UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2024-2025

Program: Geographic Information Science, M.S.

Program Description

The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies offers, within the Master of Science in Geographic Information Science (MSGISci) degree, a highly structured specialization program in which most of the requirements are met with graduate courses dealing with various aspects of GIS. This program is designed for students who want to pursue a career in this highly technological subfield of geography.

Program Requirements

A. Requirements for Admission

  1. One of the following:
    1. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better. Applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 to 2.99, please contact the graduate coordinator.
    2. A graduate degree in another field from CSUN or other accredited institution.
  2. At least a 2.75 GPA in the last 60 units attempted.
  3. Two letters of recommendation.
  4. Demonstration of research and writing skills. Applicants must submit to the graduate committee a sample research paper, written in English and, preferably, one that was completed as part of the baccalaureate degree requirements, such as a senior thesis or other research paper in an upper division undergraduate course. Because of the importance of research and writing to the graduate program, the committee needs to be assured of applicants’ abilities and promise in these areas.
  5. A well-written statement of purpose (approximately 1,000 words, double-spaced, 12-point font).

B. Classified and Conditionally Classified Status

Requirements for Classified Status

  1. Admission to the program requires an undergraduate degree (or its equivalent for international students).
  2. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required.
  3. General University requirements also must be met. Carefully consult other sections of this Catalog for details.

Conditionally Classified Status

No more than 12 units of work taken prior to attaining classified status may be applied to the master’s degree program.

C. Program Requirements

Completion of the following courses (a total of 30 units with a GPA of 3.0 or better):

1. Introductory Seminars (6 units)

GEOG 600 Geographic Thought, Analysis and Research (3)
GEOG 690J Foundations in Geographic Information Science (3)

2. Seminars in Geographic Information Science (9 units)

Select three courses from:

GEOG 690A Special Topics in GIS (3)
GEOG 690C Digital Cartography (3)
GEOG 690D Remote Sensing (3)
GEOG 690E WebGIS (3)
GEOG 690F GIS Automation and Customization (3)
GEOG 690G Applications in GIS (3)
GEOG 690H Spatial Database Management (3)
GEOG 690I Advanced Geospatial Project Management (3)

3. Additional GISci Courses (3 units)

Select any course from the GEOG 690 series.

Students may also select from GEOG 407/L, GEOG 408A/L, GEOG 408B/L, GEOG 408C/L, GEOG 408D/L, GEOG 408E/L, GEOG 408F/L, GEOG 408G/L, GEOG 408H/L or GEOG 409/L.

4. Additional Graduate Seminar (3 units)

Select one 600-level Geography seminar.

5. Statistics (3 units)

GEOG 690B Spatial Statistics (3)

6. Thesis Preparation (3 units)

GEOG 696 Directed Graduate Research (3)

7. Culminating Experience (3 units)

Submission of a thesis or graduate project approved by a departmental faculty committee:

GEOG 698 Thesis (3)
or GEOG 698D Graduate Project (3)

Total Units Required for the M.S. Degree: 30

Contact

Department of Geography and Environmental Studies
Chair: Regan Maas
Sierra Hall (SH) 150
(818) 677-3532

Graduate Coordinator: Sanchayeeta Adhikari
(818) 677-5630

Program Learning Outcomes

Students receiving a Master of Science in Geographic Information Science will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of philosophical traditions in geography and GISci.
  2. Demonstrate advanced ability in the application of technological skills associated with the GISci field.
  3. Develop and write a professional quality thesis or technical project proposal involving techniques and concepts in GISci.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to synthesize and critique peer-reviewed literature related to and informing the proposed thesis or project.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to collect data, apply appropriate methodologies, and interpret the results and the implications of the proposed thesis or project.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to communicate the knowledge, results, and interpretations developed from their thesis or project, including a final presentation to the department and/or thesis committee.
  7. Demonstrate the ability to create a well-organized, properly illustrated, and professionally written final thesis document or project technical report.
  8. Practice sound ethical approaches in the application of GISci.
  9. Demonstrate a deep understanding of the significance of GISci in society.