Geographic Information Systems

We are now accepting applications for Spring 2023

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 principles towards 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 that instills a foundation of spatial knowledge and technical skills for any career that employs spatial computing.

This program is no longer at Shady Grove. This is a Main Campus (Catonsville) program


Degrees Offered:

M.P.S.
Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies: Geographic Information Systems

Tracks/Concentrations:  None

Department:  Geography

Part-Time or Full-Time:  Full-time and part-time

Online or On Campus:  On Campus


Admissions Requirements

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is for early to mid-career professionals interested in an understanding of GIS that goes beyond “GIS as a tool for analysis”. Prospective students must have working knowledge of GIS and a B.A. or B.S. in Geography, Computer Science or Information Systems, or a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Application Requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree and 3.0 GPA (Students with a GPA less than 3.0 may be admitted to the Certificate program)
  • Statement outlining the student’s goals and expectations in the program
  • Current resume
  • Two Letters of Recommendation (MPS only; Optional for Certificate)
  • Official transcript(s) from each college & university attended
  • GRE is not required
  • English proficiency testing (TOEFL/ IELTS) is required for international students.

Term of Admission: We are now accepting applications for Spring 2023


Contact Us

Main Contact Info:  301-738-6285

Graduate Program Director:

Dillon Mahmoudi, dillonm@umbc.edu

Assistant Graduate Program Director:

Ron Wilson, rwilson@umbc.edu

Graduate Program Coordinator:

Renee Eisenhuth, gis@umbc.edu

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