Unlike other College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) programs, this program is offered as a continuous 11-month, full-time, residential program only. Program cycles begin in January and September. (Note that programs starting in January extend over 12 months though there is no instruction in August.) The program is structured into five two-month terms (designated Terms 1 through 5) and a one-month Interim. These terms are completed in sequence by each cohort of students. Generally, two M.S. GIS terms fall within each of the CAS normal fall and spring semesters. The M.S. GIS Interim corresponds with the CAS May Term, and an additional two-month term runs in June and July.
Each of the first four terms includes a core theory course on a major GI Science theme paired with an intensive, hands-on technology course. Theory courses not only complement the technology courses and ensure that students have the critical theoretical foundations for the relevant technology, but also explore broader issues related to the effective and appropriate application of the technology. The one-month Interim provides an opportunity for students to focus their attention on one of the program's two major themes-Programming or Management. In most terms, the technology courses include at least one full week of intensive instruction from the current ESRI instructor-led training curriculum. Extended supervised project work following each training segment, often part of real GIS projects at the Redlands Institute, helps students integrate and assimilate the material learned. Depending on availability, students may choose to focus their education through elective courses and optional seminars in specialized areas such as remote sensing, statistics for GIS, environmental modeling, technical writing, additional technology training, software development, or specific scientific or business application areas. All students are required to undertake a major individual project applying GI Technology and/or Science to a problem of their choice. Each of the regular terms includes a component directed towards building students' skills in project design and implementation. Opportunities for projects will be explored with staff from ESRI and other organizations in the region. When approved, students also may work on a project relevant to their home country or institution. Students who begin in September will make a formal presentation of their project conclusions in special sessions at the ESRI User Conference in mid-July. Students who begin in January will present their projects to the campus and local ESRI community in December. Since this program is evolving along with the emerging and maturing technologies, the most current information about the curriculum, entrance requirements, and application procedures is available on the program's website at http://www.institute.redlands.edu/msgis or by contacting the program office at (909) 335-4013 or by e-mail at msgis@institute.redlands.edu. | 
