Illinois has 20 schools with verified geography or geographic information systems (GIS) credentials: 11 public universities, 3 private colleges and universities, and 6 community colleges with GIS or geospatial certificates or degrees. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers the state’s only Ph.D. in Geography, and Northern Illinois and SIU Carbondale offer related environmental doctorates. Fully online options are Western Illinois University’s B.S. in Geographic Information Science, the University of Illinois’ online M.S. and certificate in CyberGIS and Geospatial Data Science, and online GIS certificates at Northern Illinois and Eastern Illinois.
Quick picks for Illinois
- Lowest resident bachelor’s tuition: SIU Carbondale, $9,832.50 per year.
- Short GIS certificates: Lake Land College (Surveying with GIS, 9 credits, $1,116 in-district) and Lincoln Land Community College (12 credits, $1,758 in-district).
- Online degrees: Western Illinois (B.S. in Geographic Information Science, $10,503 per year) and University of Illinois (M.S. in CyberGIS and Geospatial Data Science, $25,536 total).
- Online graduate GIS certificates: Eastern Illinois ($6,551.64 total), Northern Illinois, and University of Illinois.
- Ph.D. programs: University of Illinois (Geography), plus related doctorates at Northern Illinois and SIU Carbondale.
Rates are resident or in-district tuition before fees. See the tuition comparison for nonresident rates and fees.
Illinois Geography and GIS Programs at a Glance
Undergraduate Degrees and Certificates at Universities
| School | Credentials | Format | Credits | Distinguishing feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Geography and Geographic Information Science (General or Human Geography concentration) Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Geography and Geographic Information Science (GIS or Physical Geography concentration) B.S. in Computer Science + Geography and Geographic Information Science | Campus (Urbana-Champaign) | 120 each (B.A. major 35+ GGIS hours; B.S. 36+) | GIS concentration covers spatial analysis, two GIS courses, and programming |
| DePaul University | B.A. in Geography (four concentrations, including GIS and Geotechnology) B.S. in Computer Science + Geography GIS Undergraduate Certificate | Not stated (Chicago) | 192 quarter hours (B.A. major 56) Certificate: 20 quarter hours | Internship or professional experience in the B.A. core |
| Northern Illinois University | B.S. in Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Geospatial Systems emphasis Geographic Information Systems Certificate of Undergraduate Study | Degree: campus (DeKalb) Certificate: online through NIU Online | Emphasis: 60 Certificate: 15 | Emphasis requires C++ programming and geovisualization |
| Northeastern Illinois University | B.A. in Geography and Environmental Studies (Geography concentration) B.S. in Applied Geosciences (Geodata and Geospatial Analytics concentration) Undergraduate Certificate in GIS | Not stated (Chicago) | B.S. concentration: 30 Certificate: 15 | Certificate open to non-degree students |
| Illinois State University | B.A. and B.S. in Geography GIS Certificate (departmental, for geography majors) | Campus (Normal) | Degrees: not verified Certificate: 30–32 | Certificate requires a GIS-related professional experience |
| Western Illinois University | B.S. in Geographic Information Science (Geospatial Science or Geoenvironment and Planning option) | Fully online or campus (Macomb) | 120 | Paid internships at the university’s GIS Center |
| Eastern Illinois University | B.S. in Geosciences, Environmental-Physical Geography or Human Geography option | Campus (Charleston) | Option: 52 or 34 | Geography options within a combined geosciences major |
| Southern Illinois University Carbondale | B.S. in Geography and Environmental Resources (GIS or Environmental Geography and Sustainability specialization) | Campus (Carbondale) | 120 (major 42) | 21-hour GIS specialization |
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | B.A. and B.S. in Geography | Campus (Edwardsville) | Geography core: 36, plus an 18-hour minor or specialization | Two-semester senior assignment |
| Augustana College | B.A. in Environmental Studies and Geography | Campus (Rock Island) | Major: 38–40 | Senior inquiry project; separate GIS minor |
Graduate Degrees and Certificates
| School | Credentials | Format | Credits | Distinguishing feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Science (M.S.) in Geography M.S. in Geography, GIS Professional Science Master’s (PSM) Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Geography M.S. in CyberGIS and Geospatial Data Science CyberGIS and Geospatial Data Science graduate certificate | Geography degrees: campus (Urbana-Champaign) CyberGIS M.S. and certificate: fully online | M.A./M.S.: 32 Ph.D.: 64 beyond the master’s or 96 from the bachelor’s CyberGIS M.S.: 32; certificate: 12 | GRE not required; campus students generally receive tuition and fee waivers |
| University of Illinois Chicago | M.A. in Environmental and Urban Geography | Not stated (Chicago) | 32 | Non-thesis students take 8 hours of GIS, cartography, or remote sensing |
