Here are a few common myths about pursing a career in GIS
**The term "GIS" will be used to convey all things related to geospatial technologies including GIS, GPS, remote sensing, and sUAS.
Myth #1: I need a degree in GIS to find a job and be successful - While it's possible to pursue a college degree specifically in GIS, most professionals in the field do not. The strength of GIS lies in its foundation—geography—which is inherently connected to nearly everything through time and place. Because of this versatility, GIS can be integrated into almost any discipline. See 1000 GIS Applications & Uses - How GIS is Changing the World. In fact, GIS professionals most commonly hold degrees in geography, computer science, or environmental science. Employers typically prioritize experience and applied skills in fields such as agriculture, earth science, ecology, engineering, forestry, geology, natural resources, public health, surveying, and urban planning.
Myth #2: I'll only be qualified for jobs with 'GIS' in the title - Not at all. While GIS-specific roles like GIS Analyst, Developer, Manager, Specialist, and Technician certainly exist, many professionals use GIS in broader contexts. Examples include a Wildlife Biologist mapping habitats, tracking animal movement, and assessing environmental impacts on wildlife, a Forestry Technician monitoring forest health, tracking land use changes, and supporting sustainable practices, and a Precision Agriculture Specialist using GIS to develop targeted farming plans for increased efficiency and sustainability.
Myth #3: I can't get enough GIS experience at Allegheny - Absolutely, you can. The Environmental Science and Sustainability (ESS) major offers several pathways for gaining GIS knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience.
Pathway 1: Exposure to GIS - GIS is frequently integrated into ESS courses to support research and provide valuable experience for internships, graduate studies, and employment. For example, in ES 210: Environmental Research Methods, students used GIS to evaluate land impacted by a proposed dam along the Rioni River in the Republic of Georgia. In ES 585: Junior Seminar-Sustainable Development, students designed GPS-based surveys to map blighted properties for the Crawford County Planning Commission. Other courses that often incorporate GIS include ES 332: Forest Ecosystems and Management, ES 335: Conservation Biology, and ES 344: Stream Ecology.
Pathway 2: GIS Experience - Two dedicated GIS courses are offered; ES 305: Environmental GIS I and ES 306: Environmental GIS II. In the introductory course, students learn fundamental concepts such as map interpretation, vector and raster data models, coordinate systems and georeferencing, database design, GPS data collection, aerial/satellite imagery, spatial analysis and cartography. Projects are real-world, stakeholder-driven, and emphasize applied problem-solving. The advanced course builds on this foundation with advanced topics including raster-based map algebra, spatial estimation, weighted and fuzzy overlay, network and terrain analysis, scripting and modeling, data quality and standards. Students who complete both courses are well-prepared for GIS-centric careers.
Pathway 3: Applied GIS - Students can deepen their expertise through applied research and independent studies, such as ES 590: Independent Study (5 thematic options currently available), covering topics like map design and storytelling, GeoAI (Geospatial Artificial Intelligence), multi-criteria evaluation, and small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS). Senior Project (ES 600/610) is another opportunity to apply GIS in a capstone experience. Recent projects include identifying optimal reintroduction sites for massasauga rattlesnakes in western Pennsylvania, prioritizing rooftops in Erie, PA for seagull-shading structures, and urban heat island mitigation strategies for Meadville, PA.
The ESS program offers a range of opportunities to gain valuable GIS experience—from one-off course projects to a structured progression of study leading to career readiness. Whether your goal is to integrate GIS into your primary discipline or pursue a GIS-specific role, the foundation and applied learning available at Allegheny will prepare you for success.