Geospatial Science and Geographic Information Systems Master’s Degrees

The University of North Alabama offers a Master of Science in Geospatial Science through its Department of Geography. This is a 33-credit program that includes six credits in core courses, 21 credits in electives, and six credits in a thesis or research paper. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in a related field of study with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants are required to submit GRE scores, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Applicants with a lower GPA may be provisionally admitted. Students can enter the program in the spring or fall semester. The program may accept up to six transfer credits. Research and teaching assistantships are available.

The Master of Science in Applied Geospatial Sciences program at Northern Arizona University offers four emphasis areas: custom geography, planning, and recreation; geospatial technologies; planning and recreation; and geospatial technology professional science master's. This is a 36-credit program that requires seven credits in core classes, 29 credits in the area of emphasis, and a thesis or professional practicum that includes a project-based internship. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, but it does not have to be in geography. Applicants must submit a statement of intent, transcripts, three recommendation, and GRE scores. Applicants are required to contact faculty members and find one who will agree to serve as their adviser before they can be accepted.

The College of Continuing and Professional Education at California State University Long Beach has a Master of Science in Geographic Information Science that combines advanced technical training with courses in business and management skills. This is a one-year program with courses offered in the evenings along with some Saturday sessions; the business skills courses are delivered online. Students advance through the program with a cohort of peers. Applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and a bachelor's degree in geography or a related field with at least one upper division course in geospatial technologies or at least a year of work in a job using geospatial technologies. GRE scores are not required.

Humboldt State University offers an online Geospatial Certificate Program that students can complete 100 percent online. The certificate is designed for students who want to enter the field of GIS or who are already working in the field but need coursework to advance their career or earn a license. Applicants must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but they also should have the college-level math and writing skills necessary to pass college coursework. Classes are delivered in an accelerated eight-week format, and content includes video lectures, assignments, and participation in online forums. Students can complete the five-course program in 11 months. Cohorts of students are admitted into the program in the fall.

University of Redlands has a Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems designed to give students strong technical skills along with an understanding of theory. The curriculum includes core theory courses that are paired with hands-on courses so students learn to use the technology. This 42-credit program requires all candidates to complete an major individual project in which they apply GIS technology to a real world problem. The degree can be completed as a one-year program or a two-year program. Courses are delivered in seven-week terms. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree, but it can be in any subject. Applicants must submit GRE scores and two letters of recommendation. Cohorts start the program in September and January.

Students in the Master of Science in Geographic Information Science and Technology program at the University of Southern California can choose from four tracks: spatial data acquisition and integration, spatial data analysis and visualization, spatial application development, or spatial thinking. The master's program requires 28 credits, including 16 core credits and 12 credits in the specialization. The core includes a master's thesis. Classes are delivered online but students must attend a one-week field excursion to USC's marine science center on Catalina Island. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited school with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. GRE scores are required. The admission process for this 20-month program favors applicants with significant professional experience in GIS and related technologies.

The Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado Denver has a Master of Arts in Applied Geography and Geospatial Science that focuses on human-environmental interaction. This is a 36-credit program that has both a thesis and coursework-only option. All students take nine credits in core classes, a six-credit service learning studio, and 12 credits in required geospatial coursework. The program takes four semesters. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in a related field with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must submit a statement of purpose, three recommendations, and official transcripts. GRE scores are required for students with a GPA of less than 3.0. Students can only enter the program in the fall semester.

The University of Delaware's College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment offers a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems with three tracks: technician, analyst, or developer. The certificate is designed for working professionals who want to assume a leadership role and seek certification of their specialty. The program is open to non-traditional students who want to learn or update their GIS skills for employment and to traditional students who plan to use GIS in conjunction with their area of study. This 12-credit program has one required course with the other nine credits selected from the specialty track. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree and must submit transcripts from previous schools, a statement of purpose, and two recommendations. Students can start the program in any semester.

Idaho State University has a Graduate Certificate in Geotechnology that students can pursue as a standalone credential or as part of a master's or Ph.D. program at Idaho State. To earn the certificate, students must complete 19 credits, including 14 credits in core courses and five credits in electives. Options for electives are quite broad, spanning everything from a geotechnology internship to independent problems in anthropology or biology to advanced GIS programming. Students plan their program of study with a faculty adviser. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Applicants with a GPA higher than 3.5 are exempt from submitting GRE scores. Certificate students may be eligible for an assistantship.

Idaho State University has a Master of Science in Geographic Information Science that students complete in two years. Students can choose either a thesis option or a non-thesis option. Both options require students to complete 30 credits, including 11 credits in core courses and a graduate seminar. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in a discipline where a geotechnology research focus could be used, such as geoscience, biology, IT, business, or engineering. Applicants must submit GRE scores, transcripts, letter of intent, statement of goals, and three recommendations. Students can focus on developing new GIS tools and procedures or on applying tools and techniques to scientific problems. Teaching and research assistantships are available. Students may enter the program in the fall, spring, or summer.

