Master of Science with a Major in Spatial Data & Information Science

Location(s): Gainesville

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

30 Hours

The Master of Science program in Spatial Data and Information Science (SDIS) will foster innovative scientists and researchers capable of advancing the frontiers of knowledge in spatial science and technology through cutting-edge theories and technologies, pioneering methodologies, sophisticated numerical analyses, and integrative applications. “Spatial data science can be viewed as a subset of generic ‘data science’ that focuses on the special characteristics of spatial data, i.e., the importance of ‘where’”. (Luc Anselin, 2019, “Spatial Data Science” in The International Encyclopedia of Geography: People, the Earth, Environment, and Technology). Spatial data scientists thus analyze the location, distance, and spatial interactions of data, and they examine why things happen where they happen. They often use geographic information system (GIS) technologies and other geospatial tools, but modern spatial science extends beyond GIS and includes the use of other data science technologies and integrative applications (https://carto.com/blog/postgis-day-future-gis/). Master’s students in the SDIS program will have the option to design their program of study and choose courses, seminars, and research topics from a wide range of options based on their specific areas of interest.

Admission Requirements

Regular Admission

To qualify for regular admission to the M.S. in Spatial Data and Information Science program, an individual must meet all program admission requirements and hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited, four-year institution with at least a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 (4.0 scale), calculated in accordance with Graduate Admissions procedures, and meet all other admissions requirements. The GRE is not required; however, submission of GRE test scores may be helpful for those students seeking research or teaching assistantships or other departmental support. Meeting all admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Final admission is a competitive process that takes all aspects of a student’s record into account.

Provisional Admission

To qualify for provisional admission, an individual must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited, four-year institution with at least a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 (4.0 scale), calculated in accordance with Graduate Admissions procedures, and meet all other program admission requirements. The GRE is not required; however, submission of GRE test scores may be helpful for those students seeking research or teaching assistantships or other departmental support. Students admitted provisionally may register for no more than a maximum of nine semester hours of graduate credit while enrolled with this status. The number of semester hours in which a provisional student may enroll will be determined in consultation with the M.S. SDIS program coordinator. Provisionally admitted students who earn a grade of “C” or lower in any course taken during the provisional period will not be allowed to continue in the program. A student who has been removed because of a deficient grade may reapply after a period of three semesters from the date the student was removed by submitting to Graduate Admissions a letter of appeal addressed to the M.S. SIS program coordinator and a new application for readmission.

Provisionally admitted students are not eligible for financial aid.

Program Requirements - 30 hours

Required Courses - 13 hours

Thesis Option

The thesis option is provided for students wishing to receive professional training via coursework integrated with research training through the successful completion of a thesis.

SPIS 7000 - Master’s Research or
SPIS 7010 - Master’s Project-Based Research (3 hours minimum of SPIS 7000 or SPIS 7010. A typical student’s research hours may exceed this minimum; however, at most 6 hours of these courses may be listed on the Program of Study.)
SPIS 7300 - Master’s Thesis (3 hours minimum of Master’s Thesis, but only 3 hours may apply to the Program of Study)

Non-Thesis Option

The non-thesis option is provided for students either currently employed in professional practice or wishing to emphasize only professional training through their M.S.

Select two of the following courses:

Topical Graduate Seminar - 2 hours

Select a minimum of 2 hours from courses below. With approval, up to 6 hours of courses below may apply on the Program of Study.

Electives - 15 hours

Select at least 15 hours from the courses below:

Other Requirements

All coursework is selected in coordination with the Student’s Faculty Advisor and if applicable approved by the student’s Advisory Committee on the Program of Study.
To receive the M.S. degree (thesis option), each student is required to present a satisfactory research proposal approved by the student’s advisory committee and the dean and pass a defense of the research thesis.
Completion of the M.S. requirements for all programs in the College of Environmental and Spatial Analysis fulfill all requirements of the University of North Georgia Graduate School. No grade below C will be accepted in the program of study. To be eligible for graduation, a student must maintain a 3.0 (B) average on the graduate transcript and a 3.0 (B) average in the program of study.