Master of Science Degree (in Geography – Geographic Information Science and Technology Track) Degree Program

The general requirements for the M.S. degree are those of the Graduate School as stated in the Graduate School Bulletin. In addition, the following are required:

1. Course Credits: The M.S. degree requires 30 graduate course credits of which 24 are general GIS courses or courses related to student domain interest in working with GIS. The remaining six credits are internship/practicum credits, the structure of which is determined by the student.
2. There are no defense, project, or paper requirements for this degree.

The Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) concentration within the MS-Geography at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is an accelerated, one-year master’s program designed to provide a solid foundation and a useful degree credential in the field of geospatial technologies.

Through rigorous coursework in Geographic Information Science (GIS), remote sensing (RS), and spatial modeling, highly-motivated students and professionals who complete this degree will emerge from the program with applied experience and a broad GIS skillset applicable towards diverse professional opportunities. This MS concentration will provide students with a background in the science, techniques, and application of geospatial skills that will enable them to embark on public and private sector careers or to undertake further studies in geography, planning, public policy, ecology, environmental science, and other fields.

Up to 12 credits from coursework at UMass and/or 6 credits from another accredited institution (though no more than 12 credits total), may be transferred and applied to this degree, if those credits conform to the Graduate School’s regulations. Credit transfer is a very context and student specific process. Please indicate in your application if you are planning to transfer credits. See https://www.umass.edu/graduate/handbook/education-records for more details.