Geospatial Information Sciences

Master's Degree and Graduate Certificate Programs

The Master of Professional Studies and Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies in Geospatial Information Sciences offers graduate courses in all the key areas of GIS relevant to the contemporary workplace, including the advanced use of geographic information systems, and remote sensing, spatial analysis methods, GIS modeling, and specialized computer programming tailored to GIS needs.

Careers in GIS are fast-growing and skilled professionals with practical experience in advanced GIS and related technologies are in high demand. Students in this program become well-versed in the theoretical underpinnings of GIS and receive substantial practical experience in the application of state of the art computer-based systems to a wide range of real world problems.

The programs are ideal for professionals seeking specialized training in GIScience and in the application of geospatial technologies. Students are trained for careers in all the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.

Program Best Suited for:

Geographers
Earth scientists
Computer scientists
Social scientists
Engineers

The programs are a combination of online and on-campus experiences. Lectures in many courses are delivered across the Internet using advanced audio and video technology. Students are required to have and use webcams and headsets with microphones in order to participate in lectures. Because of this advanced technology students are relieved of the burden of commuting to campus after a hard day at work. For those who prefer to learn in a classroom environment, they may meet with like-minded students at the scheduled time to participate in the lecture. A Teaching Assistant will also be in the class. Other opportunities for personal interaction include periodic Saturday morning question-and-answer sessions with Teaching Assistants. Most courses will also have on-campus final exams and/or project presentations.

Geospatial Information Sciences - Admissions

Deadlines

Students are admitted to the program only for the Fall Term.

Deadline for application from International students: January 1
Deadline for application from U.S. students: April 1

Qualifications

The Graduate School requires all admitted graduate students to have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree in another country. A GPA of 3.0 is required for admission into this program.

It is strongly recommended that students have had:

Introductory course in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems
A minimum of one year of Calculus
An introductory course in Statistics

Students accepted without this background may be required to take specialized prerequisite courses during the summer preceding their first term. These prerequisite courses do not count toward the degree.

Application for the Geospatial Information Sciences Program is a 5-step process:

Submit a completed online application:
- Click here to apply for the Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Information Sciences (12 Credits)
- Click here to apply for the Master of Professional Studies in Geospatial Information Sciences (30 Credits)
Submit the nonrefundable application fee of $60.
Submit a complete set of transcripts reflecting all undergraduate and graduate work elected or in progress. Each transcript must bear the signature of the registrar and the seal of the granting institution and should include the years of attendance, courses taken, grades received, class standing and the degree, certificate or diploma received. If you attended the University of Maryland, College Park the SPOC Office will obtain the records of College Park courses completed.
Submit a current résumé
Sumbit a residency form.

International students and applicants with foreign credentials must submit academic records in the original language with literal English translations. Allow at least three months for evaluation. TOEFL scores are also required for all international applicants. For information on additional documentation required by International Education Services, click here.

Registration information will be sent upon acceptance into the program.
All materials should be sent to:

By mail:: SPOC
1130 Mitchell Building
College Park, MD 20742
By e-mail:: spoc@umd.edu
By fax:: 301-314-7915

Special offer for UM alumni who are members of the Alumni Association! Enjoy a 5% tuition reduction for courses in the Master of Professional Studies (MPS) and Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies (GCPS) programs. To receive this special offer, please complete the Alumni Tuition Application. Not a member? Join today! Click here to apply NOW!

Geospatial Information Sciences - Courses

Graduate Certificate

Fall: GEOG 473
Winter: GEOG 676
Spring: GEOG 673 or GEOG 674
Summer: GEOG 606

Master of Professional Studies
Part-Time

Fall (Year 1): GEOG 473
Winter (Year 1): GEOG 676
Spring (Year 1): GEOG 472
Summer (Year 1): INFM 706
Fall (Year 2): GEOG 606
Winter (Year 2): GEOG 677
Spring (Year 2): GEOG 672 or GEOG 674
Summer (Year 2): GEOG 795
Fall (Year 3): GEOG 671 or GEOG 673
Winter (Year 3): GEOG 797 (1)
Spring (Year 3): GEOG 797 (2)

Full-Time

Fall (Year 1): GEOG 473, GEOG 472
Winter (Year 1): GEOG 676, GEOG 606
Spring (Year 1): GEOG 672 or GEOG 674, GEOG 797 (1)
Summer (Year 1): GEOG 795, INFM 706
Fall (Year 2): GEOG 671 or GEOG 673
Winter (Year 2): GEOG 797(2), GEOG 677

NOTE: These schedules are subject to change.

