Every time you post on social media, drop a pin, track your workout or order food to your door, you generate location data. Multiply that by billions of people, and you get a massive, nonstop stream of global information about where things happen.
Geospatial scientists turn those data into insights.
In the Geospatial Science Program, you’ll work with satellites, drones, GPS, spatial analytics, artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge mapping technologies to collect, analyze and visualize data. You’ll uncover patterns, build predictive models and transform data into actionable intelligence that helps governments, businesses and communities make smarter decisions.
From tracking environmental change and predicting natural disasters to improving transportation systems and supporting public health, geospatial scientists use location-based data to:
- Protect the Planet: Use satellite imagery, machine learning and remote sensing across vast landscapes to detect the presence of illegal deforestation.
- Help Communities Stay One Step Ahead of Disaster: Combine elevation models, land-use data and climate projections to predict flood risk and support more resilient communities.
- Design Smarter Cities: Analyze transportation networks and real-time mobility data to identify congestion bottlenecks and improve how people move through cities.
- Save Lives: Use location analytics to determine the optimal placement of ambulances, fire stations and disaster response teams to reduce response times and save lives.
- Build Sustainable Systems: Integrate terrain, weather, infrastructure and environmental data to choose the best locations for wind and solar energy projects.
Top Reasons to Study Geospatial Science at UToledo
-
Fast-growing career field.
The U.S. Department of Labor and State of Ohio have identified the placement rates for geospatial science occupations to be higher than the national average. Companies across a wide range of professional fields need qualified experts to collect, analyze and visualize data to drive their business goals in areas such as:
- Urban planning
- Environmental management
- Community development
- Industrial services
- Location analysis
-
Build in-demand technical skills.
Through internships, undergraduate research and advanced courses incorporating programming, AI and machine learning, you’ll gain the crucial experience needed to stand out and succeed in professions like:
- Geospatial data scientist
- Remote sensing analyst
- GIS specialist
- Coastal/environmental scientist
- Photogrammetrist
-
Train with professional-grade technology.
At the Center for Geographic Information Sciences and Applied Geographics (GISAG), you’ll access the latest software and systems used in the field to advance your technical skills in data analysis, remote sensing and urban planning. From studying freight transportation in the Great Lakes to mapping the Maumee River Basin, our Rockets gain real-world experience working alongside faculty researchers.
-
Work on research that makes a difference.
Our faculty members in the Department of Geography and Planning have been awarded more than $25 million to fund their studies and often collaborate with their students on research. Additionally, our students support exciting projects like designing a satellite to launch into orbit aboard a SpaceX rocket.
-
Build your network and find your community.
Balance your studies with social connections in student groups designed to boost your resume with professional networking.
- Geography and Planning Club: Explore topics and engage in fun activities related to the discipline
- Gamma Theta Upsilon: International geographical honor society
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
At UToledo, we take you beyond the textbooks and the four walls of a classroom. These real-world experiences are what help our graduates gain professional skills and land jobs.
Internships
Finding an internship is easy thanks to UToledo’s robust community partnerships with companies and organizations around the region. Dive into unique opportunities that prepare you to launch your career.
Internships help you:
- Gain practical experience
- Build your resume
- Refine your skills
- Cultivate contacts
Internships often lead to full-time jobs after graduation!
Career Services can help you track down job opportunities. You also might be able to receive academic credit for your internship or job.
Research
UToledo is known for its undergraduate research opportunities. Start as early as your freshman year. Work with faculty who enjoy collaborating with students.
Our Office of Undergraduate Research can:
- Connect you to faculty mentors and projects
- Help you find funding
- Help you present your research at conferences and other events
Study Abroad
Travel, experience new cultures and meet new people — all while earning college credit.
UToledo's Education Abroad Office can help you find the perfect opportunity. You can apply for grants, scholarships and financial aid to help fund study abroad.
- Semester at Sea
- Short-term, summer and faculty-led trips
- Direct exchange programs with other universities
- Teach English abroad
- Global health program (med student clerkships)
- Rocket Kids (work with youth around the world)
Rocket Kids Semester
The Rocket Kids program offers University students a fall, spring or summer semester internship providing recreational programming to U.S. military youth while experiencing the world in locations such as Germany, Italy, Belgium and The Netherlands.
Rocket Kids interns will gain practical experience in programming, leadership, health and wellness, creative arts, performing arts, cultural and literary arts, team and individual sports, adventure and outdoor recreation and STEM education.
On-campus and Part-time Jobs
- Learn skills that prepare you for a career after graduation.
- Build your resume.
- Earn money.
If you want to work, there are plenty of opportunities on campus and at businesses near campus. If you demonstrate financial need, you may qualify for the federal work-study program.
Student Organizations
Our most successful students get involved.
UToledo has 400+ student organizations that will help you:
- Make friends.
- Build your resume.
- Network.
- Be a leader.
- Serve your community.
- Have fun!
Tuition and Scholarships
Most new students don't pay full price. 94% of new UToledo students receive scholarships or other state and federal aid.
Keep in mind: Your cost will vary by college, program and a host of other options. This is the average amount full-time students pay per year.
Tuition and Fees
Living Expenses (Housing & Food)
per year
How to pay for collegeInternational Student - How to Pay for College
Choose Ohio First scholarship
Ohio residents who have been accepted into this STEM program are eligible for the Choose Ohio First scholarship — a four-year, renewable scholarship.
Honors College
The Jesup Scott Honors College at The University of Toledo offer our best and brightest the resources and opportunities needed to unlock your fullest potential. Whether you aspire following graduation to cure disease, innovate technology, advance statecraft, redefine markets, or express creatively, together we can fuel vibrant and promising tomorrows.
Honors students come from a variety of countries, backgrounds and cultures. While we may bond over a tough class, our differences make us blossom.
Benefits of Honors
The Honors College is a community of academically gifted students from all majors on campus. Students take unique Honors classes taught by dedicated Honors faculty and complete an Honors thesis or capstone project in their major, earning the Honors medallion at graduation within their normal program of study. Honors students are challenged to think more deeply and broadly about what they learn. With special academic, cultural, and professional development opportunities, their education extends beyond the classroom.
Honors students can also choose exclusive housing in the Honors Academic Village or President's Hall.
Explore more about what the Honors College can offer you as a budding professional, inquisitive scholar, and engaged person.
Visit Campus
A campus visit is the best way to figure out if UToledo is a great fit for you
Learn More and Register