Geographic Information Science MS

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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. Learn how this degree prepares you for employment.

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 550LEC - Intro Grad Cartography 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 575LEC - GIS Data Science Project Management Credits: 3
GEO 591LEC - Intro Geog Info Science Credits: 3
GEO 593LEC - Dynamic Modeling Credits: 3
GEO 595LEC - Database Design for GIS Credits: 3
GEO 650SEM - Adv Topic in Cartog 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

Instruction Method

In Person (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Full Time
Part Time

Credits Required

36 Hours

Time-To-Degree

2 Years

Application Fee

$75

Program Contact

Gabrielle Jaquays
834 Clemens Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260
Email: gjaquays@buffalo.edu
Phone: 716-645-3350

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.