Youngstown State University introduces new Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science program

Youngstown State University has a new program offering. The Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science program will be available in both online and in-person formats and will prepare students for a STEM career that uses advanced mapping technologies and analyzes spatial and non-spatial data.

According to an article on Youngstown State University’s website, Peter Kimosop, who is an associate professor and the coordinator of the new GIS program, said, “Our graduates are highly qualified but missing one critical component to elevate them in their careers – GIS experience. By creating this program, backed by clear evidence from employer expectation, we’re ensuring students graduate fully prepared for today’s data-driven careers.”

The university is the third in the state of Ohio to introduce GIS as a full program and not just a specialization or a concentration within another program. The types of skills students will learn include applying geographical data to real-world challenges, using advanced mapping programs, and analyzing data, which will prepare students to work in urban planning, public health, environmental science, and other industries.

Bradley Shellito, a professor and coordinator of GIS, said, “It's a high-tech skill set applied to a wide range of content areas. Students not only learn how to work with data, but how to solve real-world problems using location-based insights.”

For more information about Youngstown State University, visit the school’s website.