Should I major in Geography/GIS focus or Business Informatioin Systems? (economy, graduated) - Colleges and Universities -Higher education - City-Data Forum

SuperBoom · 12-07-2009, 04:42 PM

I was originally going to earn a B.S. in Information Systems, but have developed a recent interest in GIS. I know this has been discussed a lot here before, but was wondering, will it really land me a job? Is Geography too general? What sorts of work could I do?

I was originally attracted to Info. Systems because it seemed so applicable to so many things, and I know I could get a job. Could the same be said about Geography/GIS?

Any help would be appreciated

Croye22 · 12-09-2009, 12:33 AM

I'd go with GIS and get a minor in something computer related. GIS is a growing field from what I'm told. There's a few threads floating around with tons of info in them.

SuperBoom · 12-10-2009, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Croye22

I'd go with GIS and get a minor in something computer related. GIS is a growing field from what I'm told. There's a few threads floating around with tons of info in them.

Thanks, I'll do that.

jonbarten · 12-13-2009, 08:47 PM

I graduated in 2008 with a Geography Major GIS Concentration and an Earth Science major. I have been having a very hard time finding a job here in the Midwest. The West/East coast seems to be the only locations highering anything having to do with this major.

SuperBoom · 12-16-2009, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonbarten

I graduated in 2008 with a Geography Major GIS Concentration and an Earth Science major. I have been having a very hard time finding a job here in the Midwest. The West/East coast seems to be the only locations highering anything having to do with this major.

Thanks. That's good to know. I'll keep that in mind. I've actually heard the same thing from some other people. Maybe I'll reconsider after all.

Uplander · 12-17-2009, 09:34 AM

Many of the GIS jobs I'm familiar with have been in government and engineering type firms. Both areas are facing some hard times in this economy and are hiring fewer people. I think specializing in IT and either minoring or taking electives in GIS might work better than a GIS major. Most "GIS" jobs seem to be for folks with expertise in another area who have some/alot of understanding of spatial concepts, but the field is still pretty new and that may be a result of many of us having learned on the job as the opportunities developed.