Geographic Information Science and Technology – Master of Geographic Information Science and Technology

Program Overview

The Master of Geographic Information Science and Technology (MGIST) program at The Ohio State University is a fully online, cohort-based program designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers in GIS. The program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to collect, manage, analyze, and visualize geospatial data, develop and implement GIS solutions, and communicate effectively about GIS topics. Graduates are qualified for a variety of careers in the field, including GIS Analyst, GIS Developer, and GIS Manager.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Master of Geographic Information Science and Technology (MGIST) program at The Ohio State University is designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers in the field.
The fully online program allows students to study at their own pace and schedule, while still receiving a high-quality education from a top-ranked university.
• Objectives: The MGIST program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to:
• Collect, manage, analyze, and visualize geospatial data
• Develop and implement GIS solutions to real-world problems
• Communicate effectively about GIS topics to a variety of audiences
• Program Description: The MGIST program consists of 33 credit hours, including 15 courses directly related to the GIST profession.
Students also complete a capstone class where they showcase their skills and knowledge by integrating what they have learned during the degree coursework.

Outline:

• Program Content: The MGIST program covers a wide range of topics, including:
• Geospatial data fundamentals
• GIS data collection and management
• GIS analysis and visualization
• GIS application development
• GIS project management
• Ethics and professional practice in GIS
• Program Structure: The MGIST program is a cohort-based program, meaning that students take all of their courses with the same group of classmates.
This allows students to build relationships with their classmates and learn from each other's experiences.
• Course Schedule: The MGIST program is offered in a fully online format.
Students can take courses at their own pace and schedule, but there are some required deadlines that students must meet.
• Individual Modules: The MGIST program is divided into six modules:
• Module 1:
Geospatial Data Fundamentals
• Module 2:
GIS Data Collection and Management
• Module 3:
GIS Analysis and Visualization
• Module 4:
GIS Application Development
• Module 5:
GIS Project Management
• Module 6:
Ethics and Professional Practice in GIS

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: Students in the MGIST program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Quizzes
• Exams
• Projects
• Presentations
• Class participation
• Assessment Criteria: Students are assessed on their knowledge of the course material, their ability to apply GIS skills to real-world problems, and their ability to communicate effectively about GIS topics.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The MGIST program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Demonstrations
• Hands-on exercises
• Guest lectures
• Faculty: The MGIST program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in the field of GIS.
• Unique Approaches: The MGIST program offers a number of unique approaches to teaching GIS, including:
• A focus on real-world applications
• A hands-on learning environment
• A cohort-based program
• A fully online format

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the MGIST program are qualified for a variety of careers in the field of GIS, including:
• GIS Analyst
• GIS Developer
• GIS Manager
• GIS Project Manager
• GIS Consultant
• Opportunities: Graduates of the MGIST program have opportunities to work in a variety of industries, including:
• Government
• Non-profit organizations
• Private sector companies
• Academia
• Outcomes: Graduates of the MGIST program have a high success rate in finding employment in the field of GIS.
Many graduates go on to work for top companies in the industry.