Program Overview

Geographic Information Science - M.G.I.Sc.

Overview

The Geographic Information Science M.G.I.Sc. degree prepares you for a career at the forefront of geospatial technology. With a blend of technical knowledge and practical experience, you will learn to analyze and manage geospatial data and make informed decisions.

Admissions

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in geography or a related field
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

Coursework

Major Requirements

• GEOG 59071: Fundamentals of Geographic Information Science I (3 credits)
• GEOG 59081: Fundamentals of Geographic Information Science II (3 credits)
• GEOG 69164: Cartographic Design (3 credits)
• GEOG 69231: Environmental Remote Sensing (3 credits)
• Major Electives (12 credits), choose from the following:
  • CS 61002: Algorithms and Programming I
  • CS 61003: Algorithms and Programming II
  • EMAT 64210: Data Science
  • GEOG 59072: Geographic Information Science and Health
  • GEOG 59075: Geographic Information Science: Applications for Social Problems
  • GEOG 59076: Spatial Programming
  • GEOG 59078: Geographic Information Science and Environmental Hazards
  • GEOG 69004: Quantitative Methods in Geography
  • GEOG 69007: Spatiotemporal Analytics
  • GEOG 69073: Geographic Information Science: Global Health
  • GEOG 69074: Geographic Information Science: Spatial Analysis for Health Geography
  • GEOG 69079: Environmental Geographic Information Science
  • GEOG 69082: CyberGIS
  • GEOG 69083: Geodatabases
• Culminating Requirement:
  • GEOG 69392: Practicum in Geographic Information Science (6 credits)

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum Major GPA: 3.000
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.000
• No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
• Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Collect, edit, integrate, manage and analyze geospatial data.
2. Demonstrate skills and working knowledge of commercial and open-source GIS application suites and utilities.
3. Identify, explain and analyze spatial patterns, relationships and processes.
4. Apply cartographic principles and techniques to create quality maps.
5. Apply critical and spatial thinking to solve geospatial problems with respect to theories, principles and practices of geographic information science and fields in the degree concentration areas.
6. Demonstrate good communication skills and ability to work in a team environment.

Full Description

The Master of Geographic Information Science degree provides students with skills that extend beyond simply understanding software features or capabilities. Students develop a more robust understanding of how GIS functions across different sectors and have a positive impact on some of the greatest global challenges today, including climate change, transportation, and public health. Students have the opportunity to design and manage geographic information technologies to develop and improve the tools and systems people rely on every day.

Graduates of the program are prepared for analytical and managerial positions that utilize geospatial technologies. Those positions can be found in a number of sectors, ranging from real estate and healthcare to disaster relief and finance.