This Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a 10-course/30-credit applied science program designed for students seeking either professional or academic careers. The program is specifically for those interested in establishing their GIS credentials that rest on systematic critical thinking as it applies to social and environmental disciplines.

Students in this new GIS program follow a series of linked courses that share a methodological approach to enhance their GIS skills and knowledge by developing sharp critical thinking skills to properly plan for solutions. Each class, whether analytical or technical, employs scientific methods to assess problems by formulating plans and creating processes to produce well-thought-out and reasoned solutions in cartographic production, programming, dynamic visualization, data management, and spatial analysis. Across these courses, students will also cumulatively build a depth of technological skills with a variety of software programs that do not leave them dependent on any one program for spatial analysis, visualization, data management, and tool development.

Courses in the new GIS program are delivered in the context of social and environmental issues that apply critical GIS principles toward improving the lives of people, society, and the environment. Students will also gain an understanding of essential geographic principles and concepts needed to solve problems in nearly any industry or academic discipline. Students will end their tenure with a degree or certificate that instills a foundation of spatial knowledge and technical skills for any career that employs spatial computing.