| DePaul University | GIS Graduate Certificate | Not stated (Chicago) | 16 quarter hours | Four courses, starting with GIS for Community Development |
| Loyola University Chicago | GIS Certificate (graduate) | Campus, weekly evening courses (Lake Shore Campus) | 12 | Includes Python programming for GIS |
| Northern Illinois University | M.S. and Ph.D. in Earth, Atmosphere and Environment Geographic Information Analysis Certificate of Graduate Study | Degrees: campus (DeKalb) Certificate: online through NIU Online | M.S.: 34 Ph.D.: 90 beyond the bachelor’s or 60 beyond the master’s Certificate: 18 | Thesis or non-thesis M.S. |
| Northeastern Illinois University | M.A. in Geography and Environmental Studies Graduate Geographic Information Science Certificate | Not stated (Chicago) | M.A.: 33 Certificate: 18 | Thesis or capstone portfolio |
| Chicago State University | M.A. in Geography, Urban and Environment Studies (General Geography or GIScience option) | Not stated (Chicago) | 33 | GIScience option requires four GIS and remote sensing courses |
| Illinois State University | Hydrogeology Geographic Information Systems graduate certificate | Campus (Normal) | 9 | Open only to Hydrogeology master’s students |
| Western Illinois University | M.S. in GIScience and Geoenvironment GIS Analysis post-baccalaureate certificate | Campus (Macomb) | M.S.: 32–36 Certificate: 18 | Thesis, applied project, or professional plan |
| Eastern Illinois University | Certificate in Geographic Information Sciences (graduate) | Online or campus (Charleston) | 18 | Lidar mapping and geodatabase electives |
| Southern Illinois University Carbondale | M.S. in Geography and Environmental Resources (GIS concentration available) Ph.D. in Environmental Resources and Policy Certificate in GIS (graduate) | Campus (Carbondale) | M.S.: 30 Certificate: 15 | Thesis or research paper |
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | M.S. in Geography M.S. in Integrative Studies, GIS Development and Database Administration | Daytime and evening courses (Edwardsville); online courses in summer | Geography M.S.: 30 thesis or 36 non-thesis Integrative Studies: 30 | Integrative degree pairs geography with computer management courses |
| University of Illinois Springfield | Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems | Not stated (Springfield) | 12 | Credits can apply to the M.S. in Environmental Sciences |
Credentials were verified against 2026–27 catalogs and program pages. Credits are semester hours unless noted; DePaul uses quarter hours. Minors are not listed.
Community College Degrees and Certificates
| College | Credential | Units | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of DuPage Glen Ellyn | Geographic Information Systems Certificate | 18 | Not stated |
| Harper College Palatine | Geographic Information Systems Certificate | 18 | Not stated |
| Lincoln Land Community College Springfield | Geographic Information Systems Certificate of Completion | 12 | Not stated |
| Southwestern Illinois College Belleville | Geospatial Information Systems Certificate Geospatial and Aeronautical Information, Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) | 17 A.A.S.: 65 | Not stated |
| Kaskaskia College Centralia | Geospatial Technology Certificate Geospatial Essentials Certificate Geospatial Essentials for Drafting Certificate | 19 7 17 | Not stated |
| Lake Land College Mattoon | Geospatial Technology Certificate Surveying with GIS Certificate | 17 9 (state program directory) | Not stated |
Southwestern Illinois College’s A.A.S. is the only GIS-named associate degree at an Illinois community college; the other credentials are certificates. Geography transfer degrees and pathways without a GIS credential, such as College of Lake County’s Geography A.A. and the geography A.A. options at DuPage and Lincoln Land, are not counted. Colleges that teach GIS courses without a GIS credential are listed under schools not included.
Related Urban Planning Programs
The University of Illinois Chicago’s 58-hour Master of Urban Planning and Policy requires GIS for Planning and Policy in its core, along with a 300-hour internship. It is a planning degree, not a GIS degree. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Master of Urban Planning does not list a required GIS course. See our urban planning guide.
Online Geography and GIS Programs in Illinois
An online course is not the same as an online degree. The programs below have an official statement that the full credential can be completed online. The next list covers programs that only offer some coursework online.
Verified fully online options
- Western Illinois University B.S. in Geographic Information Science: the department describes a “fully online GIS program” open to freshmen, transfers, and working professionals, with 120 credit hours of coursework.
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign M.S. in CyberGIS and Geospatial Data Science: a 32-credit online degree with a capstone. The university says the master’s and certificate are fully online.
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign CyberGIS and Geospatial Data Science graduate certificate: a 12-credit fully online certificate that can lead into the M.S.
