Program Overview

Master of Science in Geographic Information Science

The Master of Science in Geographic Information Science (MSGISci) degree program at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is a one-year, 30-unit, cohort-based program designed to provide students with advanced analytic and technical training in geospatial technologies and professional skill-building.

Program Overview

The program is designed to prepare graduates for the geospatial workforce, with courses scheduled to meet the needs of working professionals. Students enrolled in this program are eligible for some forms of financial aid, with the exception of the State University Grant (SUG) and Cal Vet College Fee Waiver. GI Bill benefits can be used for this program.

Program Features and Benefits

• Complete a Master of Science (MS) degree in one year.
• Training in Geographic Information Systems, cartography, and remote sensing are uniquely combined with professional and interpersonal skill-building.
• Program faculty bring years of expertise in geographic information science.
• The program continually adapts to develop skills and provide relevant workforce experience.
• Coursework addresses core technical, analytical, professional, and interpersonal competencies required of geospatial practitioners.
• Student research projects focus on industry-informed topics.
• Networking and professional development experiences are offered.
• The program features a small cohort of 25 students.

Program Outline

The program includes the following courses:

• GISC 601: Geospatial Professionalism (may be offered as 1 to 4 units; 4 required)
• GISC 602: Applied GIS (may be offered as 1 to 4 units; 4 required)
• GISC 603: Cartographic Visualization (may be offered as 1 to 4 units; 4 required)
• GISC 604: Enterprise GIS Development (may be offered as 1 to 4 units; 4 required)
• GISC 605: Programming for Geospatial Professionals (may be offered as 1 to 4 units; 4 required)
• GISC 606: Applied Remote Sensing (may be offered as 1 to 4 units; 4 required)
• GISC 607: Project Orientation and Support (may be offered as 1 to 2 units; 2 required)
• GISC 608: Applied Project (4 units)

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet CSULB Graduate Programs Admission Eligibility requirements for admission to graduate school. A 3.0 GPA is recommended. No GRE is required. Prerequisites for the MSGISci degree include:

• A bachelor's degree in either geography or a related discipline, with a minimum of one upper division course in geospatial techniques (for example: geographic information science, cartography, and/or remote sensing); OR
• A bachelor's degree in a related discipline with a minimum of one year of professional experience in a field with direct application of geospatial technologies.

How to Apply

The application deadline for Fall 2026 is March 15 (international students) or June 1 (domestic students). To apply, submit an application to CSULB via Cal State Apply, including:

• Personal statement (1,000 words)
• Sample of your work (Word document or PDF containing a summary of relevant samples of your geospatial work, or a link to your work)
• Resume
• Two letters of recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the MSGISci Program?
  • The Master of Science in Geographic Information Science (MSGISci) is a one-year, 30-unit program designed to develop core competencies required of the geospatial workforce.
• What is a Professional Science Masters (PSM)?
  • The MSGISci degree was designed in the spirit of the national movement toward the development of PSM degrees.
• What is the difference between this MS degree and the CSULB GIS Certificate?
  • The CSULB GIS Certificate is an undergraduate level certificate, while the MSGISci degree program is specifically designed for masters-level students.
• Is the MSGISci program offered online?
  • The program is designed as an in-residence program, with some courses offered in a hybrid fashion.
• What variety of capstone projects will be assigned?
  • The culminating project is often student-initiated, with opportunities for project work and team environments.

Program Cost

• Program tuition is $700 per unit
• Total program cost is $21,000
• Parking passes will cost approximately $450 for the year
• Living expenses in the Long Beach area are estimated to be $12,000 per year (or $10,500 per year to live on-campus)

Instructors

The program faculty includes:

• Suzanne Perlitsh (Wechsler), Ph.D., MSGISci Program Director, Professor and Chair of Department of Geography
• Steven J. Steinberg, Ph.D., Geospatial Information Officer, Los Angeles County
• Hyowon Ban, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Geography
• Jonathan Pando Ocón, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Geography
• Daniel Richards, GIS Consultant
• Christopher Warren, Professor of Psychology
• Scott Winslow, Lecturer, GIS Lab Manager
• Paul Laris, Ph.D., Professor of Geography
• Linna Li, Ph.D., Professor of Geography
• Sumaiyah Umarji, Principal GIS Analyst, Enterprise GIS, Los Angeles County