Elmhurst College offers a Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems that students can complete entirely through online work. The curriculum calls for students to complete 10 courses, and waivers are available for one of those courses. Candidates must participate in an internship and do a research project or thesis. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in geography, GIS, or a related field. Courses are delivered in eight-week sessions, and students can complete the degree in as little as two years. Students in the program have online access to a dedicated GIS server to meet their high-end processing needs. Before graduating, candidates are required to present their research publicly and to join a professional organization related to geospatial technology.

The University of Maine has a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems that students can complete entirely online. The program requires students to complete five courses, including three core classes and two electives. All required classes should be available online at least once in any two-year period. Course content is largely asynchronous, but there may be some instructors who hold a discussion session where students need to be online at a set time. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must submit undergraduate transcripts, a recommendation, and an essay. Students may be able to transfer credits to fulfill an elective, but the core courses must be taken through the University of Maine.

The University of Maine offers a completely online program for a Master of Science in Spatial Informatics. The curriculum is "course only," and students must complete 30 credits, including 15 credits in core classes and 15 credits in electives. Coursework is generally asynchronous, although some instructors may include live discussion meetings. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students admitted to the program must have completed a college class in algebra or a higher math, and a class or experience in computer programming is recommended but not required. Applicants must also submit GRE scores and recommendations. Students must complete all the requirements for the master's degree within six years.

The University of Maryland offers a Master of Professional Studies in Geospatial Information Sciences with an online option. Online classes are simultaneous broadcasts of on-campus classes, which are scheduled in the evening, and lectures are also videotaped and available for review later. This 31-credit program includes 22 credits in core courses and nine credits in electives. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited school with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. While applicants from various backgrounds are admitted, they cannot officially start the program until meeting two prerequisites: a course in introductory statistics and an introductory course or practical experience in GIS. GRE scores are not required. Classes are offered in 10-week sessions, and students may start in the fall or spring.

Boston University has a program leading to a Master of Arts in Remote Sensing and Geospatial Sciences that is designed to provide students with advanced technical skills in working with spatial data sets. This is a 32-credit program that requires students to complete three core courses and five approved electives. The program is aimed at applicants who have a bachelor's degree in fields such as a natural science or social science. Applicants should have passed a course in statistical methods. The application requirements include GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and transcripts from all colleges attended. Students enter the program in the fall semester, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Michigan Tech has a Master of Science in Integrated Geospatial Technology that offers students three options for obtaining the 30-credit degree. Students can select a thesis program, a plan that includes coursework and an independent study project or practicum, or a coursework-only plan. The program is designed to be flexible and customizable. Students are expected to take courses from at least two different areas and specialize in one area. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in a related field with a GPA of at least 3.0. The program does not require GRE scores, but applicants must submit two recommendations, a resume, and a statement outlining their experience with geospatial software and hardware.

Delta State University has a Master of Applied Science in Geospatial Information Technologies that is designed to provide students with a balance of theory, practice, and research. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as geography, meteorology, ecology, earth science, computer information systems, or social sciences. The program also accepts applicants whose degree is not in a related discipline but who have at least three years experience in the industry and can supply recommendations from three professionals in the field. All applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 and must submit a personal statement and two references. Students start the program in the fall and complete it in 16 months. Coursework is delivered online.

Missouri State has a Master of Science in Geospatial Sciences - Geography, Geology and Planning that encourages students to select one of three research concentrations: physical geography, human geography and/or planning, or environmental geology. The thesis option requires 33 credits with the thesis, and the non-thesis option requires 36 credits with a scholarly report. All candidates must pass a comprehensive exam. Applicants should have an undergraduate background that indicates the academic ability to handle the coursework and an interest in geography or geology. Accepted students may be required to take specific undergraduate courses if their background is deficient. Applicants are required to submit GRE scores, official transcripts, and three recommendations.

The Department of Earth, Environmental, and Geospatial Sciences at Lehman College has a Master of Science in Geographic Information Science that gives students an option for a professional experience. This is a 40-credit program with either a traditional thesis or a combination of an applied research project and internship. The curriculum includes 14 core credits, 18 elective credits, and the eight-credit capstone project. Up to half the electives can be taken in a related cognate area, such as urban planning, environmental engineering, or public health. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, but there is no required undergrad major. Applicants must submit two recommendations and an essay explaining their interest in GIS. Students can enter in the spring or fall term.