- Eastern Illinois University Certificate in Geographic Information Sciences: the graduate catalog says students may earn the 18-hour certificate online or on campus.
- Northern Illinois University GIS certificates: NIU Online lists an online 15-credit undergraduate GIS certificate and an online 18-credit Geographic Information Analysis graduate certificate, with asynchronous and synchronous courses. NIU says the graduate certificate is for students enrolled in an NIU degree program.
Online coursework, but not a verified fully online program
- SIU Edwardsville M.S. in Geography: the program runs on daytime and evening courses, with online courses in summer.
- Loyola University Chicago GIS Certificate: the School of Environmental Sustainability mentions online options for its certificates, but the GIS certificate page says it is offered on campus through weekly evening courses.
- Community college programs: none of the six colleges states that its GIS certificate or degree can be completed fully online. Kaskaskia publishes a separate online tuition rate, but its catalog does not describe the geospatial certificates as online programs.
For programs based in other states, see online geography schools.
Illinois School Summaries
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The Department of Geography and Geographic Information Science (GGIS) offers a 120-hour B.A. in Geography and Geographic Information Science with General Geography or Human Geography concentrations, and a B.S. with GIS or Physical Geography concentrations. The B.S. GIS concentration (30–35 hours) requires Spatial Analysis, Introduction to GIS, GIS II, and a computer science course, plus electives such as Enterprise GIS and CyberGIS. A combined B.S. in Computer Science + Geography and Geographic Information Science is also available and is billed at the university’s engineering tuition rate.
Graduate students can earn a 32-hour M.A. or M.S. in Geography with thesis or non-thesis options, or a Ph.D. in Geography (64 hours beyond an approved master’s or 96 from a bachelor’s). The GRE is not required, and the department says geography graduate students generally receive tuition and fee waivers through assistantships or fellowships. The GIS Professional Science Master’s is an M.S. in Geography that adds business courses and a summer internship; it typically takes 18 months and is not eligible for waiver-generating assistantships.
The online M.S. in CyberGIS and Geospatial Data Science (32 hours) covers GIS, high-performance geospatial computing, and geospatial artificial intelligence, and ends with a graduate capstone project. Applicants need a 3.0 GPA for their final 60 hours, although experience can be considered. A 12-credit graduate certificate can serve as a pathway into the degree. Both are self-supporting and charge the same rate regardless of residency.
Sources: B.S. GIS concentration; B.A.; CS + Geography B.S.; M.S.; Ph.D.; GIS PSM; CyberGIS M.S.; online certificate.
University of Illinois Chicago
UIC offers a 32-hour M.A. in Environmental and Urban Geography with a thesis or coursework-only option. Non-thesis students must take 8 hours in GIS or cartography and remote sensing and pass a written comprehensive exam. Applicants need a 3.0 GPA for their final 60 semester hours, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. UIC has no geography bachelor’s degree; undergraduates can add a GIS minor through the urban planning program.
Sources: M.A. in Environmental and Urban Geography; Master of Urban Planning and Policy.
DePaul University
DePaul’s B.A. in Geography requires 192 quarter hours, including a 56-hour major. The core includes Digital Mapping (GIS I), an internship or other professional experience, and a Geographical Inquiry capstone. Students choose a Standard, Urban Development and Planning, GIS and Geotechnology, or Environment and Society concentration. A B.S. in Computer Science + Geography combines computing with geography courses such as Statistical Data Analysis for GIS.
The 20-quarter-hour GIS Undergraduate Certificate is earned automatically by majors in the GIS and Geotechnology concentration. The 16-quarter-hour GIS Graduate Certificate requires GIS for Community Development and three electives. The 2026–27 catalog does not list a master’s degree in GIS.
Sources: Geography B.A.; Computer Science + Geography B.S.; undergraduate certificate; graduate certificate.
Loyola University Chicago
Loyola’s School of Environmental Sustainability offers a 12-credit graduate GIS Certificate: Python Programming for GIS, Introduction to GIS, Advanced GIS Applications, and Remote Sensing. It is offered on the Lake Shore Campus through weekly evening courses and can be finished in one academic year. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree. The school offers partial scholarships to graduate students who apply by March 15. The M.S. in Environmental Science and Sustainability also has a GIS concentration, but it is not a GIS-named degree.
Sources: catalog; program page.
Northern Illinois University
NIU teaches geography within the Department of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment. The B.S. in Earth, Atmosphere and Environment has a 60-hour Geospatial Systems emphasis that includes Maps and Mapping, two GIS courses, remote sensing, geovisualization, programming for the geosciences, and C++ programming. The 15-hour GIS Certificate of Undergraduate Study requires a 3.00 GPA in certificate courses and is also offered online through NIU Online.
