University of Arizona Online MS in GIS Technology (MS-GIST)

The University of Arizona in Tucson offers a fully online M.S. in Geographic Information Systems Technology (MS-GIST), plus an online B.S. in GIS Technology and a 9-credit graduate GIS certificate that stacks into the master’s. Courses run in 7.5-week sessions, and the master’s requires no GRE.

The 30-credit MS-GIST has two emphases, Geospatial Analysis and Geospatial Data Science, and ends with a master’s project instead of a thesis. Arizona Online lists the master’s at $850 per credit with no out-of-state surcharge (Arizona Online).

Program at a Glance

Degrees	M.S. in GIS Technology; B.S. in GIS Technology; graduate certificate (P-GIST)
Master’s credits	30 (about 18 months)
Format	100% online, 7.5-week sessions
Emphases	Geospatial Analysis; Geospatial Data Science
Capstone	GIST 909 master’s project (6 units)
Master’s tuition	$850 per credit listed, all states; about $25,500
GRE	Not required
Starts	August and January
Accreditation	WSCUC

M.S. Curriculum

Both emphases share two core courses, GIST 513 Programming and GIST 514 Web GIS, and end with GIST 909, a 6-unit master’s project with an 18–25 page paper and a public presentation (MS-GIST handbook).

Geospatial Analysis Emphasis

Course	Type
GIST 513 Programming; GIST 514 Web GIS	Core
GIST 501A Geographic Information Science	Required
GIST 501B Remote Sensing Science	Required
GIST 602A Raster Spatial Analysis	Required
GIST 602B Vector Spatial Analysis	Required
GIST 604A Cartography	Required
One of: Geovisualization, Resource Mapping Using Unmanned Aerial Systems, Statistical Techniques, Geodatabase, Open Source GIS	Elective

Geospatial Data Science Emphasis

The Geospatial Data Science emphasis starts in fall only and requires geovisualization, drone (UAS) resource mapping, statistical techniques, geodatabase design, cartography and open source GIS, in addition to the core. Students need ArcGIS experience or must take GIST 501A first. Both emphases launched in October 2025 (Geospatial Analysis).

Online Bachelor’s and Certificate

Program	Credits	Cost
B.S. in GIS Technology (online)	120	$540 per credit (2026–27), about $64,800
Professional GIST graduate certificate (P-GIST)	9 (any 3 GIST courses)	$7,888.50 including fees

The B.S. requires a minor or double major. The P-GIST certificate fully counts toward the MS-GIST. The non-degree route also allows up to 12 graduate units to count toward the master’s.

How the Online Format Works

Fully online: the handbook says online students are never required to come to campus.
7.5-week sessions: you take courses in short sessions, starting in August or January.
Mostly asynchronous: Arizona Online says classes are asynchronous but some programs have occasional live components (FAQ).
Computer: a Windows computer is required for ArcGIS Pro.

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
No GRE
Open to students with limited or advanced GIS skills (Data Science emphasis requires ArcGIS knowledge)
Official transcripts and a $90 application fee

Deadlines are July 31 for fall and December 10 for spring (dates and deadlines). Arizona’s pages we could access do not list a minimum GPA.

Tuition and Fees

Program	Per Credit	Estimated Total
M.S. in GIS Technology (30 credits)	$850 listed	About $25,500 tuition; department estimate $25,720
B.S. in GIS Technology (120 credits)	$540 (2026–27)	About $64,800 before transfer credit
P-GIST certificate (9 credits)	$850 + fees	$7,888.50

Note: Arizona Online’s $850 graduate rate matches the 2025–26 tuition chart; the university’s 2026–27 chart raises online graduate rates about 2%, so confirm the current rate. Mandatory fees run $51.50 to $228 per term depending on units.

Faculty and Department

The GIST programs are run jointly by the School of Geography, Development and Environment and the School of Natural Resources and the Environment, directed by Dr. Chris Lukinbeal. The curriculum follows the GIS&T Body of Knowledge.

Careers

Arizona lists GIS analysis, remote sensing, geospatial data management, urban planning, environmental management, transportation and logistics, public health, emergency management and consulting (department). BLS reports a May 2025 median salary of $81,390 for cartographers and photogrammetrists.

Pros and Considerations

Strengths

Online GIS options at bachelor’s, certificate and master’s levels
Same rate for all states; no GRE
Short 7.5-week sessions with two start dates
Certificate stacks fully into the master’s

Things to Consider

No thesis option
2026–27 graduate rate not yet confirmed
Windows computer required
Minimum GPA not published on accessible pages

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the University of Arizona’s MS-GIST fully online?

Yes. The program handbook says online students are not required to be on campus at any time.

How much does Arizona’s online GIS master’s cost?

Arizona Online lists $850 per credit for all states, about $25,500 in tuition for 30 credits. The department estimates $25,720. Rates may rise about 2% for 2026–27.

Does Arizona’s MS-GIST require the GRE?

No. The catalog and handbook say the GRE is not required.

Does Arizona offer an online GIS bachelor’s degree?

Yes. Arizona Online offers a 120-credit B.S. in Geographic Information Systems Technology at $540 per credit for 2026–27.

Compare Arizona with other programs in our online geography and GIS degree guide, or see our GIS and geography degrees guide and Arizona geography programs.

Official Sources

We verified this profile against the following school pages in October 2026. Program details change, so confirm current requirements and costs with the school before you apply.