Program Overview

Master of Science in Geographic Information Science

Overview

The Master of Science in Geographic Information Science (GIS) program at the University at Albany prepares students for careers that utilize spatial analysis technologies and applications. The program provides advanced training in remote sensing, spatial statistics, cartography, programming, and data analysis.

Program of Study

The program consists of a full introduction to remote sensing and GPS applications, as well as a comprehensive introduction to GIS programming in Python.

Core Courses

• Spatial Statistics
• Remote Sensing I
• Remote Sensing II
• Advanced Cartography
• Advanced GIS
• Seminar in Geographic Information Systems

Elective Courses

Choose five of the following courses:

• Research Design
• Ecological Modeling
• GIS for Social Sciences
• Landscape Ecology
• Fundamentals of Applied Global Positioning Systems
• Seminar in Remote Sensing of the Environment
• Graduate Internship in Geography
• Independent Study in Geography
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Public Health

Capstone: GIS Project Development

In the capstone course, students integrate what they've learned throughout the program and solve a real but small-scale problem using their knowledge of and skills in cartography, GPS, GIS, or remote sensing.

Research and Resources

The Geography, Planning, and Sustainability department is a member of the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS), providing access to cutting-edge research, collaborative opportunities, and professional development resources.

UAlbany Resources

• Top-tier Esri license for all computers on campus
• Free, one-year Esri license for personal computers
• Open source GIS software such as QGIS and Grass used in many classes
• Cartography developed with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, ArcGIS, and more

Areas of Research

• Shiguo Jiang: Spatial statistics and use of remotely sensed imagery; agricultural transformation of forested areas in Belize.
• Rui Li: Human wayfinding activities in built and natural environments.
• Alex Buyantuev: Received NSF Major Instrument Program research grant to purchase, operate, and maintain a fleet of heavy-lift drones, primarily for environmental remote sensing.

Internships and Career Paths

Graduate Student Internships

Students have the opportunity to complete internships with state agencies, NGOs, international companies, or nonprofit organizations that use geographic mapping technologies to fulfill their missions. Recent placement locations include:

• NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
• NYS Department of Health
• NYS Office of the Attorney General

Career Paths in GIS

After earning their master's, students are ready for a range of careers that require expertise in spatial analysis technologies and applications that utilize geographic positioning systems. Program alumni pursue GIS-related employment with regional, state, and federal government agencies, civil engineering corporations, private-sector consulting companies, environmental protection and land management firms, and nonprofit groups that utilize social and spatial data.

Sample Job Titles

• Digital Cartographer
• Geographic Intelligence Expert I
• Geospatial Program Manager
• GIS Visualization Analyst
• Land Use Planner
• Remote Sensing Specialist
• Senior GIS Project Coordinator

Admissions Requirements

Deadlines

• Fall: Rolling
• Spring: Contact the Department
• Summer: Not Available

Required Application Materials

• Transcripts from all schools attended
• Three letters of recommendation

Student Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate facility with standard techniques of spatial analysis
• Understand the operation and application of standard software and hardware tools for data acquisition and analysis
• Achieve facility in the fundamental methodologies and tools necessary for the analysis of spatially-related data and the communication of their results

International Students

This degree is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status are allowed to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program. Currently, this degree program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension; students who secure qualifying employment may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.