This program offers a Master's degree in GIS and two Graduate Certificate offerings in either GIS or Remote Sensing  . The Master's degree requires 30 credits (10 courses) to complete while the Graduate Certificate requires 12 credits (4 courses). The following courses are offered in the MSGIS program:

Prerequisite Courses

 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
This course is designed to provide an introduction to geographic information systems/science (GIS). The topics covered will include: geodesy, basic cartography, data models, creating spatial data, editing data, querying data, analyzing data, and sharing data. The software used in this class: ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online. The goal of this course is to help students develop a systematic understanding about GIS and also gain practical knowledge and skills about using GIS software.

• Prerequisites: Admission to the MS GIS program. 

Standard Courses

GEOG646: Intro to Programming for GIS
This course provides an introduction to computer programming using Python and web programming languages. It is required for students in the MSGIS program before they enroll in the more advanced programming courses (GEOG656 and GEOG657). This course teaches students the fundamentals concepts of computer science. Students will learn about the components of a computer program such as data management, conditional statements, iterative statements, and file processing. Students will develop programs and web apps for the purpose of automating tasks and assisting with data analysis.

• Prerequisites: Students should have background in basic GIS concepts
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG651: Spatial Statistics
This course is about quantitative analysis of spatial data. It is intended to provide a broad survey of various spatial statistic methods. The course is geared towards helping students: (1) develop an understanding of the important theoretical concepts in spatial data analysis; and (2) gain practical experience in application of spatial statistics to a variety of social and environmental problems using advanced statistical software. This course covers five broad topical areas: (1) point pattern analysis; (2) area data analysis; (3) continuous data analysis; (4) spatial sampling; and (5) multivariate spatial and temporal analysis.

• Prerequisites: Students should have background in introductory GIS 
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG652: Digital Image Processing and Analysis
Digital image processing and analysis applied to satellite and aircraft land remote sensing data. Consideration is given to preprocessing steps including calibration and georegistration. Analysis methods include digital image exploration, feature extraction thematic classification, change detection, and biophysical characterization. Example applications will be reviewed.

• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG653: Spatial Analysis
This course is designed to help students develop a comprehensive and systematic understanding of spatial analysis methods and learn practical skills in using GIS and spatial analysis to discover features of spatial distribution. The class covers the methods of spatial analysis including measuring aspects of geometric features and identifying spatial patterns of geospatial objects that are represented as point, line, network, areal data, and 3-D surfaces. Spatial statistics, geospatial processing, and modeling will be used for analyzing the data. In terms of the software used in this class, besides the ArcGIS Desktop suite, we will be migrating to ArcGIS Pro, which is a new platform that represents the current trend in GIS field.

• Prerequisites: Students should have background in basic GIS 
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG656: Advanced Programming and Scripting for GIS
This course teaches advanced programming and scripting for GIS users. The concepts of object-oriented programming using the Python programming language are reviewed. This course teaches students to design clearly structured programs using ArcPy, a library providing access to ArcGIS geoprocessing tools. ArcPy includes a series of modules such as data access, mapping, spatial analysis, and network analysis. Students will develop geoprocessing programs to edit, query, manipulate, and analyze spatial data (both vector and raster data) with Python. Other data analysis and visualization modules including NumPy, Matplotlib, Geopandas, and Google Earth Engine will be taught using the Anaconda platform.

• Prerequisites: Students should have background in GIS (GEOG653) and fundamental knowledge in computer programming (GEOG646)
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG657: Web Programming
Component-based web server design and efficient session and secure access management have become challenges to provide fast, robust, and flexible GIS services on the Internet.  This course is designed to teach fundamental techniques required in developing both client-side and server-side web application for not only GIS but also non-GIS applications. This course covers web design and static web generation using HTML5 and CSS, client-side programming with JavaScript, and dynamic web development using PHP and MySQL. Basic web design using HTML, XHTML, CSS, etc. is helpful, but not required.