The M.S. in Earth, Atmosphere and Environment requires 34 hours with a thesis or non-thesis option, and the Ph.D. requires 90 hours beyond the bachelor’s or 60 beyond the master’s. Both welcome applicants with geography backgrounds; neither is a geography-named degree. The 18-hour Geographic Information Analysis graduate certificate covers mapping, GIS, and electives such as web mapping and spatial modeling. NIU Online offers it online and says it is for students enrolled in an NIU degree program.
Sources: B.S. catalog; undergraduate certificate; M.S.; Ph.D.; graduate certificate; online GIS certificate; online graduate certificate.
Northeastern Illinois University
NEIU’s Geography and Environmental Studies department has reorganized its majors. The B.A. in Geography and Environmental Studies has a Geography concentration, and the B.S. in Applied Geosciences has a 30-hour Geodata and Geospatial Analytics concentration with remote sensing, spatial statistics, and Python for earth data. The older Geography major is marked “not accepting admissions.” The 15-hour Undergraduate Certificate in GIS requires Introduction to GIS, Geospatial Analysis, and GIS Modeling and Programming, and non-degree students may apply.
The 33-hour M.A. in Geography and Environmental Studies ends with a thesis (with an oral defense) or a capstone portfolio. The 18-hour Graduate Geographic Information Science Certificate can be completed in one academic year and is open to degree and non-degree graduate students.
Sources: department catalog; Applied Geosciences B.S.; undergraduate certificate; M.A.; graduate certificate.
Chicago State University
Chicago State’s 33-hour M.A. in Geography, Urban and Environment Studies has a General Geography option and a GIScience option. The GIScience option requires Introduction to GIS, Environmental Remote Sensing, Advanced GIS, and GIS Applications, plus electives such as GIS Programming and GIS Database Development. Both options end with a thesis or a non-thesis capstone with a comprehensive exam. Applicants need a 2.75 GPA in their last 60 hours and at least 6 hours of undergraduate geography. At the undergraduate level, Chicago State offers geography and GIS minors only.
Sources: M.A. catalog.
Illinois State University
Illinois State’s Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment offers a B.A. and a B.S. in Geography. Geography majors can add the department’s GIS Certificate, which requires 30–32 credits, including cartography, two GIS courses, remote sensing, two statistics courses, and two programming courses, all with a B or better, plus a GIS-related professional experience. The department notes that the certificate does not appear on the student’s transcript.
The department’s only graduate program is in hydrogeology. Students in that master’s program can add a 9-hour Hydrogeology Geographic Information Systems graduate certificate.
Sources: geography program; B.S. catalog; GIS certificate; graduate certificate.
Western Illinois University
WIU’s Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Geographic Information Sciences offers a 120-hour B.S. in Geographic Information Science with a Geospatial Science option (GIS, remote sensing, and GPS) or a Geoenvironment and Planning option. The department offers the degree fully online as well as on the Macomb campus, and no prior GIS background is required. The department’s GIS Center, a partnership with the City of Macomb and McDonough County, offers paid internships.
The M.S. in GIScience and Geoenvironment requires 32–36 hours, including Advanced GIS Spatial Analysis and Research Methods, and ends with a thesis, an applied project, or a professional plan with an internship. Applicants need a 2.75 cumulative GPA or a 3.0 in their last 60 hours. The department says it offers multiple graduate assistantships with tuition waivers and monthly stipends. The 18-hour GIS Analysis post-baccalaureate certificate is offered in Macomb. An integrated program lets strong undergraduates finish a bachelor’s and a master’s in five years.
Sources: B.S. program page; M.S. program page; 2026–27 graduate catalog (PDF).
Eastern Illinois University
EIU’s B.S. in Geosciences has an Environmental-Physical Geography option (52 hours) and a Human Geography option (34 hours), alongside a Geology option. The 18-hour graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Sciences requires Introduction to GIScience and Remote Sensing I, plus techniques electives such as GIS Programming, Advanced Lidar Mapping, and Building Geodatabases. The catalog says students may earn it online or on campus. EIU’s MBA also has a GIS option, but it is a business degree.
Sources: Geosciences B.S. options; graduate certificate; MBA options.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
SIU Carbondale’s 120-hour B.S. in Geography and Environmental Resources has a 42-hour major: 15 hours of core courses, two introductory courses, and a 21-hour specialization in either Geographic Information Science or Environmental Geography and Sustainability. A GIS minor is also available.
The 30-hour M.S. in Geography and Environmental Resources has Geographic Information Science and Environmental Geography and Sustainability concentrations and ends with a thesis or research paper. The school also offers an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Environmental Resources and Policy. The 15-hour graduate Certificate in GIS requires Geographic Information Systems plus four courses from a list that includes spatial analysis, remote sensing, and GIS programming, with a 3.0 GPA.
