Program: Geographic Information Science MS - University at Buffalo

Apr 09, 2025

WORKING 2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

Geographic information science seeks to redefine concepts for their use in the digital age, while geographic information systems (GIS) employs powerful technologies to analyze, visualize and display spatial patterns. Admission to the program is open to students who hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Students admitted to the program are expected to show proficiency in calculus, univariate and multivariate statistics, and introductory GIS, at the time of admission. Students who do not meet the minimum qualifications are advised to make up deficiencies before entering the MS program.

Required GIS Core (15 credits)

** GEO 505 is s prerequisite for GEO 509

GEO 500SEM - Graduate Geography Intro Credits: 3 and
GEO 501SEM - Research Design Credits: 1
or
GEO 504SEM - Geography Seminar Credits: 1 and
GEO 508LEC - Research Methods in Geog Credits: 3
GEO 505LLB - Univariate Stat in Geog Credits: 4 **
GEO 506LLB - Geographical Informat Sys Credits: 4
GEO 509LEC - Multivariate Stat in Geog Credits: 3 **

Computer Programming Requirement (3 credits)

Select 1 from:

CSE 503LR - Computer Science for Non Majors Credits: 3
GEO 503SEM - Geography Seminar Credits: 3
GEO 555LEC - GIS Algorith & Data Struc Credits: 3
GEO 514LEC - GIS and Machine Learning Credits: 3

Statistics & Quantitative Methods Requirement (3 credits)

Select 1 from:

GEO 502SEM - Geography/Survey Methods Credits: 3
GEO 577LEC - Environmental Statistics Credits: 3
GEO 597LEC - Geostatistics Credits: 3
GEO 605LEC - Spatial Statistics Credits: 3

Electives & Culminating Experience (15 credits)

Electives (9-15 credits)

Number of elective credits may vary depending on choice made to complete the culminating experience. Be sure to complete enough elective credit to reach 36 minimum total credit hours.

GEO 503SEM - Geography Seminar Credits: 3
GEO 507LEC - Locational Analysis Credits: 3
GEO 514LEC - GIS and Machine Learning Credits: 3
GEO 519LEC - Transportation Credits: 3
GEO 551LEC - Cartography and Geog Viz Credits: 3
GEO 553LLB - Remote Sensing Credits: 4
GEO 555LEC - GIS Algorith & Data Struc Credits: 3
GEO 556SEM - GIS Design Credits: 3
GEO 559LLB - GIS for Environ Modeling Credits: 4
GEO 593LEC - Dynamic Modeling Credits: 3
GEO 653LEC - Advanced Remote Sensing Credits: 3
GEO 655SEM - Adv Topic in Geog Inf Sys Credits: 3
GEO 742TUT - Geog Internship Credits: 1 - 3

Culminating Experience: Project, Portfolio or Thesis (0-6 credits)

GEO 534TUT - Grad Research Problems Credits: 1 - 4
GEO 631TUT - Research Guidance Credits: 1 - 3

Total Credit Hours: 36

3.0 Degree GPA required

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1) Describe basic statistical concepts and methods,including spatial statistics.

2) Demonstrate effective oral and written communicationskills including referencing and citation typical for the field.

3) Describe and use methods and software tools relatedto GIS and remote sensing.

4) Demonstrate the ability to use a programminglanguage, such as Python, R, Javascript, and Matlab, to perform GIS and remote sensing operations.

5) Apply GIS and remote sensing knowledge and technical skills to address a geographic problem.

In Person (100 percent of courses offered in person)

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.