To meet the challenges of academic diversity and changing technology, colleges and universities nation-wide are developing new courses of study related to geographic information systems (GIS). Some institutions offer degrees specifically in GIS science, focusing on foundations and theory of geographic technologies, while others integrate GIS into existing degree programs as an application tool or methodological approach drawing on theory from a particular discipline.

The Geospatial Information Science and Technology program at NC State University is multi-faceted and entirely inter-disciplinary to meet both of these models.

• We plan to offer two professional masters degrees:
1. Master of Geospatial Information Science and Technology (MGIS&T)
• We expect this degree program to launch in the 2010 academic year.
• It will very likely be associated with the national Professional Science Masters Degree program affording students an exceptional opportunity to work directly with companies and agencies in robust hands-on projects and experiences. As part of that effort, an advisory board of prominent industry and government leaders (from organizations such as SAS, ESRI, USGS, North Carolina state agencies, etc.) is being established to assist with program design and implementation.
• The MGIS&T degree will be available both on-campus and through distance education.
• Students wishing to start immediately can enroll now in the Graduate Certificate courses which can then be transferred to the degree program.
2. Master of Natural Resources with a Geographic Information Systems technical option.
   • This program is already in place, available through two departments in the College of Natural Resources: Forestry and Environmental Sciences or Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management.
     
     
• We offer a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems which provides students with both a professional credential and a possible start on a master's degree.
  
  
• We offer two graduate minors: one in Geographic Information Systems and one in Remote Sensing.

An interdisciplinary GIS Faculty representing 8 different colleges and 18 departments oversees all of these programs.