• Prerequisites: Students should have background in computer programming (GEOG646)
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG677: Web GIS
This course is designed to: (1) introduce the concepts and theories that are related to an increasingly important technology – Internet/Web GIS; (2) introduce various technologies or techniques for creating, analyzing, and disseminating GIS data and services via the Internet. The topics covered include the hardware/software structure of the Internet (e.g. server-client model, TCP/IP protocol), the evolution of Web GIS, and most importantly, different technology options. Students will be required to practice almost all of the Web GIS tools including Google Map API, ArcGIS Server, JavaScript API, GeoJSON, Mapbox, and Leaflet. Students will also be exposed to the experience of working with the cloud environment such as AWS EC2 and ArcGIS Online

• Prerequisites: It is recommended students have some background in basic web design (GEOG646)
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG654: GIS and Spatial Modeling
This course teaches advanced techniques in GIS data manipulation, quantitative analysis, and geospatial modeling using ArcGIS and Python programming. It provides a foundation and understanding of various issues related to modeling and simulation in a GIS context. The theories behind modeling techniques are covered, including model design, construction, evaluation, and application. Both descriptive and predictive GIS modeling techniques using both vector-based and raster-based approaches are discussed, including regression modeling, suitability modeling, hydrological modeling, agent-based modeling, and machine learning. This course will emphasize the importance of proper model evaluation to accompany any modeling application and teach quantitative model evaluation methods such as cross-validation, sensitivity analysis, and uncertainty analysis.

• Prerequisites: Students should have background in GIS, spatial analysis (GEOG653)
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG655: Spatial Database System
This course is designed to help students understand, analyze, design, and implement spatial databases. Topics covered include: spatial data models, spatial query languages, database architecture, data storage and indexing, SQL, data mining, etc. Oracle and ArcSDE are used to design database in GIS context.

• Prerequisites: None
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG650: Mobile GIS
The emergence of highly-capable mobile devices and applications has opened a new opportunity for location-based services. Mobile apps enable us to collect, view, and analyze location-based data wherever and whenever we are. Mobile apps are generally classified into web apps, hybrid apps, and native apps. Nowadays, hybrid mobile app development makes developers easier to develop mobile apps running on different mobile platforms such as Android, iOS, Windows Phone, etc. as they write once and build mobile apps with no extra effort. Hybrid mobile apps are like native apps and run on the mobile device. However, hybrid apps are written with web standards and wrap into native apps using PhoneGap, Cordova, or other hybrid app development frameworks. Also, the application running on Android and iOS can be reused for progressive web applications and even desktop applications. In this course, advanced HTMP5, JavaScript, TypeScript and AngularJS web programming are covered, which can be used to develop both web applications and hybrid mobile applications. In addition, this course teaches how to develop, test, and publish mobile applications using PhoneGap/Cordova and Ionic frameworks. The capabilities of mobile devices such as Camera, Geolocation, Notification, etc. are added to the apps through Apache Cordova and Ionic APIs and map functionality is added to the mobile apps using Google Maps.

• Prerequisites: Students should have background in web development and programming (GEOG657)
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]
• *not currently offered 

GEOG660: Advanced Remote Sensing using Lidar
This course will expand on remote sensing concepts with a focus on light detection and ranging (lidar) technology. Lidar, also known as laser scanning, is an active remote sensing tool that can produce high resolution point clouds. This course will cover the fundamentals of lidar, explore current developments in lidar technology, and discuss different applications where it is being used. Students will get hands-on learning about lidar data management, processing, and analysis. It is recommended that students have a some background in spatial modeling and computer programming.

• Prerequisites: Students should have background in passive remote sensing analysis (GEOG652)
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG670: Open Source GIS
Students will learn to use Free and Open Source Software for GIS (FOSS4g) to conduct GIS analysis and articulate the strengths and weaknesses of FOSS4g compared to commercial offerings. Students will be introduced to advanced concepts and techniques including enterprise GIS, spatial SQL, parallel processing, and displaying the results of GIS analysis over the Internet - something very few professional know how to do. Students will learn how to use the FOSS4g products QGIS, PostGRES/PostGIS, and Geoserver into their technology stack and will become familiar with using spatial SQL for solving GIS and database related tasks.

• Prerequisites: None
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG666: Drones for  Data Collection
Topics covered in this class include: how to prepare students to obtain their FAA Remote Pilot License; understand how to pick drone systems for a data need; and utilize Pix4D to process drone imagery. Before talking about data students will learn about drone and aviation specific laws that will affect them while carrying out operations. Once legal limitations of drone flights have been covered the course will shift toward learning how to select a drone system based on specifications of the equipment and needs of the project. Students will then move on to data processing utilizing Pix4D, Python, and Bash to clean data and automate processing. By the end of the course students should be prepared to design flight plans taking into account regulations, data requirements, and environmental impacts.

