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Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems
The MS GIS program combines the development of strong technical skills and in-depth understanding of geographic information systems and theory. Students will work with a client to solve a real-world problem in their Individual Major Projects.
Degrees Offered
Master of Science
Program Types
Graduate
Mode of Study
On Campus, Online
Department
Geographic Information ScienceSchool / College
College of Arts and SciencesWhat is a Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems (MS GIS) degree?
The Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems (MS GIS) is a graduate degree that focuses on the advanced study and application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. GIS is a framework for gathering, managing, analyzing, and visualizing spatial and geographic data.
Why earn an MS GIS at Redlands?
In Redlands' STEM-designated program, you'll learn the critical theoretical foundations and the cutting-edge geospatial technologies, but also explore broader issues related to effective and appropriate application of the technology. Through one-on-one mentorship, you'll put your skills into practice with a project that addresses a real-world spatial problem for an external client or in a professional internship. When you graduate, you'll be prepared personally and professionally to make an impact in your career, your community, and across the globe.
Our program is designed for professionals and recent graduates seeking to enhance their knowledge of the analysis, management, and communication of geographic information. It combines the development of strong technical skills and in-depth understanding of geographic information systems and theory. The one-year program consists of 10 months of coursework and the undertaking of a Major Individual Project. The two-year program consists of six 14-week semesters (including summers).
Classes you'll take
To view specific classes, program requirements, and coursework information, visit the current university catalog.
GIS 611: Fundamentals of Geographic Information (4 credits)
Provides students with the foundation of theoretical and applied skills in GIScience and technology. Students work on a progression of tasks and assignments focused on GIS data collection, manipulation, analysis, output, and presentation. The assignments reinforce the GIS theory and technology concepts introduced through lectures and discussion.
GIS 692: Project Management (4 credits)
Students will learn project management skills involved in a GIS project, including developing a project plan, conducting systems analysis and design, and executing a GIS project through construction oand deployment. The assignments include writing assignments corresponding to each phase of a GIS project.
Esri Training Courses
Six Esri training courses are offered in the year and topics include ArcGIS Pro, WebApp Builder, Geoprocessing Scripting, Managing Geodatabases, Sharing GIS Content, and ArcGIS Enterprise. Students also have unlimited access to Esri Virtual Campus classes.
Choose from the following:
GIS 630: GIS Professional Practice (2 credits)
Provides students exposure to advanced research and innovative developments in geographic information science and systems and the opportunity to hear presentations from GIS researchers, analysts, developers, and managers who live in or visit Redlands region. Participation in both annual Esri User Conference and GIS colloquia is required.
GIS 660: GIS Workshops (1-4 credits)
Topic-oriented workshops in various GIS applications will be offered for the students to choose "cafeteria style." Approximately 10 workshops will be offered per calendar year and students are required to attend a minimum of 4 workshops during the term of their program.
GIS 661: Topics in GIS (1-4 credits)
Designed to reflect curriculum trends and emerging GIS technology. May be repeated for degree credit, given different topics, for a maximum of 4 credits.
GIS 662: Geographic Database Management Systems (4 credits)
The course offers a theoretical foundation for the representation of knowledge in geographic information systems. It presents and uses the Unified Modeling Language (UML) as well as the Structured Query Language (SQL). Key topics discussed are: methods for formalizing interactions of geographic objects; characteristics of various information models including relational and object-oriented; overview of database management systems and their suitability for spatial data; the transaction concept and other data reliability methods; and the design of database scheme for geographic applications. Concepts discussed during lectures will be reinforced through a set of lab/design exercises.
GIS 663: Remote Sensing & Image Processing (4 credits)
Introduces the fundamentals of remote sensing, covering subjects of electromagnetic radiation, sensor characteristics, image data structure, and image analysis. Students work on a progression of assignments focusing on data evaluation, image spectral and geometric transformation, and image processing by writing their own computer programs using Python or other languages.