GEOG 472: Remote Sensing: Digital Processing and Analysis
Digital image processing and analysis applied to satellite and aircraft land remote sensing data. Consideration is given to preprocessing steps including calibration and geo registration. Analysis methods include digital image exploration, feature extraction thematic classification, change detection, and biophysical characterization. One or more application examples may be reviewed. There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course. (3 credits)

GEOG 473: Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis
Analytical uses of geographic information systems; data models for building geographic data bases; types of geographic data and spatial problems; practical experience using advanced software for thematic domains such as terrain analysis, land suitability modeling, demographic analysis, and transportation studies. There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course. (3 credits)

GEOG 579: Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems
(Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Professional Studies in GIS program. Credits received for this course will not count toward the MPS GIS degree.)
An introduction to remote sensing and geographic information systems. Topics include methods of obtaining quantitative information from remotely-sensed images, interpretation of remotely-sensed images for spatial and environmental relationships, characteristics and organization of geographic data including spatial data models for thematic mapping and map analysis and use of geographic information systems in society, government, and business. Practical experience with remote sensing software and geographic information systems. (2-4 credits)

GEOG 606: Quantitative Spatial Analysis
This course covers the statistical modeling of spatial data and data analysis that are most useful to geographers and others who use spatial data. It provides the student with more advanced methods with an emphasis on practical techniques for problem solving. Home assignments are designed to help the student understand the fundamental concepts and principles in depth and allow the student to gain experience in the use of S-Plus statistical software and two powerful extensions of ArcGIS 9.1: Spatial analyst, and Geostatistical analyst. There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course. (3 credits)

GEOG 671: Remote Sensing Instruments and Observations
Detailed examination of land remote sensing instruments, observatories and resultant measurements in the optical portion of the EM spectrum. Includes computer-based exercises that examine the importance of data geo-registration and radiometric calibration in land measurements. There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course. (3 credits)

GEOG 672: Biophysics of Optical Remote Sensing
Biophysical principles, phenomena and processes underlying multispectral remote sensing in the optical portion of the EM spectrum. Includes computer-based exercises that explore the biophysical basis of land patterns and dynamics observed in remote sensing data. There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course. (3 credits)

GEOG 673: GIS Modeling
This course introduces advanced techniques in the GIS data manipulation, geostatistics and geospatial modeling. The fundamental theories behind the analytical and modeling techniques are covered in detail. The theoretical knowledge will be enforced by a series of intensive computer exercises using real data sets. It covers descriptive and predictive GIS modeling techniques, including logit modeling (logistic regression), spatial statistics, geo-statistics, environmental diversity indices, Boolean logic, and map algebra. There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course. (3 credits)

GEOG 674: GIS Spatial Databases
Many GIS functions revolve around spatial attribute data management. Therefore, a good understanding of database design and manipulation is of great benefit for the GIS practitioner. This course uses typical GIS database software and covers data acquisition & database creation, data structure & modeling, data management, information queries, and integration of multiple data sources in GIS. This course will also cover Oracle and Internet database and web services. There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course. (3 credits)

GEOG 676: Programming for GIS
This course is an introduction to programming for geography graduate students. The foundational concepts of computer programming will be introduced and the Visual Basic programming language will be the implementation medium for those concepts. By the end of the semester students will be able to design and implement programs that are correct, robust, and user-friendly for a variety of situations using both structured and object-oriented programming concepts. This course will also present advanced programming concepts and practice, including modeling environmental situations and ArcObjects, the underlying structure of ArcGIS. There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course. (3 credits)

