Geography

Policies

Admission: Applicants for admission to graduate programs in geography must have maintained a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for a four-year degree. Applicants should submit a letter of intent, official transcripts from all universities previously attended, and letters of recommendation from three individuals familiar with the applicant's undergraduate academic performance in order to be considered for the program. Applicants having grade point averages below the minimum who present convincing evidence of potential for success may be considered for provisional admission.

Financial Assistance: Some graduate assistantships are available through the Department of Geography. Most are funded directly from the College of Graduate Studies and Research and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Typically assistantships carry an obligation of ten to twenty hours per week. Further information about the availability of assistantships and about the status of applications for assistantships should be sought from the department chair.

Combined BS, BA/MS GISc Program: Current undergraduate students interested in pursuing Master of Science in Geographic Information Science (MS GISc) degree may be granted permission to double count up to 12 credits of GISc classes from the “Restricted Electives” list of MS GISc program toward both the undergraduate and the MS GISc program. To apply for this option, students must have completed their sophomore year, have and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0, and declare their intent to complete the graduate program following the completion of the baccalaureate degree. If accepted, students must obtain special permission to register for double counted courses and will receive graduate student credit when the undergraduate degree has been conferred and they have been fully admitted to the MS GISc program. Please contact the department for detailed information. 

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Geographic Information Science (GISc) MS

Admission Requirements

A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution, with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required. If the GPA is less than 3.0, the student’s Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores may be used while considering the application for admission. Applicants having grade point averages below the minimum who present convincing evidence of potential for success may be considered for provisional admission. Applicants must submit: a professional goal statement essay in which the applicant documents their experience with and passion for the field, official transcripts from all universities previously attended, three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's undergraduate academic performance and/or professional background and experience, and a professional résumé. Applicants must document previous proficiency with Geographical Information Science (GISc): successful completion of at least two courses in GISc with ‘B’ or better grade is an acceptable standard. If English is not the students first language, proof of English language proficiency and a minimum TOEFL score of minimum 75 (within a minimum score of 15 in each section of the internet-based TOEFL test) or an IELTS score of at least 6.0 (total score), with a minimum of 5.0 in each category is required.

Graduation Requirements and Policies

The students must complete a minimum of 50% of all graduate credits at the 600-level, excluding thesis or APP, and must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or above in all coursework.  Combined BS, BA/MS GISc Program Option: current undergraduate students who have completed their sophomore year may apply to the MS GISc program and double count up to 12 credits of GISc classes from the “Restricted Electives” list of MS GISc program toward both the undergraduate and the MS GISc program.