• Prerequisites: None
• There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG797: Capstone - Professional Project
Each student must undertake a project as a demonstration of his/her competence in geospatial science and technologies. The data and materials for this project can originate from an internship, or from relevant work experience at the student's current employer. The Department of Geographical Sciences will work with each student individually to determine the best mechanism for obtaining the necessary data and experience. Under the direction of a faculty advisor, the student will prepare a project report which shall contain an explanation of the requirements for the work, a technical account of the activities undertaken, including a literature review, a description of the methods and approaches taken, a critical discussion of the results obtained, along with conclusions and recommendations developed from the project. The final project will consist of a full-fledged GIS application that is up and running and can be tested. This will enable the student to present potential employers with a portfolio containing an example of their ability to manage and develop a GIS application project and will show that they understand how to apply the technology to real world situations.

• Prerequisites: None, but it should be your final course in MS GIS
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG661: Fundamentals of Geospatial Intelligence
Cross-listed with MS GEOINT. See their website for course listing and details: https://geospatial.umd.edu/education/course-list.

• Prerequisites: None
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

GEOG663: Big Data Analytics
Cross-listed with MS GEOINT. See their website for course listing and details: https://geospatial.umd.edu/education/course-list.

• Prerequisites: None
• 3 credits [Back To Course List]

Most students in the same cohort move through the curriculum together. This allows students to get to know each other and ensures graduation in a timely manner.

Students have the option to study full-time or part-time, or skip a quarter term due to work or family reasons. MS GIS requires at least five terms to complete.

The tables below provide guidance on the courses offered each term and example course plans for either full-time or part-time status.

Graduate Certificate in GIS (12 Credits Total)

• Core Courses (6 Credits)
  • 653, 656
• Elective Courses (6 Credits)
  • Choose from:  646, 656, 651, 652, 655, 654, 660, 677, 670

Example Plans of Study

Graduate Certificate in Remote Sensing (12 Credits Total)

• Core Courses (9 Credits)
  • 652, 660, 666
• Elective Courses (3 Credits)
  • Choose from:  646, 656, 653, 654, 663

Example Plans of Study

Master's Degree in GIS (30 Credits Total)

• Core Courses (18 Credits)
  • 653, 656, 652, 655, 677, 797
• Elective Courses (12/13 Credits)
  • Choose from:  646, 651, 654, 657, 660, 670, 666, 661*, 663*
• There are two track options (for both Fall and Spring Enrollment):
  • Full-time (Complete in 5 terms; 
  • Part-time (Complete in 10 terms; For students who only want to take one course a term)
    • Part-time students have the option of taking one or two classes a term, depending on their preference

*If interested in enrolling in a shared course with the MS GEOINT program please confirm course offerings by checking their website.

Example Plans of Study

Courses are offered in four 12-week terms per year. We use the term system instead of the semester system because most students in the program work full-time and can concentrate and learn much better if taking only 1 or 2 classes at a time.

Note: Students have until the first day of classes to register without penalty, after which students will be subject to the office of registrar non-standard course refund policy found on the resources page.

The following courses adhere to the 12-week calendar. All courses are 3 credits unless otherwise noted. Courses generally remain the same each term but minor changes may occur. Always check with your adviser about your study plan. Core classes are bold.

An up to date list of courses can be found on the University schedule of classes.

Please follow the course registration information below.

1. Visit Testudo.
2. Select Schedule of Classes.
3. In the box marked Term: Select your specific term and year.
4. Select Search.
5. A listing of all departments offering courses for that term/year will appear.
6. Scroll down and click on GEOG.
7. Scroll down to the course and select Show Sections.
8. Courses use section: GIS- PLG* (100% Online-Only Program) PGS* (Hybrid/On-Campus Program)
9. If you have questions about registration please visit the OES website 

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Important Dates, Courses, and Registration
• ELMS, Email, and Software

• Departmental and Campus Services

• MS & GC Graduation Process

• Graduate Forms and Financial Aid

Important Dates, Courses, and Registration 

1. Where can I find an updated list of courses, schedule and contact information?

• The best place to locate all pertinent information regarding the MS and GC GIS programs is to visit the program website 

2.  How do I register for MS courses?

• With the UMD email account, you can go to Testudo at http://www.testudo.umd.edu/ to register for the courses online by yourself. Register for ALL courses by:

1. Clicking on Registration (Drop/Add)
2. Logging into your account
3. Adding your desired courses
4. Click Submit and Sign-off

• Once you get your UMD account and register the classes, you will be automatically added to ELMS (http://elms.umd.edu). The instructors will send you the syllabus and other information before the class starts. Please note that you can attend the lectures and lab sessions either in real classroom or online. 