The Geospatial Center at Stony Brook University has an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Science designed for working professionals or graduate students who want more knowledge and skills in the field of GIS and remote sensing. Full-time students can complete the 18-credit certificate in about one year. The curriculum requires nine credits in core courses and nine credits in electives. Options for electives include a teaching practicum, research, or internship, in addition to graduate level coursework. Some courses are available online. To apply for this program, potential students must have at least a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA. Applicants must submit official transcripts, two recommendations, and an essay. Students may start in the fall, spring, or summer term.

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry's Master of Science in Geospatial Information Science and Engineering allows students to take some interdisciplinary courses in other, related topics along with core courses in GIS. Students in the master's program take courses in four areas of mastery: remote sensing, geographic information systems, spatial analysis and programming, and statistics. There is also a research component. Prerequisites for the program include at least one year of physics, one year of calculus, a course in statistics, and an engineering science course in computer science, numerical methods, or surveying. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0 in the final two years of study. Applicants must submit GRE scores. Students may enter the program in the fall or spring.

North Carolina University offers a Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Information Science that focuses on advanced GIS applications. This 12-credit program can be completed entirely online. The curriculum requires students to complete two core classes and two electives. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA. While the program accepts students with a wide range of undergraduate majors, applicants should have some experience in GIS and its applications. Online classes for this program have both synchronous and asynchronous elements. Students are required to use a variety of software and are given access to NC State's virtual computing lab and a remote desktop.

North Carolina State University has a Master of Geospatial Information Science and Technology that is offered through online courses. However, students in the program come to campus two times during their studies - for an orientation at the start of the program and for a professional showcase where they present their capstone projects at the end of the program. This is a 33-credit program that includes 21 credits in core classes and 12 credits in electives. Students compile a professional portfolio and participate in a capstone working on a real-world project. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA and should have basic skills in geographic information systems, programming, and statistics. Applicants must submit a statement of purpose and resume.

The University of North Dakota has a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science designed to give students from varied backgrounds the foundational knowledge and technical skills to seek a job in GIS. The 12-credit program is offered entirely online with no requirements for students to ever come to campus. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited school with an overall GPA of 2.75 or a GPA of 3.0 for their last two years of college. The program is open to students whose degree is in any discipline, although most applicants have some sort of science degree. Students can only enter the program at the start of the summer term, and they can complete the program in one year. Courses follow the semester calendar.

Students seeking a Master of Science in Applied Geospatial Science from Bowling Green State University choose either a thesis or non-thesis option. Students who decide not to do a thesis must pass a comprehensive exam and complete an independent research project or perform an internship. Both options require students to complete 30 credits, spread among required core courses, electives in the geospatial core, and additional electives that can be in geospatial topics or other approved courses. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree, and those seeking assistantships must have a 3.0 GPA. GRE scores are required, along with three recommendations and a statement of purpose.

Oregon State University's online Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science is designed for working professionals who want to gain GIS credentials. The 19-credit program includes the option for an internship. Students may be able to arrange the internship with their current employer, and the program will also provide assistance in matching students with internships in their home location. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. While their degree can be in any field, applicants must have at least two years of experience in an organization related to GIS. Applicants should have taken basic courses in statistics, cartography, and at least high school algebra or a higher math. Students can enter the program in the fall, winter or spring term.

Courses in the Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems program at Portland State University apply towards nationally recognized GIS certifications such as GISP and ASPRS. This is a 20-credit program that includes introductory and advanced courses offered by the departments of Geography, Urban Studies and Planning, and Geology. Students take eight credits in core courses and labs and 12 credits in electives. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, although students with a GPA of at least 2.75 may be admitted conditionally. An undergraduate introductory GIS course is a prerequisite. Applicants must submit transcripts, statement of purpose, and one recommendation. Students can enter in the fall, winter, or spring term and must complete all the requirements within three years.

PennState World Campus offers an online Master of Geographic Information Systems that allows students to customize the program to meet their career goals. Students can choose an option in geospatial intelligence or geodesign or select electives that reflect their interests. The curriculum requires 36 credits, including an independent study project or capstone that must be presented publicly. The program is designed for GIS professionals. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college and at least two years of experience. They must submit three references, a statement of purpose, and GRE scores. Courses are delivered in 10-week terms, with five terms per year. The program is for part-time students, who are not required to take a course every term.

The University of Rhode Island has a Graduate Certificate in GIS and Remote Sensing that gives students advanced training in using geospatial technologies to help analyze problems where location is a key element, such as environmental issues. Students will be able to practice their new GIS skills during class projects and specialty coursework. This is a 16-credit program with 13 credits in required classes and three credits in electives. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college, but the program does not require any specific undergrad majors. Applicants must submit transcripts, two recommendations, and a statement of intent. GRE scores are not required. Students can enter the program in the spring or fall semester.

