M.P.S. in Geographic Information Systems
The Master in Professional Studies (M.P.S.): Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a 30-credit graduate program that will provide an advanced-level of education to professionals working or interested in the region's geospatial technology industry.
Upon completing the M.P.S. in GIS, students will possess an advanced knowledge of the information systems, computer science, and analytical aspects of the field of GIS. Students will utilize the knowledge, tools and techniques of database management, application development, and analytical assessment to appropriately address geographic information requirements and answer spatial questions.
"Geospatial professionals must combine deep technical expertise with a broad understanding of project, program, and organizational interdependencies." (Marble, 2005)
The program addresses these areas through a combination of technical coursework, project management, and reflection on the past, present and future of geospatial technology industry.
Drawing on the diverse and outstanding expertise of regional professionals and academics, this program raises the bar for educating geospatial professionals. Our aim is to develop the next generation of GIS professionals.
Program Requirements
The Master in Professional Studies: Geographic Information Systems requires a total of 30-credit hours. Students must complete 6 core courses (totaling 18 credits) and 4 electives (totaling 12 credits). The courses in this program are explicitly designed to ensure students are exposed to the range of knowledge and technologies central to successful implementation of well integrated Geographic Information Systems. Course content has been developed from the ground up to conform to the GIS&T Body of Knowledge developed by the AAG and UCGIS, and the Geospatial Technology Competency Models developed by the Geospatial Workforce Development Center.
Archetype Enterprise System
A connecting thread through all of the courses in this program is the development of a model Enterprise GIS. Each course, where appropriate and relevant, contributes elements to the evolution of a demonstration system, providing students with hands-on enterprise system development and a practical experience in building a highly functional GIS.
Core Courses
Course numbers are subject for final approval by the Graduate School and are forthcoming.
| Course Title [Credits] - 18 Credit Hours |
|---|
| GES 670: Advanced Seminar in GIS [3] |
| GES 671: Spatial Database and System Design [3] |
| Geoprocessing and Spatial Analysis [3] |
| GES 675: GIS Application Development [3] |
| GES 678: Project Management of the Enterprise GIS [3] |
| GES 679: Professional Seminar on the Geospatial Technologies [1]- taken 3 times |
Elective Courses
Course numbers are subject for final approval by the Graduate School and are forthcoming. (Choose 4 of the following 9 courses)
| Course Title [Credits] - 12 Credit Hours |
|---|
| GES 770: Special Topics in Enterprise GIS [3] |
| GES 771: Advanced Spatial Data Management [3] |
| GES 772: Geospatial Web Services and Interoperability [3] |
| GES 773: GIS Modeling Techniques [3] |
| GES 774: Spatial Statistics [3] |
| GES 775: Advanced GIS Application Development [3] |
| GES 776: GIS Data Sources, Tasking, and Acquisition [3] |
| GES 777: Advanced Data Modeling and Editing Techniques [3] |
| GES 778: Advanced Visualization and Presentation [3] |
Program Contact
Dr. Erwin Villiger
301.738.6087
villiger@umbc.edu