Program Overview

Information Systems - Geographic Information Systems

Overview

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a master’s sequence in Information Systems. The degree is a cross-disciplinary sequence between the School of Information Technology and the Institute for Geospatial Analysis and Mapping, located in the Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment.

GIS at Illinois State gives you the essential knowledge to use current GIS applications and develop future systems. The program teaches theory and provides practical experience using GIS systems. Students perform statistical analysis and interpretation by mapping spatial coordinates onto multiple datasets. The program also covers geographical data and the procedures for capturing, storing, querying, and displaying it.

Based on your professional goals, you can choose to do a thesis, project, or take extra courses to complete the program.

Graduate Advisor

Dr. Yongning Tang

University Admission Requirements

• Have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so by the time of program matriculation.
• Submit unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term.
• If admitted, official domestic transcripts can be emailed from the university to or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 208 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL .
• If admitted, official international transcripts can be emailed directly from the international institution to or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, International Admissions, Campus Box 6180, Normal, IL .

Additional Program Admission Requirements

GPA

• A student applying to this program must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for either the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework or any previous work in a master's program.

GRE

• Applicants will need to submit GRE scores. An admitted student's typical GRE score meets or exceeds 300 (verbal and quantitative).

Information Systems MS GRE Waiver Petition

• Applicants to the Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program at Illinois State University may petition to have the GRE requirement waived if they meet one of the following criteria:
  • Successful completion of a Master’s degree from an accredited institution in any discipline. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree from an institution accredited by globally recognized bodies (e.g., AACSB, ABET, or equivalent), or have completed at least three graduate-level courses in a related field with a GPA of 3.5 or higher from accredited institutions in US.
  • Demonstrated exceptional academic potential through significant scholarly contributions (such as peer-reviewed publications, academic awards, or presentations at major academic conferences) or professional accomplishments in fields related to information systems or computer science (including patents, software development, or significant project management roles). Interested applicants may petition for a waiver by completing the necessary form.

English Proficiency (International Students Only)

• International students must obtain a minimum TOEFL score of 79 (internet-based testing), IELTS of 6.5 or Duolingo of 105.

Application Deadlines

• Fall (August) Term — March 1 preferred; May 1 final
• Spring (January) Term — Currently not accepting applications for spring admission.

Graduate Assistantships

• The University provides graduate assistantships as a means of financial support. They are intended as a way to facilitate a student's progress to degree while providing important professional development.

Eligibility

• To be eligible for an assistantship a student must, generally,
  • be admitted unconditionally as a degree-seeking student into a graduate academic program, or have a minimum of 120 undergraduate hours if in an integrated degree program
  • be in good-standing
  • be enrolled full-time (typically at least 9 credit hours during the fall or spring semesters, or at least 6 hours during the summer session).

Benefits

• Graduate assistants receive
  • monthly wages paid in the form of either a stipend or an hourly wage
  • a waiver for 100% of tuition during a semester of appointment
  • a waiver for up to 12 credit hours of tuition for the summer term immediately following a fall or spring appointment

Costs & Funding

• See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees. Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources. Students who have been admitted from contiguous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.