in the military and experiences in the GIST programs. Online Master of Science in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence student Jacob Spear has served in the United States Marine Corps for over eight years. Seeking a new challenge and the opportunity to give back to others, Spear began the HSGI graduate program in May 2021. His vision is to transition from active service to a career in geospatial intelligence ..read more

Student Experience: Uniting the Geosciences and Spatial Analytics Cole Heap is a geologist at Aera Energy with 10 years of experience working in the geosciences. Realizing the benefits that would come from tackling projects and challenges with a spatial mindset, he decided to complete the online M.S. in Geographic Information Science and Technology(GIST). The program features coursework to help students learn to acquire, manage, analyze and share geospatial data — expertise that is useful for mapping the earth’s surface and many other applications. Below, Heap shares his experiences in the pr ..read more

Remotely gathering spatial information is a powerful means to understand and respond to urgent humanitarian and environmental problems. But, for many years, it was challenging to get the information required to take action as remote sensing data was limited and difficult to acquire. Now, with the combination of new data sources, faster analysis and products that deliver findings to key decision makers, it’s become practical to use remote sensing data and tools for a broad range of applications. Nanosatellites are a key aspect of this advancement. The University of Southern California has had ..read more

We’re celebrating our student and alumni veterans by sharing stories about their geospatial work in the military and experiences in the GIST programs. Jillian Combs began the online Master of Science in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence (HSGI) in May 2019 with a mission: complete the program in just one year while also working full-time. Combs met that goal, graduating in May 2020, despite facing major life events along the way. Now employed by the United States Space Force, Combs is most appreciative of the skills she acquired in writing briefs, thinking critically and knowing how t ..read more