Sources: B.S. requirements; graduate programs; graduate certificates.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
SIUE’s Department of Geography and GIS offers a B.A. and a B.S. in Geography. Majors complete a 36-hour geography core, including a two-semester senior assignment, plus an 18-hour minor or area of specialization. The department lists Geographic Information Systems as one of its minors.
The M.S. in Geography requires 30 hours with a thesis or 36 hours without one, and every student declares a subject emphasis. Applicants need a 2.8 GPA; those below it can be considered on recommendations, GRE scores, or prerequisite grades. The 30-hour M.S. in Integrative Studies with a focus in GIS Development and Database Administration combines 18 hours of geography with 12 hours of computer management and information systems and ends with a thesis or final project.
Sources: B.A./B.S. requirements; M.S. curriculum; M.S. admission; Integrative Studies M.S..
University of Illinois Springfield
UIS offers a 12-hour Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems through its environmental sciences program: Fundamentals of GIS, Fundamentals of Remote Sensing, and Advanced GIS Applications, each with a B or better. Degree-seeking students can apply the credits to the M.S. in Environmental Sciences. Undergraduates can take a GIS minor.
Sources: certificate catalog.
Augustana College
Augustana’s B.A. in Environmental Studies and Geography is a 38–40-credit major: 20 credits of core courses, a 16-credit area of concentration, and a 2–4-credit senior inquiry project. Students use geospatial technology and fieldwork in the Quad Cities along the Mississippi River. A separate 16-credit minor in geographic information science and technology is available.
Sources: major requirements; program page.
Community Colleges
College of DuPage offers an 18-credit GIS Certificate: GIS I and II, Applied GIS, Geodatabase Development, and a GIS Capstone Project, plus one elective. Harper College‘s 18-credit GIS Certificate covers geospatial data, spatial analysis, applied geospatial technology, and remote sensing, with an internship as one elective option. Lincoln Land Community College‘s 12-credit GIS Certificate of Completion pairs Introduction to GIS and Advanced GIS with two computer courses, including Introduction to Relational Database.
Southwestern Illinois College offers a 17-credit Geospatial Information Systems Certificate (mapping and GIS, cartography, remote sensing, and GIS data management, plus pilot theory and a drone pilot certificate course) and a 65-credit Geospatial and Aeronautical Information A.A.S. that adds GIS programming, spatial analysis, aeronautical charting, and an internship. Kaskaskia College‘s 19-credit Geospatial Technology Certificate covers cartographic design, data acquisition, spatial analysis, remote sensing, and a geospatial internship. Its 7-credit Geospatial Essentials certificate pairs the introductory course with the internship, and a 17-credit version is aimed at drafting students. Lake Land College lists a short-term Geospatial Technology Certificate with GIS database work, map-making, and an internship. The Illinois Community College Board’s program directory lists it at 17 credit hours and Lake Land’s Surveying with GIS Certificate at 9.
Sources: DuPage GIS certificate; Harper GIS certificate; Lincoln Land GIS certificate; Southwestern Illinois certificate; Southwestern Illinois A.A.S.; Kaskaskia 2026–27 catalog (PDF); Lake Land Geospatial Technology; ICCB Directory of Programs.
Schools not included
- University of Chicago: the 2026–27 catalog lists a minor in geographic information science, not a geography or GIS degree.
- Northwestern University: the geography major and minor are being retired, and the adjunct major is open only to students who entered before fall 2023.
- Elmhurst University: the current catalog lists no geography or GIS degree; the department website lists a GIS minor.
- No geography or GIS credential found: Governors State University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Wheaton College, and Lake Forest College.
- Geography transfer degree only: College of Lake County (Geography A.A.).
- GIS courses but no GIS credential: Oakton College, Joliet Junior College, Parkland College (agricultural GIS), Lewis and Clark Community College, and the City Colleges of Chicago (urban agriculture GIS).
- Waubonsee Community College: a GIS certificate appears in its program cost disclosures but not in the 2026–27 catalog.
- No GIS-named program in the Illinois Community College Board’s statewide program directory: Black Hawk, Carl Sandburg, Danville Area, Elgin, Heartland, Highland, Illinois Central, Illinois Eastern (Frontier, Lincoln Trail, Olney Central, Wabash Valley), Illinois Valley, John A. Logan, John Wood, Kankakee, Kishwaukee, McHenry County, Moraine Valley, Morton, Prairie State, Rend Lake, Richland, Rock Valley, Sauk Valley, Shawnee, South Suburban, Southeastern Illinois, Spoon River, and Triton.
Tuition Comparison
Estimated tuition is our arithmetic from each published rate and the stated basis. Each figure is labeled “per year” or “total.” None includes fees, housing, books, or other costs.
