The 33-credit online professional Master of Science in Geospatial Information Science and Technology (GIST) is designed to give students and working professionals a flexible way to pursue an advanced education in geospatial data science. Twenty-four core credits cover the foundation of geospatial science and advanced topics including geospatial programming, database design and management, spatial modeling, web GIS, and enterprise systems. Six elective credits allow exploration of specific areas of interest. A digital forum gives students an opportunity to hear professional talks from prominent geospatial scientists and hone their own scientific communication skills.
The master’s curriculum culminates in a capstone experience that gives students the opportunity to design and complete a GIS project that addresses a geospatial problem or extends one or more capabilities of the technology. Students suggest a project topic and share their findings in the WyGISC colloquium.
The Professional Master of Science Degree (no thesis) is delivered online. It provides a pathway for traditional students and professionals to earn a graduate credential in 2 years, but students may choose to take longer depending on their professional or personal time constraints.
In addition to the University of Wyoming graduate admission requirements, prospective students for the Professional Master of Science Degree are required to submit a statement of purpose describing their background and interest in the degree and a CV or resume.
GIST5002 - Geospatial Forum Credits: 1 (must be taken twice)
GIST5050 - Basics of Spatial Data Science Credits: 3
GIST5150 - Applied Geospatial Analytics Credits: 3
GIST5200 - Geographic Visualization Credits: 3
GIST5220 - Spatial Modeling & Data Analysis Credits: 3
GIST5280 - Navigating GIST Professions Credits: 1
GIST5300 - Web Mapping and Internet GIS Credits: 3
GIST5350 - Enterprise GIS Credits: 3
GIST 5780 GIS&T Capstone Credits: 3
Electives – 9 credit hours
Semester 1
GIST5050 - Basics of Spatial Data Science Credits: 3
GIST5150 - Applied Geospatial Analytics Credits: 3
GIST5280 - Navigating GIST Professions Credits: 1
GIST Electives Credits: 3
Semester 2
GIST5220 - Spatial Modeling & Data Analysis Credits: 3
GIST Electives Credits: 6
Semester 3
GIST5300 - Web Mapping and Internet GIS Credits: 3
GIST5350 - Enterprise GIS Credits: 3
GIST5200 - Geographic Visualization Credits: 3
GIST5002 - Geospatial Forum Credits: 1
Semester 4
GIST 5780 GIS&T Capstone Credits: 3
GIST5002 - Geospatial Forum Credits: 1
GIST5050 - Basics of Spatial Data Science Credits: 3
GIST5150 - Applied Geospatial Analytics Credits: 3
GIST5200 - Geographic Visualization Credits: 3
GIST5280 - Navigating GIST Professions Credits: 1
GIST5300 - Web Mapping and Internet GIS Credits: 3
GIST5350 - Enterprise GIS Credits: 3
GIST5002 - Geospatial Forum Credits: 1
Various Electives
GIST5050 - Basics of Spatial Data Science Credits: 3
GIST5220 - Spatial Modeling & Data Analysis Credits: 3
GIST5780 GIST Capstone Credits: 3
GIST5002 - Geospatial Forum Credits: 1
Various Electives
For a full list of courses and descriptions, visit the University of Wyoming GIST Catalog page.
The job market in GIST is strong and growing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 19% growth in employment for GIST professionals from 2016-2026, which is much faster than average growth (7.5%) in other occupations. Graduate training in GIST prepares you to be a leader in this field.
Contact our program advisor:
Beth McMillan
gist@uwyo.edu
307-766-2532
