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Master of Geographic Information Systems
The Master of Geographic Information Systems (MGIS) degree is designed for professionals who are looking for an accelerated program to enhance their knowledge of the analysis, management, and communication of geographic information.
Degrees Offered
Master of Science
Program Types
Graduate
Mode of Study
On Campus, Online
Department
Geographic Information ScienceSchool / College
College of Arts and SciencesWhat is a Master of Geographic Information Systems degree?
A Master of Geographic Information Systems (MGIS) degree is a specialized graduate program focused on the advanced study and practical application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and spatial data analysis.
Why earn an MGIS at Redlands?
The Master of Geographic Information Systems (MGIS) degree is STEM-designated for professionals who look for an accelerated program to enhance their knowledge of the analysis, management, and communication of geographic information.
Through course work that includes six Esri training courses that include topics like ArcGIS Pro, WebApp Builder, Geoprocessing Scripting, Managing Geodatabases, Sharing GIS Content, and ArcGIS Enterprise, you will learn to enhance your knowledge of the analysis, management, and communication of geographic information.
In addition to having the opportunity to intern at local institutions that utilize GIS, you will be prepared for a career in GIS. The program consists of 8 months of coursework and the undertaking of an internship of 400 hours.
Classes you'll take
To view specific classes, program requirements, and coursework information, visit the current university catalog.
GIS 611: Fundamentals of Geographic Information (4 credits)
Provides students with the foundation of theoretical and applied skills in GIScience and technology. Students work on a progression of tasks and assignments focused on GIS data collection, manipulation, analysis, output, and presentation. The assignments reinforce the GIS theory and technology concepts introduced through lectures and discussion.
GIS 692: Project Management (4 credits)
Students will learn project management skills involved in a GIS project, including developing a project plan, conducting systems analysis and design, and executing a GIS project through construction oand deployment. The assignments include writing assignments corresponding to each phase of a GIS project.
Six Esri training courses are offered in the year and topics include ArcGIS Pro, WebApp Builder, Geoprocessing Scripting, Managing Geodatabases, Sharing GIS Content, and ArcGIS Enterprise. Students also have unlimited access to Esri Virtual Campus classes.
Choose from the following:
GIS 630: GIS Professional Practice (2 credits)
Provides students exposure to advanced research and innovative developments in geographic information science and systems and the opportunity to hear presentations from GIS researchers, analysts, developers, and managers who live in or visit Redlands region. Participation in both annual Esri User Conference and GIS colloquia is required.
GIS 660: GIS Workshops (1-4 credits)
Topic-oriented workshops in various GIS applications will be offered for the students to choose "cafeteria style." Approximately 10 workshops will be offered per calendar year and students are required to attend a minimum of 4 workshops during the term of their program.
GIS 661: Topics in GIS (1-4 credits)
Designed to reflect curriculum trends and emerging GIS technology. May be repeated for degree credit, given different topics, for a maximum of 4 credits.
GIS 662: Geographic Database Management Systems (4 credits)
The course offers a theoretical foundation for the representation of knowledge in geographic information systems. It presents and uses the Unified Modeling Language (UML) as well as the Structured Query Language (SQL). Key topics discussed are: methods for formalizing interactions of geographic objects; characteristics of various information models including relational and object-oriented; overview of database management systems and their suitability for spatial data; the transaction concept and other data reliability methods; and the design of database scheme for geographic applications. Concepts discussed during lectures will be reinforced through a set of lab/design exercises.
GIS 663: Remote Sensing & Image Processing (4 credits)
Introduces the fundamentals of remote sensing, covering subjects of electromagnetic radiation, sensor characteristics, image data structure, and image analysis. Students work on a progression of assignments focusing on data evaluation, image spectral and geometric transformation, and image processing by writing their own computer programs using Python or other languages.
GIS 665: Geospatial Analysis (4 credits)
This course surveys a wide range of analytical methods and techniques commonly applied to geospatial data. Both data-driven (exploratory data analysis) and model-driven (testing hypothesis) approaches are included. Major topics include point pattern analysis, spatial autocorrelation, spatial regression models, network analysis, and field analysis.
GIS 666: Projections and Coordinate Systems (2 credits)
This course explores map projections and coordinate systems. We will study the principles and properties of several of the common map projection families, spherical/geographical coordinate systems, and SPC and UTM planar coordinate systems, all within the ArcGIS and GeoCart software environments.
GIS 667: Programming for GIS (4 credits)
Introduction to programming concepts necessary for GIS: writing simple statements, organizing code, handling user interaction, and incorporating decision-making logic in code. Introduction to object-oriented programming concepts: methods, properties, and event-driven programming.
GIS 668: Communicating Geographic Information (2 credits)
Begins with basic theory of cartographic and graphic data as it applies to GIS data. Explores GIS data models to support mapping and various advanced applications of cartographic methods, including multivariate mapping, multi-scale mapping, cartographic visualization including mixed virtual reality, animated and interactive mapping, and Web mapping.
GIS 669: GIS for the Web (2 credits)
Practices the skills needed to create GIS applications for the Web and other networks. Through hands-on projects, students will create their own Web GIS application; in-depth discussions of issues that affect Web GIS, from network and security concerns to design for focused and effective Web applications.
Differing curriculum from MSGIS:
GIS 697: GIS Internship (3 credits - 8 credits)
This course is designed for students to enhance their knowledge of the analysis, management, and communication of geographic information through a professional GIS internship that applies GI technology and/or science within a professional practice.
GIS Internship Programs: The Department currently has GIS Internship programs with a few local organizations, including the City of Riverside, City of Pomona, City of West Covina, and Mojave Water Agency.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the principles underlying spatial analysis in all its variations
- Demonstrate mastery of high level skills in spatial analysis and geospatial problem solving
- Communicate and present project process and outcomes effectively
- Demonstrate competency in the use of various geospatial software and applications
Program Highlights
Classes
8 months of coursework
Internship
400 hours
Graduate application deadlines
Fall Term
Priority 1 Deadline: January 15 — Priority 2 Deadline: June 1
Spring Term
Priority 1 Deadline: October 1 — Priority 2 Deadline: December 1
Note
Most graduate program applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications submitted after the Priority 2 deadline will be reviewed based upon program capacity.
What You'll Learn
Demonstrate understanding of the principles underlying spatial analysis in all its variations.
Demonstrate mastery of high level skills in spatial analysis and geospatial problem solving.
Communicate and present project process and outcomes effectively.
Demonstrate competency in the use of various geospatial software and applications.
What You'll Learn
Career Outlook
GIS and in fields such as healthcare, technology, software, development, retail, and government.
Six Esri training courses are offered in the year and topics include ArcGIS Pro, WebApp Builder, Geoprocessing Scripting, Managing Geodatabases, Sharing GIS Content, and ArcGIS Enterprise. Students also have unlimited access to Esri Virtual Campus classes.
The Department currently has GIS Internship programs with a few local organizations, including the City of Riverside, City of Pomona, City of West Covina, and Mojave Water Agency.
Career Outlook
MGIS At-A-Glance
Modalities
In-person, Online (synchronous)
Guaranteed Classes
Meet 1 evening per week
Program Length
12-24 months, 9-12 courses, 30 credits
Features
STEM-designated
Designed for
Professionals who look for an accelerated program to enhance their knowledge of the analysis, management, and communication of geographic information.
Career Opportunities
Opportunities to become a GIS Project Manager, Geospatial Analyst, Urban/Regional Planner, GIS Consultant, Remote Sensing Specialist, Environmental/GIS Program Manager, and more.
Request for Information
Get in touch with our admissions team.
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