MBA with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Option
Build Business Leadership Skills with Geospatial Data Expertise
Online or In Person
The MBA with Geographic Information Systems, GIS, Option at Eastern Illinois University combines graduate business education with spatial analysis, mapping and geospatial technology. This interdisciplinary option helps students learn how location-based data can support business strategy, operations, planning, research and decision-making.
Students in the GIS option build core MBA skills in management, finance, marketing, operations and organizational leadership while also developing specialized knowledge in GIS tools, spatial analysis and data-informed problem solving.
GIS MBA at a Glance
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Why Choose the GIS MBA Option?
The GIS option is a strong choice for students who want to combine business leadership with geospatial technology.
Organizations in many fields use location-based data to understand markets, improve operations, plan services, manage resources and make strategic decisions.
- Spatial analysis and mapping
- Geospatial data-informed decision-making
- Business strategy and problem-solving
- GIS applications for organizations and communities
- Communication and collaboration across technical and business teams
- Management skills for GIS, planning, consulting or research-focused roles
Who Should Choose the GIS MBA?
✓ GIS, Planning & Environmental Professionals
Build business and leadership skills that can support advancement in GIS, urban planning, environmental management, public agencies or technical teams.
✓ Business Analysts & Consultants
Learn how geospatial data, mapping and spatial analysis can support business strategy, market research, operations and client decision-making.
✓ Recent Graduates & Career Changers
Combine business knowledge with GIS expertise to prepare for roles that use data, technology and location-based analysis to solve organizational problems.
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Program Coordinator
Dr. Candra Chahyadi
mba@eiu.edu | 217-581-6367
Curriculum Requirements
The GIS MBA option requires 11 courses, totaling 33 credit hours.
Some students may also need to complete one prerequisite course, depending on their academic background.
Prerequisite Course
- MBA 5002 - Fundamentals of Graduate Business Study
This requirement may be waived for applicants with an undergraduate business degree from an AACSB-accredited institution. MBA 5002 may be taken during a student’s first semester with other MBA courses.
MBA Core Courses
Students complete six core courses that provide a foundation in key areas of business:
- MBA 5500: Quantitative Modeling
- MBA 5550: Marketing Management
- MBA 5640: Financial Management
- MBA 5660: Operations Management
- MBA 5670: Management of Information Systems
- MBA 5680: Organizational Behavior & Group Dynamics
GIS Required Courses
Students complete four required courses focused on applied management, accounting and GIS principles:
- MBA 5900 - Management Simulation
- MBA 5010 - Accounting From a Management Perspective
- GEO 5810 - Introduction to Geographic Information Science
- GEO 5820 - Remote Sensing
Elective Course
Students complete one approved elective course from six approved options:
- GEO 4810 - Cartography and Geographic Data Visualization
- GEO 4910 - GIS Programming
- GEO 5825 - Advanced Lidar Mapping
- GEO 5830 - GIS Building Geodatabases
- GEO 5870 - Remote Sensing II
- GEO 5880 - Geospatial Data Models
Tentative GIS MBA Schedule
The GIS option can be completed in an in-person or online format. A tentative three-semester schedule is available to help students understand what the program may look like based on start term, course availability and program requirements.
The schedule is provided for reference only and does not need to be followed exactly. Students should work with their academic advisor to develop an individualized plan.
On-Campus Option
In Person Fall Semester Start
Fall Semester
- MBA 5500: Quantitative Modeling
- MBA 5550: Marketing Management
- MBA 5670: Management of Information Systems
- MBA 5680: Organizational Behavior & Group Dynamics
Spring Semester
- MBA 5010: Accounting from a Management Perspective
- MBA 5640: Financial Management
- MBA 5660: Operations Management
- GEO 5810: Introduction to Geographic Information Science
Summer Semester
- MBA 5900*: Management Simulation
- *GEO 5820: Remote Sensing
- Elective Course
*Tentatively offered online
In Person Spring Semester Start
Spring Semester
- MBA 5010: Accounting from a Management Perspective
- MBA 5640: Financial Management
- MBA 5660: Operations Management
- GEO 5810: Introduction to Geographic Information Science
Summer Semester
- *MBA 5500: Quantitative Modeling
- *GEO 5820: Remote Sensing
- *Elective Course
Fall Semester
- MBA 5550: Marketing Management
- MBA 5670: Management of Information Systems
- MBA 5680: Organizational Behavior & Group Dynamics
- *MBA 5900: Management Simulation
*Tentatively offered online
Online Option
Online Fall Semester Start
Fall Semester
- MBA 5010: Accounting from a Management Perspective
- MBA 5640: Financial Management
- MBA 5660: Operations Management
- GEO 5810: Introduction to Geographic Information Science
Spring Semester
- MBA 5500: Quantitative Modeling
- MBA 5550: Marketing Management
- MBA 5670: Management of Information Systems
- GEO 5820: Remote Sensing
Summer Semester
- MBA 5680: Organizational Behavior & Group Dynamics
- MBA 5900: Management Simulation
- Elective Course
Online Spring Semester Start
Spring Semester
- MBA 5500: Quantitative Modeling
- MBA 5550: Marketing Management
- MBA 5670: Management of Information Systems
- GEO 5820: Remote Sensing
Summer Semester
- MBA 5680: Organizational Behavior & Group Dynamics
- MBA 5900: Management Simulation
- Elective Course
Fall Semester
- MBA 5010: Accounting from a Management Perspective
- MBA 5640: Financial Management
- MBA 5660: Operations Management
- GEO 5810: Introduction to Geographic Information Science
Where EIU's GIS MBA Skills Can Take You
The GIS option helps students combine business knowledge with geospatial analysis skills that can be applied in many professional settings.
Possible career areas include:
- GIS management
- Business analytics
- Spatial analysis
- Urban and regional planning
- Environmental management
- Government and public-sector analysis
- Consulting
- Market and location analysis
- Operations and logistics
- Research and data visualization
Ready to Build Practical GIS Business Leadership Skills?
Take the next step toward an AACSB-accredited MBA that can be completed online or in person.