Undergraduate and associate tuition
| School and credential | Published rate | Calculation basis | Estimated tuition | Required fees (not included) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign B.A. or B.S. in Geography and GIS | $6,626 per semester (resident, 12+ hours, entering 2026–27) $17,964 per semester (nonresident) | Two semesters | $13,252 resident per year $35,928 nonresident per year | $1,715 per semester in campus fees, plus $876 health insurance unless waived |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign B.S. in Computer Science + Geography and GIS | $9,370 per semester (resident, engineering rate) $22,170 per semester (nonresident) | Two semesters | $18,740 resident per year $44,340 nonresident per year | Same campus fees as above |
| DePaul University B.A. in Geography | $16,060 per quarter (12–18 credits, entering 2026) | Three quarters | $48,180 per year | $300 per quarter comprehensive fee |
| Northern Illinois University B.S. in Earth, Atmosphere and Environment | $5,505.39 per term (full-time; same rate for all U.S. students) | Two terms | $11,010.78 per year | General fee of $109.59 per credit up to 12 credits; $270 per term program enhancement fee; health insurance $1,419.50 per term unless waived |
| Northern Illinois University (online) GIS Certificate of Undergraduate Study | $405.79 per credit (U.S. students) | 15 credits | $6,086.85 total | Fees for online students not verified |
| Northeastern Illinois University B.A. or B.S.; Undergraduate Certificate in GIS | $435.26 per credit (domestic) | 30 credits per year; certificate 15 credits | $13,057.80 per year Certificate: $6,528.90 total | $125 per credit general fee (up to 16 credits) |
| Illinois State University B.A. or B.S. in Geography | $422.30 per credit (in-state, entering 2026–27) $844.60 per credit (out-of-state) | 30 credits | $12,669 in-state per year $25,338 out-of-state per year | $119.21 per credit |
| Western Illinois University B.S. in Geographic Information Science | $350.10 per credit (all U.S. students, entering 2026–27) | 30 credits | $10,503 per year | $101.56 per credit (Macomb, fall and spring) |
| Eastern Illinois University B.S. in Geosciences | $356.34 per credit (Illinois and non-Illinois residents) | 30 credits | $10,690.20 per year | $140.80 per credit |
| SIU Carbondale B.S. in Geography and Environmental Resources | $327.75 per credit (Illinois residents and domestic nonresidents, fall 2026) | 30 credits | $9,832.50 per year | General student fee $131.50 and textbook fee $26 per credit; health insurance $1,139 per semester |
| SIU Edwardsville B.A. or B.S. in Geography | $328.50 per credit (in-state and domestic, entering fall 2026) | 30 credits | $9,855 per year | General student fee $1,377.60 per semester at 12 or more credits |
| Augustana College B.A. in Environmental Studies and Geography | $55,048 per year | One academic year | $55,048 per year | $170 health care/clinic fee |
| College of DuPage GIS Certificate | $141 per credit (in-district) $349 (out-of-district) $421 (out-of-state) | 18 credits | $2,538 in-district total $6,282 out-of-district total $7,578 out-of-state total | $19 per credit |
| Harper College GIS Certificate | $145.75 per credit (in-district) $410 (out-of-district) $485.50 (out-of-state) | 18 credits | $2,623.50 in-district total $7,380 out-of-district total $8,739 out-of-state total | $22 per credit universal fee, plus $15 registration and $25 activity fees per term |
| Lincoln Land Community College GIS Certificate of Completion | $146.50 per credit (in-district) $293 (out-of-district) $439.50 (out-of-state) | 12 credits | $1,758 in-district total $3,516 out-of-district total $5,274 out-of-state total | $2 per credit activity fee; some courses carry added variable tuition |
| Southwestern Illinois College Geospatial Information Systems Certificate; A.A.S. | $145 per credit (in-district, fall 2026) $240 (out-of-district) $236 (out-of-state) | Certificate 17 credits; A.A.S. 65 credits | Certificate: $2,465 in-district, $4,080 out-of-district, $4,012 out-of-state total A.A.S.: $9,425 in-district, $15,600 out-of-district, $15,340 out-of-state total | $6 technology fee and $3 student services fee per credit |
| Kaskaskia College Geospatial Technology and Geospatial Essentials certificates | $166 per credit (in-district) $265 (out-of-district) $425 (out-of-state) Online courses: $166 in-district, $176 all others Year not labeled; rates include mandatory fees | Geospatial Technology 19 credits; Essentials 7 credits | Geospatial Technology: $3,154 in-district, $5,035 out-of-district, $8,075 out-of-state total Essentials: $1,162 in-district, $1,855 out-of-district, $2,975 out-of-state total | Included in the published rate |
| Lake Land College Geospatial Technology and Surveying with GIS certificates | $124 per credit (in-district) $267.02 (out-of-district) $484.05 (out-of-state) | Geospatial Technology 17 credits; Surveying with GIS 9 credits | Geospatial Technology: $2,108 in-district, $4,539.34 out-of-district, $8,228.85 out-of-state total Surveying with GIS: $1,116 in-district, $2,403.18 out-of-district, $4,356.45 out-of-state total | $35 per credit ($30.50 service fee including textbook rental, $4 activity fee, $0.50 recreation fee) |
Rates are 2026–27 unless the row notes otherwise.
