MS.GIS - MS Geographic Information Systems

The Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) degree is designed for professionals and recent university graduates seeking to enhance their knowledge of the analysis, project management, and communication of geographic information. It combines the development of strong technical skills and in-depth understanding of geographic information science and theory.

 Program Structure

The one-year program consists of 8 months of coursework and the undertaking of a Major Individual Project (MIP). Each of the three semesters is 15 weeks in length and the annual schedule allows for two three-week breaks.

The two-year program consists of up to six fifteen-week semesters, with corresponding three-week breaks as in the one-year program.

Each of the first two fifteen-week terms includes both core courses and a variety of elective courses. Students not only learn the critical theoretical foundations and the cutting-edge technologies, but also explore broader issues related to effective and appropriate application of the technology. A menu of short workshops (GIS660) is offered throughout the program to provide opportunities for students to selectively focus their attention on one of the many major themes in GIS, specific application areas, or advanced theory topics.

Each of the first two semesters includes one or more intensive multi-day, instructor-led course(s) from the current Esri software training curriculum that supplement the regular theory and technology courses.  GIS colloquia are offered during the year. These colloquia give students exposure to cutting-edge research and developments in GIS and an opportunity to hear from some of the most well-known GIS scholars and managers.

All students are required to undertake a Major Individual Project (MIP) that applies GI Technology and/or Science to a problem of their choice. This is the professional equivalent of an academic master’s thesis. The Project Course series (GIS 69X) is directed toward building students’ skills in project design and implementation.

Opportunities for projects come from University of Redlands Faculty, organizations in the region, or from students’ former, current, or future employers. Students begin developing their MIP topics during the beginning of the GIS 69X series and make gradual progress toward completing the MIP by the end of their program, be it one year or two. Before graduating, all students must successfully pass an oral defense of their project work before their Advisory Committee and submit an approved extended written report on the work completed. Students are also required to make an oral presentation and a poster presentation of their MIP before an audience of their peers and colleagues in the discipline of their project.