Top Masters Programs in Geospatial and Remote Sensoring Services

Based on the work of Michael Stiehl, MS. Written by Philip Baker.4-minute read.

The last two decades have witnessed the growing capacity of geographical information systems (GIS) to extract meaning from location.

A senior policy analyst discusses the ways geographic information systems (GIS) apply across disciplines and how that makes them well-suited to answer the kinds of complex multi-dimensional questions frequently found in the healthcare field today.

For the Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics (MScBMI) program, first started working with geographic information systems (GIS) in the mid-90s. With the field still in its infancy at the time, there was limited public data available, only a single and very expensive piece of software, and public policy professionals were yet to understand the critical role of location in extracting meaning from data.

Everyone now has access to the data government agencies use to design policy and programs.

First, he hopes students leave with the GIS software skills to make maps of their own.

There are also implicit ethical concerns that arise when using a technology as powerful as GIS and the class will throw light on the various privacy risks and intrusions that go along with using personal data in conjunction with GIS.

Philip Baker is a staff writer at the University of Chicago. He graduated from the College with a degree in English.

Master of Science in Threat and Response Management.

The innovative GIS master’s program at Johns Hopkins University provides a solid foundation in geospatial data science, programming and application development, predictive analytics, big data technologies, and project management.

The GIS master’s program was designed for working professionals. You can take classes 100% online and choose to attend full- or part-time. You’ll also have the flexibility to take courses that best fit your career goals; we offer multiple tracks and a variety of electives.

The rapidly growing geospatial technology field offers opportunities in many sectors, from government and national security to business, environmental studies, and health. With high demand, professionals with advanced degrees will be better positioned for leadership roles and the most highly regarded jobs in the industry.

Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Information Science and Technology (GIST).

Background: Geographic information science and technology, along with geostatistics and analysis of satellite imagery, have emerged as major cross-disciplinary tools used in academic research, industrial applications, and public policy analysis. This is especially true on the Berkeley campus.

The GIF provides leadership and training across a broad array of integrated mapping technologies. These technologies include Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and modeling. The GIF offers innovative geospatial approaches to environmental research projects and grant opportunities. You can take short workshops on a range of topics, rent GPS equipment, get GIS consulting, and Geolunch events.

The Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) provides an academic structure for an interdisciplinary exchange of ideas around geospatial information and analysis. Geographic information science and technology, along with geostatistics and analysis of satellite imagery, have emerged as major cross-disciplinary tools used in academic research, industrial applications, and public policy analysis. The GIST enables specialized, multidisciplinary training and research opportunities in various emerging areas of geospatial information science and technology. Certificate students will not only participate in a cutting-edge program and receive explicit recognition of specialization in GIST by virtue of the Graduate Certificate but will be well positioned to compete for the most desirable jobs in geospatial technology, both in academia and in industry.

Master of Science in Rangeland and Wildlife Management.

Master of Applied Geospatial Information Systems and Technologies (MAGIST).

An application fee ($120.00 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents $140.00 for all other applicants) will be collected before the application can be processed, subject to certain waivers specified by the Graduate Division.

MAGIST offers three start dates per year, one in each academic year quarter (Fall, Winter, and Spring). Many students start in Fall quarter, so several priority deadlines are listed for Fall quarter. Applying by a priority deadline ensures the quickest review possible.

Fall 2023: Applications due July 31, 2023 or by earlier priority review deadline:Priority Deadline: April 30, 2023Late Priority Deadline: May 31, 2023.

MAGIST uses a rolling admissions cycle, wherein applications are reviewed within several weeks after they are submitted. Admissions decisions are made as quickly as possible as to provide applicants with clarity and certainty as they embark upon graduate study.

All applications for the MAGIST program must include the following components:.

Statement of purpose, including description of prior GIS coursework and or experience.

Admission to the MAGIST program uses the Application for UCLA Graduate Admissions.

In order to apply for MAGIST, you will complete the online application for admission used by most UCLA graduate degree programs. The application must be submitted using this standardized system applications submitted by other means cannot be accepted.

As your selected program, not to be confused with the Master of Arts in Geography.

Your statement of purpose is the cornerstone of your application: it is in this written statement that you explain why you are interested pursuing a graduate education and earning the MAGIST degree at UCLA. This statement is also your opportunity to describe your experience (academic and or professional) within the fields of GIS, spatial data science, and geospatial technology, and also explain why you feel that MAGIST will help you to advance professionally. While your statement of purpose should be concise and focused, there is no specific requirement or limit in terms of the length of the statement.

The Personal Statement is an opportunity for you to provide additional information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and aptitude for graduate study at UCLA. It will also be used to consider candidates for financial awards specific to the MAGIST program.

Applicants may wish to discuss some of the following questions:.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to explain how any unusual challenges and life experiences they have encountered will allow them to contribute to the diversity of the student body. The University of California Diversity Statement can be found online.

Letters may come from academic or professional references, though it is preferred (but not required) that at least one of the two required letters come from an academic reference who can speak to your aptitude for graduate study. We suggest that you ask your recommenders to specifically comment upon your intellectual ability, professional and or academic aptitude with geospatial technology, work ethic, creativity, resilience, and preparation for graduate-level studies.

According to UCLA Graduate Division policies, applicants are required to submit unofficial transcripts from any previously-attended institutions of higher education. Unofficial transcripts are used throughout the application review process, and official transcripts do not need to be submitted with the application.

Include a term by term breakdown of each course taken with its corresponding units and grade, and .

Only after admission is submission of official transcripts necessary. Applicants who do not accept an offer of admission will not need to submit official transcripts. An official copy of your transcripts should be sent directly from the registrars of the academic institutions you have attended (beyond secondary school or community college), or you may request official copies and send them yourself to the Geography. Please note that submitted records become the property of the University and cannot be returned.