Graduate tuition
| School and credential | Published rate | Calculation basis | Estimated tuition | Required fees (not included) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign M.A., M.S., or Ph.D. in Geography | $7,454 per semester (resident, 12+ hours) $16,102 per semester (nonresident) | Two semesters | $14,908 resident per year $32,204 nonresident per year | $1,715 per semester in campus fees, plus $1,125 health insurance unless waived. Assistantships generally include tuition and fee waivers. |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign M.S. in Geography, GIS PSM | $7,850 per semester (resident, 12+ hours) $13,247 per semester (nonresident) | Two semesters | $15,700 resident per year $26,494 nonresident per year | Same campus fees as above |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (online) M.S. in CyberGIS; graduate certificate | $798 per credit, any residency | M.S. 32 credits; certificate 12 credits | M.S.: $25,536 total Certificate: $9,576 total | $4 per billing hour online service fee |
| University of Illinois Chicago M.A. in Environmental and Urban Geography | $6,748 per semester (in-state, 12+ hours) $14,063 per semester (out-of-state) | Two semesters | $13,496 in-state per year $28,126 out-of-state per year | $1,020 in fees and $636 in assessments per semester, plus $753 health insurance unless waived |
| DePaul University GIS Graduate Certificate | $828 per credit (Liberal Arts and Social Sciences) | 16 quarter hours | $13,248 total | $150 per quarter comprehensive fee for full-time graduate students |
| Loyola University Chicago GIS Certificate | $1,260 per credit | 12 credits | $15,120 total | $85 course fee per GIS course; student development and technology fees of $101 and $70 per semester at 4–8 credits |
| Northern Illinois University M.S. in Earth, Atmosphere and Environment | $397.39 per credit (domestic) | 34 credits | $13,511.26 total | $154.79 per credit general fee; tuition and fee cap at 12 credits per semester |
| Northern Illinois University (online) Geographic Information Analysis Certificate | $397.39 per credit (domestic) | 18 credits | $7,153.02 total | $154.79 per credit general fee |
| Northeastern Illinois University M.A.; Graduate GIS Certificate | $491.72 per credit (domestic) | M.A. 33 credits; certificate 18 credits | M.A.: $16,226.76 total Certificate: $8,850.96 total | $125 per credit general fee |
| Chicago State University M.A. in Geography, Urban and Environment Studies | $384 per credit (Illinois resident) $736 per credit (nonresident) | 33 credits | $12,672 resident total $24,288 nonresident total | $121 per credit |
| Illinois State University Hydrogeology GIS graduate certificate | $443.70 per credit (in-state) $921.61 per credit (out-of-state) | 9 credits | $3,993.30 in-state total $8,294.49 out-of-state total | $119.21 per credit |
| Western Illinois University M.S. in GIScience and Geoenvironment; GIS Analysis certificate | $401.78 per credit (U.S. students, entering 2026–27) | M.S. 32 credits; certificate 18 credits | M.S.: $12,856.96 total Certificate: $7,232.04 total | $101.56 per credit (Macomb, fall and spring) |
| Eastern Illinois University Certificate in Geographic Information Sciences | $363.98 per credit (Illinois resident, or online for any residency) $873.55 per credit (non-Illinois resident, on campus) | 18 credits | $6,551.64 resident or online total $15,723.90 nonresident on-campus total | $140.80 per credit on campus; $94.75 per credit online |
| SIU Carbondale M.S.; Certificate in GIS | $479 per credit (Illinois resident) $1,197.50 per credit (other nonresidents) | M.S. 30 credits; certificate 15 credits | M.S.: $14,370 resident, $35,925 nonresident total Certificate: $7,185 resident, $17,962.50 nonresident total | Mandatory fees vary by credit load; see the SIU tuition calculator |
| SIU Edwardsville M.S. in Geography; M.S. in Integrative Studies | $384.30 per credit (in-state and domestic) | 30 or 36 credits | $11,529 total (30 credits) $13,834.80 total (36 credits) | General student fee $1,377.60 per semester at 12 or more credits |
| University of Illinois Springfield Graduate GIS Certificate | $6,750 per year in-state tuition at 9 credits per semester (cost of attendance estimate) Nonresidents add $6,858 | One academic year | $6,750 in-state per year $13,608 nonresident per year | $2,718 per year in mandatory fees |
Rates are 2026–27 unless the row notes otherwise.
