Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)


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Alan Yeakly, Chair
Dillon Mahmoudi - dillonm@umbc.edu, Graduate Program Director
Ron Wilson - rwilson@umbc.edu, Assistant Graduate Program Director
Renee Eisenhuth - reisen@umbc.edu,  Graduate Program Coordinator

Degrees Offered

M.P.S., P.B.C. (Degree Types )

Faculty

Geographic Information Systems Faculty

Program Description

This Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a 10-course/30 credit applied science program designed for students seeking either professional or academic careers. The program is specifically for those interested in establishing their GIS credentials that rests on systematic critical thinking as it applies to social and environmental disciplines.  

Students in this new GIS program follow a series of linked courses that share a methodological approach to enhance this GIS skills and knowledge by developing sharp critical thinking skills to properly plan for solutions. Each class, whether analytical or technical, employs scientific methods to assess problems by formulating plans and creating processes to produce well-thought-out and reasoned solutions in cartographic production, programming, dynamic visualization, data management, and spatial analysis. Across these courses, students will also cumulatively build a depth of technological skills with a variety of software programs that do not leave them dependent on any one program for spatial analysis, visualization, data management and tool development.

Courses in the new GIS program are delivered in the context of social and environmental issues that applies critical GIS toward improving the lives of people, society, and the environment. Students will also gain an understanding of essential geographic principles and concepts needed to solve problems in nearly any industry or academic discipline. Students will end their tenure with a degree or certificate instills a foundation of spatial knowledge and technical skills for any career that employs spatial computing.

Program Admission Requirements

For M.P.S.:

  • B.A. or B.S. in Geography, Computer Science or Information Systems -OR- a bachelor’s degree in a related field with GIS-related work experience
  • Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems.
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (Students with a GPA less than 3.0 may be admitted to the MPS program provisionally or to the Graduate Certificate program.)
  • International applicants should refer to the International Admission Page for special admission information.

* Please note the GRE is not required.

For Graduate Certificate and Non-Degree:

  • B.A. or B.S. in Geography, Computer Science or Information Systems or a bachelor’s degree in a related field with GIS-related work experience.
  • GRE scores are not required for admission
  • Applicants should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Application Deadlines
Spring: December 1 (Domestic Students); May 1 (International Students)
Fall: August 1 (Domestic Students); January 1 (International Students)

Facilities and Special Resources

This program is no longer at Shady Grove. This is a Catonsville campus program

Programs

    Master of Professional StudiesPost-Baccalaureate Certificate

    Courses

      Geography and Environmental Systems

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