GEOG 677: Internet GIS
This course will provide the necessary background for students working in GIS in the 21st century. The course is focused upon the use of the Internet to deliver GIS applications. The material covered will include the hardware/software structure of the Internet, the means for communication between Internet-connected devices, applications that provide GIS programs and data, and performance and security concerns. (3 credits)

GEOG 795: Professional Practices Seminar
A professional practice seminar will be included to help prepare students for the work place. Topics will include development of a resume, physical preparation of a resume, choosing and helping reference writers, conduct of a successful interview, negotiating an employment package, giving professional presentations, proposal preparation, writing reports, codes of ethics and responsibilities to the broader community including pro bono work. The course will include presentations from practitioners in the GIS field. This course will also include basic project management skills and strategies to help prepare students for undertaking the internship and resultant final project. (1 credit)

GEOG 797: Professional Project
Each student must undertake a project as a demonstration of his/her competence in geospatial science and technologies. The data and materials for this project can originate from an internship (internal or external to the department), or from relevant work experience at the student's current employer. The Geography Department will work with each student individually to determine the best mechanism for obtaining the necessary data and experience. Under the direction of a faculty advisor, the student will prepare a Project Report which shall contain an explanation of the requirements for the work, a technical account of the activities undertaken, including a literature review, a description of the methods and approaches taken, a critical discussion of the results obtained, along with conclusions and recommendations developed from the project. The final project will consist of a full fledged GIS application that is up and running and can be tested. This will enable the student to present potential employers with a portfolio containing an example of their ability to manage and develop a GIS application project and will show that they understand how to apply the technology to real world situations. (3 credits)

INFM706: Project Management
Management of projects through planning and execution of life cycle phases. Includes estimating costs, managing risks, scheduling, staff and resource allocation, team building, communication, tracking, control and other aspects of successful project completion. (3 credits)

Geospatial Information Sciences - Calendar

The courses are offered in four ten-week terms per year.

Fall 2008 Term - September 2- November 7
Winter 2008 December 1-24; (Winter Break); January 2-13
Spring 2009 March 2-13; (Spring Break); March 23-May 8
Summer 2009 June 1-August 7

Most students in the same cohort will move through the curriculum together. This will allow you to know your classmates better and will also ensure that you graduate in a timely manner. Of course, life happens and we try to be as flexible as possible when circumstances dictate changes. Just keep us informed and we will work with you as much as possible.

Fall 2008

GEOG 472: Remote Sensing: Digital Processing and Analysis
Th 5:00 - 7:30 p.m., on-campus only, Sept. 2 - Dec. 12 plus final exam time
Instructor: C. Huang
GEOG 473: Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis
Tu 5:30 - 8:00 p.m., online / on-campus, Sept.2 - Nov. 7
Instructor: J. Ma
GEOG 606: Quantitative Spatial Analysis
Wed 5:30 - 8:00 p.m., on-campus only, Sept. 2 - Nov 7
Instructor: H. Lim
GEOG 671: Remote Sensing Instruments and Observations
Mon 5:00 - 7:30, on-campus only, Sept.2 - Dec. 12 plus final exam time
Instructor: T. Loboda
GEOG 673: GIS Modeling
Th 5:30 - 8:00 p.m., on-campus only, Sept. 2 - Nov. 7
Instructor: J. Ma

Geospatial Information Sciences - Tuition & Fees

Current charges (subject to campus approval)

Application Fee:	$60 (nonrefundable)
Tuition:	In-State: $525 per credit Out-of-State: $795 per credit
SPOC Fee:	$40 per semester
Mandatory Fee:	$539.35 for full-time students (9 or more credits) $317.25 for part-time (up to 8 credits)

Note: Some course also have a $40 lab fee.

Supplies:

Supplies will vary by course and are not included in the tuition and fees listed here.

Late Registration Fee:

A late registration fee of $20 is charged to any student who registers for their first class on or after the first day the class meets.

Parking Fees:

Click here to access the Department of Transportation Services Web site for parking permit information. Parking permits are NOT required on campus for classes that begin after 4 p.m.

Please visit Billing and Payment for other important financial details.

Please Note: Although changes in tuition and fees are ordinarily announced in advance, the University reserves the right to make such changes without previous announcement.