salemstate.edu/graduate
WHY GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE (GIS)?
Geospatial careers are among the fastest growing in the U.S. and world today, and geospatial opportunities are available in both the public and private sectors. Geospatial technology is considered to be a high-growth industry by the U.S. Department of Labor and geospatial professions (e.g. geospatial or remote sensing information scientists and technologists, GIS technicians, cartographers and photogrammetrists), data scientists are classified by the U.S. Department of Labor as “Bright Outlook” occupations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in these professions are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2032 (U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024).
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN GIS
This 15-credit-hour, one-year program provides a core understanding of geospatial technologies, hands-on use of cutting-edge software and technology, and a formal introduction to geospatial problem solving in real-world applications. This program is designed for aspiring geospatial professionals looking to enter this field or for current GIS professionals who want to become more skillful users of geospatial software and related tools. Coursework includes: Introduction to GIS, Analysis of Remote Sensing Imagery, Spatial Database Development, GIS Project Implementation, and one elective.
MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAM IN GIS
This 30-32 credit hour, two-year master of science (MS) in geo-information science is a multi-disciplinary program of advanced study of geospatial technology and its applications. Its purpose is to develop geospatial professionals that are proficient in the acquisition, analysis, use, and management of spatial information. The MS degree will prepare you for management level positions or provide the foundation for pursuing a PhD or research position. Coursework includes the courses in the certificate program (see above) plus the following: GIS for Research and Analysis, Advanced Geographic Quantitative Methods, Software Design and Programming in GIS, a capstone seminar in GIS or a master’s thesis, and two electives.
CURRICULUM
An integrated and applied curriculum provides practical, real-world training in the utilization of leading geospatial technologies for research, planning, spatial data management, and project implementation. Focused lessons provide hands-on training in industry-standard GIS and remote sensing software packages and scripting languages, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ERDAS, IDRISI, Python, R, PostgreSQL, as well as cloud-based image processing like Google Earth Engine and other open source programs for spatial analysis and web mapping. Many classes incorporate service learning projects that benefit numerous non-profit organizations in the Greater Boston region, as well as the cities of Boston and Salem directly, and the state of Massachusetts.
HYFLEX MEANS MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY
The graduate GIS program is offered in a HyFlex (Hybrid Flexible) mode. Each class can be attended in-person or remotely via video conferencing (e.g., Zoom). In either mode, students enjoy real-time interaction with the instructor and classmates at a scheduled time, one evening a week. Courses are designed so that students meet all course objectives and have an equivalent educational experience. Students with specific learning preferences or visa requirements will always have the option of on-campus classes. Access to all necessary software is provided for use on personal computers or through the computers in our state-of-the-art Digital Geography Lab (DGL).
FACULTY
Throughout the program you will work closely with dedicated faculty in small classroom settings and will be exposed to applied spatial problems generated from ongoing research initiatives centered at the university’s Digital Geography Laboratory (DGL) and the Center for Economic Development and Sustainability (CEDS). GIS faculty are scholars, researchers and active participants in the field. Their credentials include master and doctoral degrees in geography, urban policy, engineering, and related disciplines. Their areas of research include climate change, deforestation and land use change, environmental justice, transportation, community planning, urban geography, and sustainable development. In addition to presenting and publishing scholarly research, they provide expertise to a range of community organizations and regional institutions, including the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and other government organizations.
COST AND ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
For Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $514.20,* which includes tuition and fees. For non-Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $609.30.*
The certificate program is 15 credits total cost: $7,713 to $9,139.50 and the MS program is 30 to 32 credits total cost: $15,426 to $19,497.60 (excluding prerequisites). This is less than half the cost of comparable programs in the region or online. For assistance funding your graduate education, options such as financial aid, graduate assistantships, employer reimbursement and tuition remission, and veteran’s benefits may be available.
*Tuition and fees subject to change.
DID YOU KNOW?
Job prospects are likely to be excellent due to the increasing use of maps in government planning. Program graduates are securing jobs in a variety of industries including homeland security, criminal justice, natural resource management, and urban and transportation planning, among others.
Geo-information science (GIS) is the study of geospatial applications and technologies that help improve decision making and make possible the acquisition, analysis and visualization of spatial data. Anyone working with geographic or geospatial data (data linked to some location on the earth) may integrate GIS into their operations. Today, GIS plays a key role in many different occupations, including mapping and surveying, environmental analysis and natural resource management, transportation and urban planning, public health, business planning, crime analysis, disaster management, and numerous other areas. Salem State’s graduate program prepares students to either begin or advance their career. Programs are designed to accommodate working students and to meet the needs of the multi-faceted GIS industry.
Apply: salemstate.edu/apply
Financial Aid: salemstate.edu/finaid
Email: gradadmissions@salemstate.edu
Phone: 978.542.6200
For accommodations and access information, visit salemstate.edu/access.