Master of Professional Studies in Geographic Information Technology
Overview
Increased interest in geographic information and its applications is fueling demand for surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists, and mapping technicians. In response to this increased demand, Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies has developed the Master of Professional Studies in Geographic Information Technology (GIT).
Designed to advance your technical expertise, this online degree in Geographic Information Technology explores a range of topics that are essential to the geographic information systems (GIS) field from project management and system implementation to database design and execution. In addition, advanced concepts and techniques in areas such as raster-based GIS, geospatial information, and GIS modeling are also addressed within this online master’s degree. Combining technical knowledge with hands-on GIS training, this results-oriented program will enhance your skills and broaden your knowledge base—equipping you to competently apply GIS in your chosen field.
Please note: High-speed internet service is required for coursework in this program.
Program Objectives
- Gain hands-on experience with ESRI software
- Improve your understanding of Internet GIS
- Explore the fundamentals of remote sensing
- Establish foundational skills in project management, system implementation, database development, and implementation
- Evaluate theoretical, mathematical, and computational foundations of GIS
- Learn to effectively interpret and apply geographic information
- Analyze cartographic principles
- Study the legal, economic, and ethical issues associated with GIS
- Examine practical applications of GIS to support geographic inquiry and decision making
Curriculum
Attention students enrolled before fall 2012: download your curriculum here. |
Required Courses (21 q.h.)
| GIS 5101 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | 3 q.h. |
| GIS 5102 | Fundamentals of GIS Analysis | 3 q.h. |
| RMS 5105 | Fundamentals of Remote Sensing | 3 q.h. |
| GIS 5201 | Advanced Spatial Analysis | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 6020 | Information System Design and Analysis | 3 q.h. |
| PJM 5900 | Foundations of Project Management* | 3 q.h. |
*This course is required for students who do not have at least two years of professional experience working on projects. This course is only intended for those who are not familiar with professional project work. Students with two years or more of professional project experience may substitute PJM 6000 for PJM 5900.
Choose one of the following courses:
| CMN 6010 | Foundations of Organizational Communications | 3 q.h. |
| LDR 6100 | Developing Your Leadership Capability | 3 q.h. |
| LDR 6125 | Managing Organizational Culture | 3 q.h. |
If students prefer to focus their studies in Geographic Information Systems, they may select the concentration below, and complement their studies with 6 q.h. of open elective courses, to meet the minimum 45 q.h. degree requirement.
Students are not required to complete a concentration. Any combination of 20-24 q.h. from concentration and elective courses will satisfy degree requirements.
Concentration in Geographic Information Systems (18 q.h.)
Choose six of the following courses:
| GIS 6340 | GIS Customization | 3 q.h. |
| GIS 6350 | GIS Management and Implementation | 3 q.h. |
| GIS 6360 | Spatial Databases | 3 q.h. |
| GIS 6370 | Internet-Based GIS | 3 q.h. |
| GIS 6385 | GIS/Cartography | 3 q.h. |
| GIS 6390 | Business Applications of Geographic Information Systems | 3 q.h. |
| GIS 6391 | Health-Care Applications of Geographic Information Systems | 3 q.h. |
| GIS 6395 | Geospatial Analysis of Crime | 3 q.h. |
| GIS 6396 | GIS for Defense, Homeland Security, and Emergency Response | 3 q.h. |
Open elective courses (6 q.h.)
Choose from any courses listed above
Total Quarter Hours: 45
Admissions Requirements
Below are the official Admissions Requirements for this program.
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500-1000 words): identifying your educational goals and expectations from the program; please be aware that the University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to applicant's statement of purpose
- Professional resume: current resume that displays job responsibilities, relevant experience, and education history
- Two letters of recommendation: from individual(s) with either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities, such as a faculty member, current employer, mentor, or colleague
- Official undergraduate degree documentation
- Proof of English language proficiency: ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language: English language proficiency guidelines
For general admissions information and recommended admissions deadlines, Graduate Admissions.
All requirements must be received prior to review.
Tuition
Estimated total tuition for this program is $25,740.00.
Tuition for individual courses is based on the number of quarter hours. Most courses are 3-6 quarter hours. See Graduate Tuition Rates for details.
Use our Tuition Calculator below to see if transfer credit or tuition reimbursement from your employer could reduce your total tuition.
Tuition Calculator
Please note: The estimated total tuition is based on tuition rates for Academic Year 2013-14 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time.
*A maximum of 9 quarter hours of graduate- or doctoral-level credit obtained at another institution may be awarded as Advanced Graduate Credit to the Doctor of Education program.
Student Profile
Who Will Your Classmates Be?
This program draws students from diverse fields: government, natural resource management, public health, transportation, environmental engineering, conservation, urban planning, and real estate development.
Typical job titles include: surveying and mapping technician, cartographer, photogrammetrist, GIS Analyst, GIS specialist, GIS manager, senior GIS developer, IT director, GIS technician, GIS coordinator, mapping analyst, and GIS data steward.
Applicants must exhibit computer competency and hold an undergraduate degree. While a degree in a science discipline with a GPA of 3.0 or above is preferred, candidates with relevant GIS or IT experience will also be considered.
Career Outlook
Put Your Degree to Work
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an increasing demand for fast, accurate, and complete geographic information is generating more jobs for surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists, and surveying and mapping technicians. With more businesses expected to utilize GIS, the field is projected to continue growing at a faster-than-average pace.
Talk to an Enrollment Coach
We can walk you through your program options and the application process.
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- 877.668.7727
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Upcoming Academic Term Dates
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Summer Term
Jul 1, 2013 (4- and 8-week classes)
Jul 29, 2013 (4-week classes) -
Fall Term
Sep 9, 2013 (6- and 12-week classes)
Oct 21, 2013 (6-week classes)