Geographic Information Science

Geographic Information Science (GIScience) is the integration of the theoretical representation of geographic space, absolute and relative positions and their relationships with physical and human attributes on the earth’s surface. Geographic information science is composed of various geographical scientific and technological areas of study, including geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, global positioning systems (GPS), cartography and visualization, and geospatial analysis and statistics. The Master of Science in Geographic Information Science (MSGIS) is designed for both employed professionals and full-time students who want to deepen their understanding and expertise in the application of geographic information to social and environmental problems. The MSGIS is a two-year, full-time post-baccalaureate degree that is comprised of 7 core courses (24 credit hours), 2 technical courses (6-7 credit hours), and 2 application-oriented courses (6-7 credit hours) for a total of at least 36 semester hours (minimum). This program requires students to submit a portfolio of projects completed during coursework which demonstrates mastery of identified skills for success in a GIS career.  Students will defend the portfolio in an oral presentation conducted by the supervisory committee at the conclusion of the program.

A total of 36 credit hours are required to graduate. Required and elective courses are listed below. Program requirements may change depending on available course offerings.

Required Core Courses

•  GEOG 6000: Adv Geographical Data Analysis (4 Hours)
•  GEOG 6150: Spatial Database Design for GIS(4 Hours)
•  GEOG 6160: Spatial Modeling with GIS(4 Hours)
•  GEOG 6161: Capstone in GIS (3 Hours)
•  GEOG 6162: Project Management (3 Hours)
•  GEOG 6165: Web GIS (3 Hours)
•  GEOG 6180: Geoprocessing with Python (3 Hours)

 Sub-Total 24 Hours

Technical Electives

(Choose two from list below)

• GEOG 5170: GeoData Field Methods (3 Hours)
• GEOG 6010: Geocomputation (4 Hours)
• GEOG 6020: Advanced Spatial Analysis (3 Hours)
• GEOG 6110: Remote Sensing Analysis (3 Hours)
• GEOG 6120: Environmental Optics (3 Hours)
• GEOG 6130: Advanced Remote Sensing (3 Hours)
• GEOG 6190 GIS: Environmental & Public Health (3 Hours)

Sub-Total 6-7 Hours

Application Electives

(Choose two from list below)

• GEOG 5210: Global Climate Change (3 Hours)
• GEOG 5270: Global Patterns of Life (4 Hours)
• GEOG 5320: Geography of Terrorism (3 Hours)
• GEOG 5340: Disasters & Emergency Management (3 Hours)
• GEOG 5440: Global Economic Geography (3 Hours)
• GEOG 6530: Time Geography (3 Hours)

Sub-Total 6-7 Hours

Total Number of Credits 36-38

• Separate applications must be submitted in order to apply to more than one degree program
• Application fees are subject to change and ARE NOT WAIVED
• We will evaluate your file only after we receive all required fees and documents, including transcripts
• International Students only: Proof of financial responsibility is NOT needed to evaluate an applicant's file, nor is it needed to accept a student.  AFTER being admitted, this information IS NEEDED prior to issuing the I-20 Certificate of Eligibility so students may obtain a student visa. (Students being funded by the Department do not need to submit an additional Financial Statement.)  Current estimated expenses for graduate students are detailed here.
• A bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited college/university,
• At least a 3.00 or higher undergraduate weighted mean GPA
• Transcripts
• GRE
• TOEFL Or IELTS. Scores must be a minimum of 80 (iBT) or 550 (pBT) for the TOEFL or a minimum band score of 6.5 for the IELTS
• Statement Of Purpose
• Letters Of Recommendation. Recommendations for Department of Geography applications will ONLY be accepted electronically via the application system. Paper recommendations will not be accepted.  Three (3) recommendations from persons who are familiar with your academic abilities are required for each applicant. We encourage you to "waive the right" to see your letters since most evaluators consider confidential letters more valuable.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)