Masters+

Geography and Environmental Systems Ph.D.Certificate

Why Study Geographic Information Systems (GIS)?

UMBC’s Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program is designed for early-to-mid-career professionals seeking a more foundational knowledge of GIS that goes beyond learning the basics of technology or application of analytical tools.

As a GIS student, you will learn crucial GIS methods that connect global thinking with local action. You will also contribute to projects that address timely societal and environmental issues with a “place-based” dimension. Our two-year program gives students the knowledge, tools and modern programming language (R and Python) exposure for application in two distinct areas. The first is to prepare students to analyze social and environmental issues with stronger critical thinking methods. The second is to develop technologies and tools that appropriately addresses GIS requirements needed to provide solutions to solve spatial problems. Our program is designed for those whose primary work is within geography, but also for disciplines and professions where geography is not always the primary study focus.

At a Glance

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FINANCIAL AID ↓HOW TO APPLY ↓APPLICATION DEADLINES ↓PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS ↓PROGRAM CONTACTS ↓

What Are My Career Options Studying Geographic Information Systems (GIS)?

Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid

Find opportunities to further advance your career and academic studies.

UMBC participates in all federal and state student financial aid programs and offers scholarships and assistantships through the Graduate School, Graduate Departments and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

2025–2026 Graduate Cost Calculator Graduate Assistantships Fellowships Funding Your Education

Ready to Apply?

Review Master of Professional Studies in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Requirements

A bachelor’s degree and 3.0 GPA (Students with a GPA less than 3.0 may be admitted to the Certificate program)
Statement outlining the student’s goals and expectations in the program
Current resume
Two Letters of Recommendation (MPS only; Optional for Certificate)
Official transcript(s) from each college & university attended
GRE is not required
English proficiency testing (TOEFL/ IELTS) is required for international students.

Please visit our website for detailed admissions requirements.

Start Your Graduate Admissions Application

Please note that application decisions can take 6-8 weeks after the program’s deadline, and depend on how many applications a department receives. You will receive an email once the department processes your decision letter. You will be able to see your decision letter by logging in to the application website. Your decision letter will be where the application checklist was. You may also check your recommendation statuses to send reminders or update contact information from the user page. If you are having trouble logging back in, you can recover your account.

Have Questions?

Please contact the appropriate Graduate School staff member for assistance, or contact our Main Office at gradschool@umbc.edu or 410-455-2537.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

All Students:
Apply by August 1

Spring Semester

All Students:
Apply by December 1

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Contact Information

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Program Contacts

UMBC Graduate School Admissions Office Contact Information

Mailing Address

UMBC Graduate School
1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250

Admissions Staff

Staff are available from
Mon - Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 410-455-2537

Request Help

Email Graduate Admissions at gradschool@umbc.edu.

Master of Professional Studies in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)