Online

Geographic Information Systems :

MS

Why study Geographic Information Systems : ?

The online Master of Science Degree Program in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from the Department of Geography and Geographic Information Science focuses on educating, training, and preparing students for careers in geospatial technologies; those careers expand beyond geography to include a vast number of occupations, trades, and sectors for which the needs for managing spatial data have been identified. This program’s focus achieves that vision by providing students with (1) a solid education in general concepts and functionality of current practices and techniques in GIS, cartography, and remote sensing; (2) frequent opportunities to apply these concepts by practicing with and using ArcGIS software with both its standard and customizable functionality; and (3) through developing advanced GIS techniques that include integrating spatial and tabular data, visualizing spatial data, and modeling spatial relationships. This focus is defined and formulated within a singular proposed structure of the program with six (6) required courses and four (4) elective courses, plus a capstone requirement. 

Admission Requirements

  • Qualified applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA 

  • To be eligible for admissions review, applicants must submit all of the following materials: 

    • Unofficial transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework (if applicable)  

    • Two professional or academic references to provide letters of recommendation that address the applicant’s academic readiness for graduate-level work, work ethic, and habits, and the applicant’s communication and interpersonal skills. 

      • References must have known the applicant for at least one year prior to submission. 

    • Resume/CV 

    • Letter of Intent: Two-page (double-spaced) or one-page (single-spaced) narrative summarizing the following: 

      • What motivated you to pursue a graduate degree in Geographic Information Systems? 

      • Why are you interested in applying to UC’s GIS program? 

      • What are your short and long-term goals? How will this degree help you attain those goals? Please treat this as a written interview – explain any inconsistencies in your resume, transcripts, etc. 

The online MS in GIS is intended to target (1) traditional college-age students looking to continue their education at the graduate level; (2) non-traditional college students pursuing education on both a full-time and part-time basis for career / occupation changes; and (3) working professionals who desire advanced GIS skills for job requirements, career advancement, or for supplemental training / enrichment.

The information provided is sourced from a third party, Lightcast. Their product, called Career Coach, combines extensive labor market data from Lightcast and the U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides insights on industry, occupation, compensation, and projected growth for each profession. Economic and workforce information is available for various geographic regions. Some careers may require additional training or education.

  • The University of Cincinnati has online enrollment services advisors (ESAs) available to help learners complete their application and get started in the Online Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems program. If you have not already, please use the request information form above to be connected to an ESA today! 

  • Upon starting the program, a dedicated student success coordinator (SSC) will be assigned to all learners to help them achieve their academic goals. You will be introduced to your SSC as your first semester approaches, and they will be your primary liaison to the university all the way through graduation. 

  • Students who have earned graduate credits from accredited institutions may be eligible to apply some or all of those credits towards their pursuit of the online Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems. These transfer credits will allow students to deviate from our standard curriculum, but will not shorten the path to graduation.  

  • Please contact your Enrollment Services Advisor (ESA) for specifics about the policy. 

  • We will accept transfers from other UC majors as long as they meet the criteria for admission into this program. 

  • Current UC students must still complete the official graduate application process for the online GIS program to be considered for admission. 

  • Students living abroad are eligible to pursue this program, but will not be qualified for F1 Visa applications. 

  • Applicants with college coursework completed outside the United States are required to provide a course-by-course foreign credential evaluation for each college or university you attended outside the United States. This evaluation must be obtained from a service listed on the NACES member website. 

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Application Deadlines

  • The online Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems program accepts new applicants every semester. Application deadlines vary each term, please contact your Enrollment Services Advisor (ESA) for specifics about the current application windows. 
The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Contact Information

UC Online Enrollment Services
45 W Corry Blvd, Edwards 1
Suite 3110
Cincinnati, OH 45221
(513) 556-7701
onlineenrollment@uc.edu

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Program Code: 15MAS-GIS-MS-.GIS-DL