Program: Geographic Information Science, M.S. - California State University, Long Beach

Apr 01, 2025

2023-2024 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog

The Master of Science in Geographic Information Science (MSGISci) degree is a one-year, 30-unit, cohort-based program designed to provide students with advanced analytic and technical training in geospatial technologies and professional skill-building to prepare graduates for the geospatial workforce. Courses are scheduled to meet the needs of working professionals. This program is offered in collaboration with the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE) at a higher tuition rate.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites include an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and experience comparable to the following:

bachelor’s degree in geography with a minimum of one upper division course in geospatial techniques (geographic information science, cartography, and/or remote sensing); or
bachelor’s degree in a related discipline with a minimum of one upper division course in geospatial techniques (geographic information science, cartography, and/or remote sensing); or
bachelor’s degree in a related discipline with a minimum of one year of demonstrated work experience in a field with direct application of geospatial technologies.

University Requirements

Completion of 30 units of approved MSGISci graduate courses.
Overall GPA of 3.0 or better;
A grade of “C” or better in all program courses.

Program Requirements

Take the following courses:

GISC 601 - GIS Professionalism (1-4 units)
GISC 602 - Applied GIS (1-4 units)
GISC 603 - Cartographic Visualization (1-4 units)
GISC 604 - Enterprise GIS Development (1-4 units)
GISC 605 - Programming for Geospatial Professionals (1-4 units)
GISC 606 - Applied Remote Sensing (1-4 units)
GISC 607 - Project Orientation and Support (1-2 units)
GISC 608 - Applied Project (1-4 units)

Culminating Experience

The program culminates with an applied research project. The research project allows students to actively apply and demonstrate the knowledge and skills that they have both brought to and acquired through the curriculum. Applied research topics have relevant practical applications and are informed by our network of GIScience professionals. Students participate in the equivalent of 6 units of work on an applied research project to engage in a relevant hands-on research activity. Project deliverables integrate the core competencies developed through the curriculum and reflect students’ integration of instruction.