Missouri State University

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Geography, Geology and Planning 

Geospatial Sciences

Career Preparation

A strong demand exists for qualified geospatial scientists. Many geospatial science positions are with governmental agencies, but the demand for mapping in private industry is growing rapidly. Engineering and planning firms, petroleum exploration companies, utilities, and transportation companies employ geospatial scientists. Within the federal government, some of the major mapping and charting agencies include the United States Geological Survey, the Coast and Geodetic Survey, and the National Imagery and Mapping Agency. For the past several years, Missouri State University has been one of the most important sources of geospatial scientists for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

Academic Program

A career in geospatial science requires an interest in maps and the ability to visualize depth, area, and distance when looking at a drawing or photograph. High school students considering pursuing a degree in geospatial science should take a college preparatory curriculum. High school courses in earth science, geography, graphic arts, mechanical drafting, photography, and mathematics are beneficial. The Department of Geography, Geology and Planning at Missouri State University offers a comprehensive major in geospatial science for the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. With this major, a minor is not required. The curriculum consists of courses carefully selected in consultation with professionals from the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, the United States Geological Survey, and a number of map-making companies. Students who major in this program obtain professional training in the analysis of available source material, map planning and design, photogrammetric compilation, computer graphics, remote sensing interpretation, digital image processing, surveying, and drafting.  The program is balanced in theory and practical applications

The geospatial sciences major includes an optional emphasis in land surveying which consists of courses selected in consultation with the Missouri Association of Registered Land Surveyors. College-trained surveyors are currently in demand because of their broader background in mathematics, computer science, English composition and speech, and many other skills. Students who select this emphasis take courses that prepare them for qualification as registered land surveyors.  The Department of Geography, Geology and Planning offers an examination for students who possess the fundamental concepts of surveying, equipment theory and the use of the tape, compass, level, engineers' transit and theodolite in surveying. Students who successfully complete this exam will be granted 3 credit hours for GRY 275--Introduction to Plane Surveying.  Please call the department to register for the exam.

For more information about the geospatial sciences programs, contact Dr. Jun Luo
(417) 836-4273;  JunLuo@Missouri State.edu