All applications must be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee. For the 2021-2022 academic year, this fee is $120.00 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, and $140.00 for all other applicants. Application fees are subject to change at any time based on decision of the UCLA Graduate Division.

The UCLA Graduate Division offers several exemptions for the graduate application fee.

Determine if you will pay in-state or out-of-state tuition. For example, if you are an in-state resident and planning to take six credits for the Master of Architecture degree, the tuition cost will be $4,518.

The Spatial Sciences Institute is a Sustaining Partner of the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF), the only organization of its kind aimed at bringing together the many disciplines involved in the geospatial intelligence sector to exchange ideas, share best practices, and promote the education and importance of a national geospatial intelligence agenda.

The USGIF has accredited the USC Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence and the M.S. in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence. the USGIF accreditation in USGIF Trajectory magazine.

Richard Windisch ('18 B.S. in GeoDesign '19 M.S. in GIST) was a 2018 awardee of a United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) Golden Ticket, a program which supports young geospatial professionals in their professional development by sponsoring their attendance at the USGIF GEOINT Symposium and arranging for high-level introductions to industry leaders.

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The Center for Spatial Technologies and Remote Sensing (CSTARS), at the University of California, Davis has been known for leadership in environmental applications of remote sensing and geospatial data for three decades. Today it has one of the strongest environmental remote sensing groups in the United States, with an emphasis on multidisciplinary research. CSTARS scientists come from many disciplines including Geospatial Information Systems, Ecology, Computer Science, Geography, Applied Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Soils and Biogeochemistry, Atmospheric, and Hydrologic Sciences.

The Center’s research focus is on characterizing ecosystem processes and structure, especially aspects that address impacts of climate and land use changes, environmental sustainability and ecosystem services. Working at all spatial scales, from the field to the globe, CSTARS utilizes geospatial technologies to acquire, analyze and interpret remotely sensed data.

CSTARS mission is to provide leadership in promoting sustainable environments by developing research methods that use applications of core geospatial technologies, their adoption by various environmental sectors, and the training and transfer of these technologies to a diverse user community.

Over the years, it has expanded into a growing network of remote sensing researchers across the globe, who share information, ideas and opportunities to collaborate.

The Geography offers a thesis-based master of science in Cartography and Geographic Information Systems, titled Thesis. In addition, it offers two professional non-thesis options in the Cartography and Geographic Information Systems M.S. titled: GIS Development (online program) and Accelerated Non-Thesis (in-residence program).

The M.S. (Thesis) in Cartography and Geographic Information Systems provides a broad foundation in the theory and application of mapping and geographic information sciences. Students who earn the M.S. (Thesis) degree are prepared to continue on for the Ph.D. in geography or for positions in government agencies, planning organizations, environmental agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and private industry.

Students Master of Science in Cartography and Geographic Information Systems through one of the named options:.

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

15 credits must be graduate-level coursework.

A named option is a formally documented sub-major within an academic major program. Named options appear on the transcript with degree conferral. Students pursuing the Master of Science in Cartography and Geographic Information Systems must select one of the following named options:.

Cartography and Geographic Information Systems: GIS Development, M.S.

Students should refer to one of the named options for policy information:.

Take advantage of the Graduate School professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.

Evaluates or synthesizes information pertaining to questions or challenges in cartography GIScience.

This field is highly trans-disciplinary with substantial and growing importance in a number of traditional academic disciplines and related professions including:.

The Master of Science in Geographic Information Science and Technology (MS-GIST) degree is a STEM designated program.

Students can complete the 34-credit hour curriculum for the Master of Science in Geographic Information Science and Technology (MS-GIST) in one calendar year. The curriculum includes two semesters of full-time coursework and a capstone project course offered during the summer.

Part-time students may complete the program in two or three academic years plus one summer session for the capstone project and systems design courses.

The MS-GIST degree provides students with a common core of required knowledge, a strong foundation of technology skills, and the flexibility to apply those skills to a broad range of professional and academic fields.

Our MS-GIST graduates have the option to continue to view themselves as members of traditional professions such as engineering, environmental science, or architecture, or to place themselves within the newly-emerging professions directly related to geospatial technologies.

A basic understanding of GIS technology is required as a prerequisite of the degree program. This may be achieved through one of four options:.

CP 6514 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3-0-3) or.

The required GIS courses (with lecture hours, lab hours, and credit hours) are:.

CP 6595 GIS Systems Design and Management (3).

Beyond the basic core of geospatial technology there exists a wide range of specialized GIS data sources and analytical methods. MS-GIST students are required to take a minimum of two specialized GIS courses that focus on the application of GIS technology to specific areas.

They may include (but are not limited to):.

INFO 530 Geographic Information Systems for Public Health (in the Emory School of Public Health).

These will typically include additional specialized GIS courses or courses in GIS-related substantive areas such as city planning, architecture, public policy, civil engineering, or environmental engineering.

The core of the MS-GIST program is delivered through a body of courses offered by the School of City and Regional Planning. These include courses on quantitative methods, advanced geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, transportation GIS, environmental GIS, and socioeconomic GIS.

GIS is very data-centric and all of our courses integrate some sort of data science aspects in them. The class Climate Change Analytics has the word analytics in the title.

We do not offer courses explicitly machine learning, although many of our classes have programming components in them.

You can take elective computer science courses as a MS-GIST student. These can be any courses at Georgia Tech.

You can take our graduate courses in GIS if you are enrolled in another graduate program at Georgia Tech. The only courses that are 100% reserved for MS-GIST students are our 1-credit course and the Capstone course in the summer.

We are here to make the most out of your Master education. We encourage those interested in the MS-GIST program to reach out to Clio Andris with questions pursuing a MS-GIST at Georgia Tech.

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