Master of Science Degree in Geographic Information Sciences 
      Admission Requirements
      Degree Requirements
Credit Limitation
GEO Course Descriptions
ESC Course Descriptions

Link to Department of Geography web site

R. Neil Mower, Chairperson
296A Dow Science
(989) 774-3323

Amy Lobben, Director M.S.GISci Program
(989) 774-4995

Rick Bonch, Ph.D., Geographic Information Sciences
Bin Li, Ph.D., Geographic Information Sciences
Amy Lobben, Ph.D., Geographic Information Sciences
David Patton, Ph.D., Geographic Information Sciences
Sally Westmoreland, Ph.D., Geographic Information Sciences

Master of Science Degree in Geographic Information Sciences (M.S. GISci)
The M.S. program in Geographic Information Sciences (GISci) provides advanced course work and applied research in cartography, geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing. Each student will complete a thesis or research project that applies GISci techniques to economic, environmental, or other issues that require spatial data processing and analysis. Graduates will develop skills that will qualify them for a variety of spatial data processing positions that make up a rapidly growing field in the information technology industry.

Master of Science GISci Admission Requirements:
Students entering the M.S. GISci program are required to have a sound knowledge of the fundamental concepts of cartography, GIS, and remote sensing. It is also expected that M.S. GISci students have a basic knowledge of a computer language, calculus, and statistics as these are skills necessary to understand, manipulate, and develop the analytical methods and algorithms that are the foundations of advance training in Geographic Information Science. A minimum 3.0 GPA in the student’s undergraduate major is required.

Computer Programming - One course in a current programming language (CMU equivalent: CPS 110 or CPS 180) with minimum grade of B.

Mathematics and Statistics - One course in Calculus (CMU equivalent: MTH 132) and one course in Statistics (CMU equivalent: STA 282 or STA 382)

Fundamental Courses in Geographic Information Sciences - At least, one course in Cartography (CMU equivalent: GEO 203), one course in Introductory Geographic Information Systems (CMU equivalent: GEO 303), and one course in Introductory Remote Sensing (CMU equivalent: GEO 305). Minimum grade of B in each.

Degree Requirements:
The M.S. in GISci is a 33 credit hour program available either through a Plan A option (thesis) or Plan B option (non-thesis). Under Plan A, six credits of thesis work (GEO 798) is required. Under Plan B, three credits of a directed research project (GEO 797) is required. The thesis or research project must apply GISci techniques to economic, environmental or other problems that require spatial data analysis. More detailed information is available in the department office.

Courses (33 credit hours)

A. Required Courses (21 hours)
GEO 500 3(2-2) Advanced Cartography
GEO 503 3(2-2) Geographic Information Systems
GEO 508 3(2-2) Digital Remote Sensing
GEO 512 3(2-2) Quantitative Methods for Spatial Analysis
GEO 701 3(2-2) Contemporary Spatial Data Management

Two courses from the following:
GEO 600 3(2-2) Dynamic Mapping and Visualization
GEO 603 3(2-2) GIS Design and Programming
GEO 608 3(2-2) Advanced Digital Remote Sensing

Note: A student satisfying any of the required courses or their equivalents prior to entering the program may be excused from these courses. Other courses will be substituted with the approval of the advisor. Credits from these courses will be applied to the 21 hours of required courses. A student must receive a minimum grade of C in each course to have their course work approved for the graduate program.

B. Electives (6-9 hours)
Two or three 500 to 700 level courses in a technical or cognate field(s) in consultation with advisor.

Technical courses might include relevant Computer Science, Mathematics, and/or Statistics courses or Special Topics courses in Cartography, Geographic Information Systems, Global Positioning
System (GPS), or Remote Sensing.

Cognate courses might include relevant Biology, Earth Science,
Geography, Geology, Political Science, or other courses that would complement the student’s area ofspecialization. A student must receive a minimum grade of C in each elective course.

C. Thesis or Research Project Option (3-6 hours)
GEO 798 1-6(Spec) Thesis (Plan A)
GEO 797 1-6 (Spec) Directed Research in Geographic Information Sciences (Plan B)

Credit Limitation. Courses in the department that are subject to graduate credit limitation under the policy covering unspecified content or variable credit are the following: GEO 568, 575, 597; ESC 568, 575, 597.