Why some rates do not compare directly
- Illinois public universities lock undergraduate tuition for four years by entering class, so the rates shown apply to students starting in 2026–27.
- NIU, Western Illinois, Eastern Illinois (undergraduate), and Northeastern Illinois charge the same rate to all U.S. students. SIU Carbondale and SIU Edwardsville charge domestic nonresident undergraduates the in-state rate.
- The University of Illinois’ online CyberGIS programs and GIS PSM are self-supporting and do not accept assistantship tuition waivers.
- DePaul uses quarter hours, and its full-time undergraduate package covers 12–18 credits per quarter.
- Community college tuition depends on district residency. Out-of-district students with chargeback authorization pay the in-district rate at Lincoln Land. Kaskaskia’s published rates include mandatory fees and carry no year label, and Southwestern Illinois’ tuition page also shows a second fall 2026 table with a $135 in-district rate.
- The UIS figure is an annual estimate from the cost-of-attendance page, not a per-credit rate.
How to Choose a Geography or GIS Program in Illinois
Broad geography or technical GIS
Traditional geography degrees are offered at the University of Illinois, DePaul, Illinois State, SIU Edwardsville, and SIU Carbondale. Western Illinois’ GIScience B.S. and NIU’s Geospatial Systems emphasis are more technical, and the University of Illinois and DePaul pair geography with computer science. Read more about GIScience degrees and bachelor’s degrees in geography.
Starting at a community college
Community college GIS certificates range from 7 credits at Kaskaskia and 9 at Lake Land to 17–19 credits at Southwestern Illinois, Kaskaskia, Lake Land, DuPage, and Harper. Southwestern Illinois’ 65-credit A.A.S. is the only GIS-named associate degree. Students planning a bachelor’s degree can start with a geography transfer degree and confirm transfer requirements with the four-year school.
Master’s or Ph.D.
The University of Illinois is the only Illinois school with a Ph.D. in Geography. NIU and SIU Carbondale offer related doctorates in earth and environmental fields. For a master’s, thesis routes are available at the University of Illinois, UIC, NIU, NEIU, Chicago State, Western Illinois, SIU Carbondale, and SIU Edwardsville. Compare master’s programs nationally.
Online or campus
Western Illinois offers the only verified fully online geography or GIS bachelor’s degree in the state, and the University of Illinois offers the only fully online master’s. Eastern Illinois, NIU, and the University of Illinois offer online GIS certificates. All other programs on this page are campus-based or do not state an online option. See online geography programs for out-of-state options.
Funding
- University of Illinois: geography graduate students generally receive tuition and fee waivers and monthly stipends through assistantships or fellowships. The online CyberGIS programs and the GIS PSM are not eligible.
- Western Illinois: the department offers multiple graduate assistantships with tuition waivers and monthly stipends.
- Loyola: partial scholarships are available to School of Environmental Sustainability graduate students who apply by March 15.
- Other programs: the program pages we reviewed do not describe funding, so ask each department about assistantships.
Students open to nearby states can also compare programs in Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, and Kentucky, or browse all state guides.
Sources and Review Date
Reviewed October 14, 2026. Program details come from each school’s 2026–27 catalog or program pages. Tuition comes from each school’s 2026–27 tuition schedule unless a row notes otherwise.
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: undergraduate base rates, graduate rates, undergraduate fees, graduate fees, online CyberGIS tuition
- University of Illinois Chicago: graduate tuition and fees
- DePaul University: undergraduate tuition, graduate tuition
- Loyola University Chicago: Environmental Sustainability tuition and fees
- Northern Illinois University: undergraduate rates, graduate rates (PDF)
- Northeastern Illinois University: tuition, fees
- Chicago State University: tuition and fees
- Illinois State University: undergraduate rates, graduate rates
- Western Illinois University: undergraduate plan, graduate plan, fees
- Eastern Illinois University: cost of attendance and per-credit rates
- SIU Carbondale: tuition and fee calculators
- SIU Edwardsville: 2026–27 tuition and fee schedule (PDF)
- University of Illinois Springfield: cost of attendance
- Augustana College: 2026–27 schedule of charges
- Community colleges: College of DuPage, Harper College, Lincoln Land, Southwestern Illinois, Kaskaskia, Lake Land; program titles checked against the ICCB Directory of Programs
Program-level source links appear at the end of each school summary. Programs, rates, and requirements change, so confirm them with each school before applying.