GIS 665: Geospatial Analysis (4 credits)
This course surveys a wide range of analytical methods and techniques commonly applied to geospatial data. Both data-driven (exploratory data analysis) and model-driven (testing hypothesis) approaches are included. Major topics include point pattern analysis, spatial autocorrelation, spatial regression models, network analysis, and field analysis.
GIS 666: Projections and Coordinate Systems (2 credits)
This course explores map projections and coordinate systems. We will study the principles and properties of several of the common map projection families, spherical/geographical coordinate systems, and SPC and UTM planar coordinate systems, all within the ArcGIS and GeoCart software environments.
GIS 667: Programming for GIS (4 credits)
Introduction to programming concepts necessary for GIS: writing simple statements, organizing code, handling user interaction, and incorporating decision-making logic in code. Introduction to object-oriented programming concepts: methods, properties, and event-driven programming.
GIS 668: Communicating Geographic Information (2 credits)
Begins with basic theory of cartographic and graphic data as it applies to GIS data. Explores GIS data models to support mapping and various advanced applications of cartographic methods, including multivariate mapping, multi-scale mapping, cartographic visualization including mixed virtual reality, animated and interactive mapping, and Web mapping.
GIS 669: GIS for the Web (2 credits)
Practices the skills needed to create GIS applications for the Web and other networks. Through hands-on projects, students will create their own Web GIS application; in-depth discussions of issues that affect Web GIS, from network and security concerns to design for focused and effective Web applications.
Differing curriculum from MGIS:
GIS 691: Project Concept and Scope (2 credits)
The objective of this course is to initiate the concept and scope of the student's Major Individual Project (MIP). Students will identify their project client and topic, conduct some preliminary research on the topic and write a background paper outlining previous research and studies on their topic.
GIS 695: Project Implementation (2 credits)
Students focus on developing their Major Individual Project (MIP) in this class in a form of graduate seminars. The GIS class meets weekly to discuss the project progression, address technical issues, and ensure the quality of the project deliverables. Additionally, students will complete a project poster throughout several poster sessions
GIS 696: Project Completion (6 credits)
The final term of the program is spent completing the Major Individual Project (MIP). A defense, public presentation and extended report are required.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Understand the spatial aspects of an external client’s GIS needs and develop a practical project plan for addressing these needs
- Design, compile, and develop a spatial database and a set of analytical tools into a system appropriate to solve a geospatial problem
- Effectively communicate the project process and results in oral, written, and graphic medium at a professional level
- Demonstrate a mastery of geographic analysis and cartographic skills
Graduate application deadlines
Fall Term
Priority 1 Deadline: January 15 — Priority 2 Deadline: June 1
Note
Most graduate program applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications submitted after the Priority 2 deadline will be reviewed based upon program capacity.
Student Testimonial
“I fell in love with GIS while studying geomatics as part of the Peruvian-Canadian agreement to use GIS to help Peru manage its natural resources. I got my bachelor’s degree in computer science because I wanted to learn how GIS software worked. Because there are no world-class GIS programs anywhere in South America, I started looking abroad for my master’s. I chose Redlands over another school that also offered me a scholarship because of three things: the great weather, U of R’s close relationship with Esri, and the fact that it is impossible to find faculty more qualified to teach GIS technology elsewhere in the world. Here at Redlands, the same people who created the software are also teaching us how to use it. And, at the same time that I am learning, I am establishing my professional network."
— César Garrido Lecca ’18, MS GIS
MSGIS At-A-Glance
Modalities
In-person, Online (synchronous)
Guaranteed Classes
Meet 1 evening per week
Program Length
12-24 months, 9-12 courses, 36 credits
Features
STEM-designated
Designed for
Professionals and recent graduates seeking to enhance their knowledge of the analysis, management, and communication of geographic information.
Career Opportunities
Opportunities to become a GIS Analyst or Specialist, Cartographer, Geospatial Data Scientist, Remote Sensing Analyst, Urban Planner, Environmental Consultant, GIS Software Developer, and more.
Want to know more?
Get in touch with our admissions team.
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