Master of Science in Geographic Information Science (MS-GISc)
The MS-GISc at Lehman College is distinguished as a Professional Science Master’s (PSM) and prepares recent graduates and professionals for a successful career in the fields of Geographic Information and Spatial data science through a rigorous training in GISc technology, applications, and research. Our graduates are pursuing careers across industry sectors, the local, state, and federal government, and non-governmental organizations.
Geographic Information Science (GISc) is a fast growing field involving mapping, visualization, and analysis of spatial data and projected by the US Department of Labor to be one of the fastest-growing fields. It is difficult to imagine a field that has not already been impacted by GISc.
Program overview: this is a 40 credits program including 4 core courses (14 credits), 5-6 electives (18 credits), and an 8-credit capstone research experience, with options for either a traditional Master’s Thesis, or a combination of an applied research project and internship. Many of our courses are offered online and in the afternoon to accommodate working professionals. Tuition information.
Application deadlines: Fall admit (Priority decision April 15th, Final deadline June 15); Spring admit (Priority decision October 15, Final deadline December 15th). We strongly encourage students to apply by the priority deadline as it increases opportunities for funding (when available) and ensures a seat in desired courses. Apply Online.
We welcome international students! please click here for transcript evaluation requirements. International students who graduate from this program may be eligible to work in the U.S. for up to 36 months on Optional Practical Training (OPT). International students are eligible for the reduced instate tuition rate after residing 1 year in NYC (see details here).
Contact Prof. Elia Machado (elia.machado@lehman.cuny.edu) if you are interested in any of our Geography and/or GISc programs.
What is a Professional Science Master's (PSM)?
The MS-GISc Program at Lehman is recognized as a Professional Science Master’s (PSM) by the National PSM Association (NPSMA). The NPSMA describes PSM programs as follows: “innovative, new graduate degree designed to allow students to pursue advanced training in science or mathematics, while simultaneously developing workplace skills highly valued by employers. PSM programs consist of two years of academic training in an emerging or interdisciplinary area, along with a professional component that may include internships and "cross-training" in workplace skills, such as business, communications, and regulatory affairs. All have been developed in concert with employers and are designed to dovetail into present and future professional career opportunities.”
- Completion of the PEAR Option of the MS-GISc fulfills the requirements for the PSM.
- Flyer, catalog's link, course descriptions, FAQs document.
MS-GISc Degree Requirements
- GEP 505 Principles of GISc 3/4
- GEP 621 Remote Sensing 4/6
- GEP 630 Geostatistics and Spatial Analytical Concepts 3/4
- GEP 605 Special Topics in GISc (Environmental Modeling) 4/6
- GEP 602 Biogeography and GISc 4/5
- GEP 606 Raster Analysis
- GEP 610 Spatial Analysis of Urban Health 3/4
- GEP 620 Demography and Population Geography with GISc 3/4
- GEP 631 Advanced Remote Sensing 4/6
- GEP 632 Environmental Health and GISc 3/4
- GEP 635 Natural Hazards and Risk Analysis 4/5
- GEP 640 Urban Geography and GISc 3/4
- GEP 641 Image Analysis 4/6
- GEP 645 Environmental Hydrology 4/5
- GEP 650 Topics in Regional Geography and Applied Mapping Techniques 4/5
- GEP 660 Geovisualization and Analytical Cartography 4/6
- GEP 662 Introduction to Programming for GISc 3/4
- GEP 664 Spatial Database Management 3/4
- GEP 675 Data Acquisition and Integration Methods for GISc 3/4
- GEP 680 Emerging Issues and Methods in GISc 3/4
- GEP 689 Methods Seminar in GISc 3/4
Of the 18 elective credits required for the degree, up to 9 credits of courses may be taken in a cognate discipline, with permission of program advisor.
Students in the PEAR Option must take 12 credits of their electives in Professional Skills courses within the department, or in Health Sciences Dept., Environmental Engineering, or other appropriate program, in consultation with their program advisor, and reflecting their future career plans.)
An 8-credit capstone experience, either the Thesis Option or the Professional Experience and Applied Research (PEAR) Option (PSM).
Traditional Master’s Thesis Option:
- GEP 695 Thesis Research in GISc (8 credits)
PEAR Option (PSM)
- GEP 690 Workshop in GISc Research (4 credits)
and
- GEP 670 Internship in GISc/Professional Experience (4 credits)
Application Requirements for the MS GISc:
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. International students click here for transcript evaluation requirements.
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent, from an accredited U.S. or foreign university
- A minimum undergraduate graduate average of 3.0, students with a lower GPA may be considered for conditional admission.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- A 500-word essay outlining intellectual and academic interests, accomplishments, and career objective.