The University of Texas at Dallas has a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems that is designed to meet the needs of both newcomers and experienced professionals in the field of GIS. The curriculum requires students to complete five courses, including three required core courses and two electives selected from a restricted list. Students have up to three years to complete the requirements for the certificate. Courses for this certificate can be applied toward the Master of Science in Geospatial Information Sciences. The program is open to applicants with a bachelor's degree, who must apply to the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences as a non-degree seeking student. Applicants must submit transcripts from their undergraduate school.

Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence through the University of Texas at Dallas have met the requirements for GEOINT professionals set forth by the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation and may also be eligible for a certificate from the foundation. The graduate certificate requires students to complete five courses plus a one-credit capstone. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree and should have taken some courses in remote sensing, geospatial information technology, or computer science. They should also have background in at least one science that can be studied from a spatial perspective, such as geography, public health, or hydrology. Individuals interested in the certificate must apply to the school as a non-degree-seeking student.

The University of Texas at Dallas has a Graduate Certificate in Remote Sensing designed for individuals who want to gain skills in image analysis and understand the theories behind image acquisition. The skills are useful for individuals in fields such as meteorology, geography, ecology, and natural resources management. This is a 15-credit program requiring students to complete five courses. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree. A related undergraduate major is helpful for students who enter this program, but it is not a requirement for admission. Applicants must apply as non-degree-seeking students. Students can complete the program in as little as a year, but they have up to three years. Credits from the certificate can apply to the Master of Science in Geospatial Information Sciences.

The Master of Science in Geospatial Information Sciences at the University of Texas at Dallas is presented by the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences and the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. The 36-credit professional program requires students to complete 15 credits in core coursework, 18 credits in prescribed electives, and a research project or thesis. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in a related subject with a GPA of at least 3.0. Applicants must also submit GRE or GMAT scores, transcripts, three recommendations, and a personal statement. Students may enter the program in the spring or fall semester, but due to course scheduling, fall admission is recommended for students with no GIS experience. Calculus is not a prerequisite but is highly recommended.

The Ph.D. in Geospatial Information Sciences at the University of Texas at Dallas is a cross-disciplinary program focused on developing researchers. The program is offered jointly by three schools at UT: School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences; School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; and the Erick Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. Applicants must have a bachelor's or master's degree in a discipline related to GIS, such as geography, geology, computer science, statistics, economics, urban planning, or natural resource management. Applicants should have a GPA of at least 3.25, and they must submit GRE or GMAT scores. Prerequisites include calculus, proficiency in a programming language, and a course in inferential statistics.

George Mason University's Master of Science in Geoinformatics and Geospatial Intelligence requires students to complete 33 credits, including a master's thesis. The curriculum includes seven core courses, three electives, and the thesis. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in a related field with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Prerequisites include courses in differential and integral calculus, and the college recommends students who enter the program have a working knowledge of a programming language. Applicants without the necessary background may be required to take foundation classes if admitted to the program. GRE scores are required, although applicants with a master's from an accredited school may waive that requirement. The application packet must include a resume, transcripts, goals statement, and three recommendations.

The University of Mary Washington has a Master of Science in Geospatial Analysis that is designed to prepare students for professional careers in GIS. It is a non-thesis program that emphasizes practical applications. Students in the program must complete 24 credits in required courses and a six-credit capstone project. The master's program is designed for recent college graduates who majored or minored in geospatial technology and for professionals in the field who want to advance their career. Courses are offered in the evenings at UMW's campus in Stafford, Virginia, and full-time and part-time students are welcome. Full-time students can complete the program in a year. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree and coursework or professional experience in GIS.

The University of Washington Tacoma's Urban Studies Program has a Master of Science in Geospatial Technologies. The degree focuses on using geospatial data, hardware, and software for urban planning and environmental planning. The program uses a cohort model, with students entering the program in the autumn quarter and completing the degree in four quarters. This is a non-thesis degree with a practicum/capstone project. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA. Applicants must have academic or work experience with GIS or geospatial technologies. To meet that prerequisite, students must have a certificate, major, minor, or concentration in the field at the undergraduate or graduate level or at least a year of work experience in GIS. GRE scores are not required.

The Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Information Science - Advanced from Marshall University builds on the knowledge students gained in the basic GIS graduate certificate. Students who complete the advanced certificate learn to use advanced GIS techniques and apply them to analyze research questions in fields such as the social or natural sciences. The curriculum requires students to complete four courses, and most students can finish the work in two or three semesters. Certificate-only students must apply for admission as certificate/professional development students. They are required to have a bachelor's degree with a 2.5 or higher GPA, and they should have completed the GIS basic program. Students can start the program in any semester.

Marshall University's Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Information Science - Basic is designed to prepare students for a job involving GIS or remote sensing or to help them get ready for a doctoral program in GIS. As part of the program, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through an internship or work-study program. To earn the certificate, students have to complete 12 credits of coursework. Students may enter the program in the fall, spring, or summer semester. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 2.5 or higher and they are required to submit official transcripts of all previous college work.