3.  What are the course dates, schedule adjustment periods, and withdrawal deadlines?

• MS courses do not use the standard semester dates. Courses with non-standard dates have different Schedule Adjustment periods and Drop with 'W' dates.
  • Non-standard course date listings and schedule adjustment periods can be found HERE.
  • 12-week course Academic deadlines can be found HERE.
  • Schedule Adjustment information can be found HERE

4.  Where can I find an Incomplete Contract?

• If for any reason you are unable to complete all of the material for a course by the end of the course's term, you need to discuss this with the course instructor and fill out an Incomplete Contract
• Send a copy of the signed contract to Kristen Halliday khallida [at] umd.edu 

5. What is the MS academic schedule?

• The schedule for each term changes slightly each year. You can find the schedule for the current year here

6.  What are the registration dates for each term for MS GIS courses?

• Registration dates for each term can be found HERE.
• Students have until the first day of classes to register without penalty after which students will be subject to the office of registrar non-standard course refund policy found on the resources page: http://registrar.umd.edu/deadlines12week.html

7. What if I need to take a term off?

• The Graduate School requires continuous registration.  If you need to miss a term, you must fill out a Waiver of Continuous Registration and email it to Erin  Jacobs at ekjacobs [at] umd.edu before the start of the term.

8. What are the Graduate School policies and how can I request a modification?

• All Graduate School students must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA to retain admission status
• Some students are admitted provisionally. These students must receive a B or higher in all classes the first term or year.
• For a request of modify policy, a Waiver of Regulation must be filled out and emailed to Kristen Halliday at khallida [at] umd.edu
• A complete list of the Graduation School policies can be found HERE.

ELMS, Email, and Software 

1. Where do I go to receive my photo identification card?

• Where to get your ID? What happens if you lose your ID? What programs and services are accessible with your ID? etc. You can find important information about students IDs here: http://registrar.umd.edu/current/Policies/id-cards.html
• For Lefrak Hall 24/7 access please contact Erin Jacobs at ekjacobs [at] umd.edu

2. Where can I access free software such as office tools, downloads, design and productions and more?

• The University of Maryland provides free downloads of many software packages via Terpware: https://terpware.umd.edu

3. How can I access ArcGIS and other software for my course work?

• Free license for ArcGIS Pro and the access to ArcGIS Online will be provided. You will get more info on this in your first class.
• You can also access all software you need (ArcGIS, ENVI, Erdas, Anaconda, etc.) for free using our Virtual Machines (VMware).

4. How do I log into the VMware?

• You can find all the steps to logging into the VMware by clicking here: 
  • VMware Instructions for Windows
  • VMware Instructions for Mac

5. Who do I contact about issues relating to the GEOG servers or VMware?

• Please contact our tech staff at geoghelp [at] umd.edu

6. Who do I contact about issues relating to ELMS, such as log-in problems?

• ELMS offers 24/7 tech support at https://umd.service-now.com/itsc

7. How do I create and log in to my University email account?

• TERPmail is the email client used for the University of Maryland.
  • This link will guide you in creating your student Terpmail (email) account: https://cgi.oit.umd.edu/cgi-bin/account/activation.cgi
• With your Terpmail you will be able to access many UMD resources online.
  • How to activate your TERPmail: http://goingterpmail.umd.edu/user_actions.html

Departmental and Campus Services (in person resources-Hybrid program only)

