Real Degrees for Working Professionals

Master of Science in Geospatial Engineering

The world runs on location. From autonomous vehicles navigating city streets to satellites monitoring climate change, from precision agriculture feeding millions to defense systems protecting nations — geospatial technology powers the innovations shaping our future.

Demand for skilled professionals is far outpacing supply. Industry leaders and government agencies are urgently seeking graduates who can harness GPS, remote sensing, GIS, and autonomous systems to solve real-world problems.

Careers that matter

Graduates can step into high-demand roles where their work has immediate impact:

  • Geospatial Engineer: Design spatial data solutions for government, tech companies, and private industry
  • Remote Sensing Analyst: Apply satellite imagery to agriculture, defense, disaster response, and urban planning
  • GIS Specialist: Support smart city development, environmental protection, and infrastructure projects
  • Geospatial Intelligence Analyst: Analyze spatial data for defense and national security operations
  • Robotics Developer: Create navigation systems for autonomous vehicles, integrating GPS, LiDAR, sensors, and AI for real-world deployment

Program structure

This program is 100% online: no campus visits required.

Courses are semester-based. Students typically take one or two classes per semester and finish the program in about three years.

Delivery

100% online

Calendar system

Semester-based

Typical program length

About 3 years

Typical course load

1–2 courses a semester

Required Course Work – 30 credit hours

Missouri S&T’s online master’s in geospatial engineering requires 30 credit hours (10 courses) to complete the non-thesis track.

Students build their program course work in consultation with their advisor. The following courses are offered in the program. Courses are 3 credit hours each, unless stated otherwise. The University reserves the right to change or cancel courses as needed. Refer to the S&T Grad Catalog to explore course descriptions.

  • Program Core Courses
  • Emphasis Area Courses
  • Lecture Courses
  • Elective Courses

Program Core Courses

Core Geospatial Engineering Courses

Must take all 5 (15 credit hours) core courses.

  • GEO ENG 5144 Remote Sensing Technology
  • GEO ENG 5146 Applications Of Geographic Information Systems
  • GEO ENG 6150 Capstone Project in Geospatial Engineering
  • GEOPHYS 6401 Introduction to Positioning, Navigation, and Timing
  • GEOPHYS 6403 Advanced Positioning, Navigation, and Timing

Emphasis Area Courses

Specialty Elective Courses: In consultation with their advisor(s), students take 6 credit hours (choose two courses out of three) for their specialty area of interest. 

Navigation and Autonomous Systems Interest Area:

  • ELEC ENG 5680 Introduction to Radar Systems
  • COMP ENG 5880 Introduction to Robotics
  • GEO ENG 6321 Advanced Mapping with Drones

Remote Sensing and Earth Observation Interest Area:

  • GEO ENG 6146 Advanced Remote Sensing And Image Processing
  • GEOPHYS 6232 Introduction to Satellite Geodesy
  • GEO ENG 6321 Advanced Mapping with Drones

Geodetic Systems Interest Area:

  • GEOLOGY 6211 Geodynamics
  • GEOPHYS 6232 Introduction to Satellite Geodesy
  • GEOPHYS 5432 Potential Field Theory

Lecture Courses

Complete at least 9 credit hours of 6xxx lecture courses

Elective Courses

Complete at least 9 credit hours of elective courses from the approved list

Accreditation

Missouri University of Science & Technology is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.

Prior to acceptance into the program, you may enroll in up to 6 credit hours as a nondegree-seeking (in some cases, post-baccalaureate) student. Enrollment does not guarantee acceptance. Learn more about nondegree-seeking university student admissions.

If you live outside of Missouri and are thinking about enrolling in a program that leads to professional licensure, the University of Missouri System strongly recommends that you check with the relevant licensing board in your state or the state where you plan to work. This will help you obtain the most current information about state licensure requirements before you enroll in any academic program. While Missouri University of Science & Technology strives to provide current licensure information, it's important to note that licensure regulations are subject to change.

For more details, please visit our licensure and disclosure page.

States require that Missouri University of Science and Technology be authorized to deliver university-level distance/online education to their residents. The process for authorization varies by state.

For more details, please visit our state authorization page.

Authorized 

Students residing in all states are eligible to enroll in this program.

Internships are encouraged for explore real-life applications of teacher leadership. Find more about available opportunities on S&T's Career Opportunities page.

Our academic leaders are experts in their respective disciplines, bringing extensive experience in higher education, industry, and departmental management. Learn more about S&T's Earth Sciences and Engineering Faculty.

Questions?

Contact Us

Missouri S&T Online Education

Sylvia Skouby
Associate Director for Online Admissions

573-341-6903  |  sms@umsystem.edu

Earth Sciences and Engineering

Jeremy Maurer, PhD
Associate Professor of Geological Engineering, Geology and Geophysics

573-341-4852 | jlmd9g@mst.edu
Department Website: ese.mst.edu