Program Overview

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Master of Geographic Information Systems

The Master of Geographic Information Systems (MGIS) program is designed to help students uncover insights and relationships to improve strategic decision making. This online GIS master’s degree program teaches students to apply industry best practices and the latest mapping tools to integrate, visualize, and interpret geospatial data.

Program Summary

This program can help students prepare for careers in a variety of fields, depending on their goals. The curriculum is set up to ensure students first learn key skills and competencies before advancing to more complex topics.

100% Online

The program is offered 100% online, allowing students to complete their coursework at their own pace.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the program is April 1 to start May 20.

Credits and Costs

The program requires 33 credits, with a cost of $1,037 per credit.

10-Week Terms

The program operates on five 10-week terms, with two terms that partially overlap in fall and spring, and one term in the summer.

Gain Skills to Work at the Forefront of the Industry with a GIS Degree

The program helps students gain skills to work at the forefront of the industry, including:

• Designing and leveraging geographic information systems and spatial analysis tools to tackle real-world problems.
• Applying analytical methods for geospatial data, including pattern analysis, interpolation, cluster detection, surface analysis, overlay analysis, and measures of spatial autocorrelation.
• Using expertise in spatial data integration as well as geospatial database design, creation, and maintenance.
• Facilitating spatial data analysis and using maps and visualizations to communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Gaining core competencies to help prepare for the GIS Professional (GISP) certification.

Online GIS Master’s Program Courses and Tracks

The program delivers the depth of knowledge and hands-on expertise students need to become leaders in their industry. Convenient online courses are designed to teach students cutting-edge advances in GIS tools and spatial analysis methods.

Specialized Tracks Available

The program offers specialized tracks in:

• Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT)
• Geodesign

MGIS Base Program (33 credits)

The MGIS base program offers a wider range of elective credits, providing students with the highest degree of customization.

Required Courses (18 credits)

The program requires the following courses:

• GEOG 482: Making Maps That Matter with GIS
• GEOG 483: Problem-Solving with GIS
• GEOG 484: GIS Database Development
• GEOG 583: Geospatial System Analysis and Design
• GEOG 586: Geographical Information Analysis
• GEOG 871: Geospatial Technology Project Management

Culminating Experience (3 credits)

The program requires a culminating experience, which is a supervised independent capstone project (GEOG 870).

Electives (12 credits)

Students can choose from a variety of elective courses to tailor their program to their interests and career goals.

Elective Courses List

The program offers a range of elective courses, including:

• GEOG 479: Spatial Data Science for Cyber and Human Social Networks
• GEOG 480: Exploring Imagery and Elevation Data in GIS Applications
• GEOG 481: Topographic Mapping with Lidar
• GEOG 485: GIS Programming and Software Development
• GEOG 486: Cartography and Visualization
• GEOG 489: Advanced Python Programming for GIS
• GEOG 571: Intelligence Analysis, Cultural Geography, and Homeland Security
• GEOG 581: Spatial Data Science Ethics
• GEOG 585: Open Web Mapping
• GEOG 588: Analytical Approaches in Spatial Data Science
• GEOG 589: Emerging Trends in Remote Sensing
• GEOG 591: GIS for Health Analysis
• GEOG 850: Location Intelligence for Business
• GEOG 858: Spatial Data Science for Emergency Management
• GEOG 861: The Earth is Round and Maps are Flat: Working with Spatial Reference Systems in GIS
• GEOG 863: Web Application Development for the Geospatial Professional
• GEOG 868: Spatial Database Management for the Geospatial Professional
• GEOG 892: Geospatial Applications of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
• STAT 505: Applied Multivariate Statistical Analysis

About the Capstone Project

The capstone course (GEOG 870) develops Master of Geographic Information Systems students' research and technical competencies to meet degree requirements and serve their future career goals.

Course Availability

The program operates on five 10-week terms, with two terms that partially overlap in fall and spring, and one term in the summer.

Finish Your GIS Master's Degree in About Two Years

The program can be completed in as little as two and a half years or spread out to suit personal responsibilities and work commitments.

Convenient Online Format

The program is offered 100% online, allowing students to complete their coursework at their own pace.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades.

How to Apply to Penn State

The application deadline for the program is April 1 to start May 20. Students can apply online and must submit all required materials, including official transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation.

Application Instructions

The application process involves the following steps:

1. Review the admission requirements.
2. Gather required materials, including official transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation.
3. Create a Penn State login account.
4. Complete the online application.
5. Check the status of the application.

Admissions Help

If students have questions about the admissions process, they can contact an admissions counselor.