1. Where can I find information about the department's Computer Lab hours and policy?
   • The Department of Geographical Sciences has open computer labs in 1104, 1136 and 1138 LeFrak Hall.
2. Where can I find information regarding on campus parking, shuttle information, maps and visitor directions?
   • The Department of Transportation Services has many helpful links and guides for on campus parking and shuttle information using the following links:
     • Parking http://www.transportation.umd.edu/student.html
     • Shuttle UM: http://www.transportation.umd.edu/shuttle.html
     • Directions to Mowatt Lane Garage: https://goo.gl/maps/1zjew2M9UCt
     • Directions to LeFrak Hall from Mowatt Lane: http://maps.umd.edu/map/
3. Where can I find information about recreational services?
   • You can find out about University gym memberships. Personal training and intramural sports and other facilities here: http://recwell.umd.edu/
4. Where can I find online resources to supplement the knowledge and skills that we learn in class?
   • All UMD students have free access to LinkedIn Learning, an online library with thousands of videos and tutorials on a wide range of skills such as Python Programming, R Programming, and Web Programming. You can find the UMD login page for LinkedIn Learning here: linkedinlearning.umd.edu

MS & GC Graduation Process

I am ready to graduate! What do I need to do?

If you are graduating with either a Master's Degree or a Graduate Certificate, follow these steps:

• Complete an Application for Graduation within the first TEN DAYS of the term in which you will graduate. Visit testudo.umd.edu and click on Graduation Application & Diploma Status

Graduate Forms and Financial Aid 

1. Where can I find Health Forms such as Immunization, Medical history etc.?
   • The University Health Center requires each student to complete and submit an immunization form in order to remove registration blocks. You can find the forms here: https://health.umd.edu/forms
2. Where can I find graduate school forms?
   • General program requirements for the UMD graduate school can be found here: https://gradschool.umd.edu/admissions/admissions-requirements
3. Where can I access and pay my student bill or view my student account balance?
   • The Office of Student Financial Services and Cashiering (formerly Bursar's office): billpay.umd.edu
   • It includes everything students need to know about billing, payments, and refunds.  
   • Billing is run on the 25th of each month. Payment is due on the 20th of each month.
   • Students and families with questions about their accounts will continue to call us at (301) 314-9000 or visit us in the Financial Service Center, Suite 1135 in the Lee Building. 
4. Does MS GIS program provide financial aids (scholarships, assistantships, etc.)?
   • Unfortunately, MS GIS program does not provide financial support. Students are encouraged to seek support from their employers or external opportunities.
     • Students are eligible for Graduate Assistant positions offered by the University of Maryland that can help cover some of their tuitions.
     • Internships are available to students from different agencies and organizations.
     • Students are eligible to participate in federal scholarship programs.
5. What are the requirements for a loan?
   • If you need any information on loan requirements or financial aid you can go to the Office of Student Financial Aid website at http://www.financialaid.umd.edu/
   • If you have any specific questions about loan requirements you can contact: Malina Heng at mheng [at] umd.edu or 301-314-9859
6. Currently serving or served in the army? Know your education benefits?
   • Serving in the Armed Forces gives you great benefits including education. More information about education benefit for a service member, veteran, or family member can be found here: https://www.registrar.umd.edu/veteran-benefits.html
   • Veterans may qualify for an Application fee waiver if they apply early.  

Full-time Lecturers

Jack (Jianguo) Ma, Ph.D.
Faculty Website: https://geog.umd.edu/facultyprofile/ma/jack-%28jianguo%29 E-mail: jma3 [at] umd.edu Office Location: 1169 LeFrak Hall Courses: 653

Jonathan Resop, Ph.D.
Faculty Website: https://geog.umd.edu/facultyprofile/resop/jonathan E-mail: resop [at] umd.edu Office Location: 1165 LeFrak Hall Courses: 646, 656, 654, 660, 797

Xin Tao, Ph.D.
Faculty Website:  E-mail: xtao [at] umd.edu Office Location: 1167 LeFrak Hall Courses: 657, 650, 677, 652

Adjunct Lecturers

Michael Humber, Ph.D.
Faculty Website: https://geog.umd.edu/facultyprofile/humber/michael E-mail: mhumber [at] umd.edu Office Location: N/A Courses: 677

STEP 1: Application requirements

The Graduate School requires all admitted graduate students to have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree in another country. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is normally required for admission into this program while rare exceptions can be made.

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required.

Students can be admitted into the program with various backgrounds. However, to be able to officially start the program in the fall, students are required to meet the prerequisite requirement: