Step In to the Game-Changer for Petroleum Professionals

Apr 25, 2017

The on-campus Geographic Information Science & Technology degree has been the fastest growing program because it produces the most in-demand professionals in the history of the College of Geosciences – and now a Master of Geoscience in GIST is launching in Fall 2017, completely online.

The online degree program demands the same academic rigor and maintains the high academic standards of the on-campus program, but offers more flexibility and customization for professionals seeking a degree while working. Online learning is available 24x7x365 to students anywhere in the world. It covers the same material, learning activities, and assessments – and is designed to add significant career advantages in the petroleum applications of GIST. Configured to teach value-added skills to petroleum professionals, this non-thesis, 36 credit program encompasses all aspects of the geosciences.   

David Cairns, Geography Department Head, said, “Very few geospatial technology professionals working in the energy sector are specifically trained for this industry. A track emphasizing petroleum industry applications as part of the degree will change that, and Texas A&M has the world-class faculty to lead the way.”

Dan Goldberg, a faculty member in the program, said that the Texas oil and gas track in GIST would feature oil and gas data, workflows, and experiences. “We also plan to work with industry partners and members of an advisory council to ensure that Texas A&M students have the skills the industry needs when they enter the workforce,” he added. 

Andrew Klein, a professor in the program, said that it makes sense for geography to have one specialization of its GIS program in oil and gas. “Over the years, it has probably been the largest employment sector for our GIS graduates, and we are in close geographic proximity to Houston. The support we have gotten for our proposed program from the industry and our former students has been outstanding and inspiring," Klein said.  

Courses begin six times a year, and students may be admitted three times during the year; fall, spring or summer. Classes start August 28, 2017.

For more information go to geosonline.tamu.edu.