Contact Us

Students can contact the program specialists for more information about the program.

Learn from the Best

The program is offered in partnership with the Department of Geography within Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.

Faculty

The program has a range of faculty members with expertise in GIS, geospatial intelligence, and spatial data science, including:

• Anthony C. Robinson, Ph.D.
• Ryan Baxter
• Amy Burnicki
• James Detwiler
• Brandi Gaertner
• Adrienne Goldsberry
• Panagiotis Giannakis
• Fritz Kessler
• Beth King
• Karen Schuckman
• Marcela Suárez
• Gregory Thomas
• Michelle Zeiders

News

The program has a range of news and updates, including:

• Real-World Examples of How GIS Can Improve Business
• 2024 Murphy Award honors Air Force veteran
• Navy platoon commander is 2023 Murphy Award recipient
• Army Corps of Engineers officer is the 2022 Murphy Award recipient
• First student to graduate from spatial data science master’s program
• Remote sensing faculty member appointed to lead national organization
• 2021 Carolyn Merry Mentoring Award, University Consortium for Geographic Information Science
• Capstone project improves disease mapping tool for Penn State Cancer Institute

Student Success Story

The program has a range of student success stories, including:

• Chris Goranson, New York, NY

Explore Other Academic Programs

The program is part of a range of academic programs offered by Penn State, including:

• Geodesign, Master of Professional Studies
• Geographic Information Systems - GIS, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
• Geospatial Intelligence Analytics, Graduate Certificate
• Homeland Security – Intelligence and Geospatial Analysis Option, Master of Professional Studies
• Geospatial Programming and Web Map Development, Graduate Certificate
• Spatial Data Science, Master of Science

Costs and Financial Aid

The program has a range of costs and financial aid options, including:

• Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which students register.
• Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
• The program offers a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and payment options.
• Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents may be eligible for military education benefits and financial aid opportunities.

Certification/Partnerships

The program can help students prepare for the GIS Professional (GISP) certification offered by the GIS Certification Institute.

Act 48–Compliant

The program is Act 48–compliant, meaning that it meets the requirements for continuing teacher education in Pennsylvania.

Progressive Curriculum

The program has a progressive curriculum that is designed to ensure students first learn key skills and competencies before advancing to more complex topics.

Year One

The first-year courses are designed to help students develop the information literacy and technical competencies they need to become more knowledgeable and skillful GIS users.

Year Two

The second-year courses can prepare students to design, specify, and manage complex geographic information infrastructures for their organization.

Year Three

During the third year, students will complete any remaining electives and an independent study capstone project, through which they will make a substantive contribution to their organization.

Take Advantage of Flexible Course Scheduling

The program operates on five 10-week terms, with two terms that partially overlap in fall and spring, and one term in the summer.

Earn a Valuable Credential along the Way

The program offers a range of certificate programs that can be earned while completing the degree program, including:

• Geographic Information Systems - GIS, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
• Geospatial Intelligence Analytics, Graduate Certificate
• Geospatial Programming and Web Map Development, Graduate Certificate
• Remote Sensing and Earth Observation, Graduate Certificate

Advance Your GIS Career

The program can help students advance their GIS career, with a range of job titles and employment outlooks, including:

• Digital Cartographer
• GIS/Geospatial Analyst
• GIS Consultant
• LIDAR Analyst
• Photogrammetrist
• Remote Sensing Specialist

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

The program offers a range of career services to help students succeed, including:

• Opportunities to connect with employers
• Career counselor/coach support
• Occupation and salary information
• Internships
• Graduate school resources

Additional Fields and Opportunities

The program can help students prepare for a range of fields and opportunities, including:

• Environmental resource management
• Transportation and urban planning
• Government services
• Surveying and cartography
• Emergency preparedness and response
• GIS software development and geospatial technology
• Climate science
• Data visualization and web mapping
• Geospatial intelligence

Ready to Learn More?

Students can request information about the program by completing a form.

Site Navigation

The program is part of a range of academic programs offered by Penn State, with a range of site navigation options, including:

• Home
• About Us
• Degrees and Certificates
• How Online Learning Works
• Admissions
• Tuition and Financial Aid
• Military

Main Navigation

The program has a range of main navigation options, including:

• Home
• About Us
• Degrees and Certificates
• How Online Learning Works
• Admissions
• Tuition and Financial Aid
• Military

Disclosures, Policies, and Copyright Information

The program has a range of disclosures, policies, and copyright information, including:

• Accessibility
• Nondiscrimination
• Privacy
• Consumer Information and Disclosures
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