PDF reflects print version of the catalogue (beginning to East Asian Languages and Cultures)Geography
Graduate Degrees
Master of Science in Geographic Information Science and Technology
Director: John P. Wilson, Ph.D.
The geographic information science and technology master’s program uses a variety of distance learning strategies to provide an increased knowledge of geospatial technologies and the geographic concepts and methods embedded in them. The courses that make up this program incorporate multiple curricular pathways tailored to the increasingly diverse backgrounds, occupations and applications that rely on geospatial technologies.
Course Requirements
Twenty-eight units of graduate work are required.| CORE COURSES (16 UNITS) | UNITS | |
|---|---|---|
| GEOG 581 | Concepts for Spatial Thinking | 4 |
| GEOG 582 | Spatial Databases | 4 |
| GEOG 587 | GPS/GIS Field Techniques | 4 |
| GEOG 594ab | Master’s Thesis | 2-2 |
| ELECTIVES (12 UNITS) | UNITS | |
|---|---|---|
| GEOG 583 | Spatial Analysis and Modeling | 4 |
| GEOG 585 | Geospatial Technology Project Management | 4 |
| GEOG 586 | GIS Programming and Customization | 4 |
| GEOG 588 | Remote Sensing for GIS | 4 |
| GEOG 589 | Cartography and Visualization | 4 |
| GEOG 591 | Web GIS | 4 |
All electives are chosen in direct consultation with the student’s academic advisor based on background, academic interests, etc.
The courses in this program are open to students living and/or working anywhere, including students at USC’s Los Angeles, Orange County, Sacramento and Washington, D.C. centers. The master’s program can be completed in two to three years as long as students take one or two courses in each of the fall, spring and summer semesters.
Admission Requirements
Four groups of students are served by this program:1. New students who wish to apply directly to the geographic information science and technology master’s program.
2. Students currently enrolled in the geographic information science and technology graduate certificate program since this certificate program may serve as a possible “stepping stone” toward the master’s program.
3. Students currently matriculated in a USC master’s or doctoral degree program.
4. USC undergraduate students who want to stay for a fifth year and earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Candidates for admission among the first two groups of students must have: (1) a B.A. or B.S. degree or its international equivalent; (2) a minimum 3.0 GPA (A = 4.0). All coursework taken at the undergraduate level is used to calculate the GPA. Exceptions will be made in cases of very high GRE scores or some other compelling evidence of potential to excel in graduate studies (e.g., outstanding letters of recommendation). Preference will be given to candidates with significant professional experience working with geographic information systems and related geospatial technologies.
Application Procedures
Applicants are required to submit the following documents: (1) completed application for admission, which can be found online at www.usc.edu/admission/graduate; (2) statement of purpose; (3) official transcripts from all schools previously attended; (4) two letters of recommendation; and (5) results of the GRE General Test. International students must submit TOEFL scores and are expected to achieve a minimum score of 100 on the Internet-based examination.The statement of purpose should be uploaded into the online application. This statement should: (1) describe the student’s motivation, field of interest and career goals; and (2) identify potential projects that the student might pursue for the master’s thesis project.
The master’s program utilizes rolling admissions and enrollment based on the standard academic calendar. This means that students may start the program in either the fall, spring or summer semesters.
Those interested in learning more about this program should contact Kate Kelsey, University of Southern California, 3620 S. Vermont Ave., KAP 462, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0255.
Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science and Technology
Director: John P. Wilson, Ph.D.
The geographic information science and technology graduate certificate program uses a variety of distance learning strategies to provide an increased knowledge of geospatial technologies and the geographic concepts and methods embedded in them. The courses that make up these programs incorporate multiple curricular pathways tailored to the increasingly diverse backgrounds, occupations and applications that rely on geospatial technologies.
Course Requirements
Sixteen units of graduate work are required.| CORE COURSES (12 UNITS) | UNITS | |
|---|---|---|
| GEOG 581 | Concepts for Spatial Thinking | 4 |
| GEOG 582 | Spatial Databases | 4 |
| GEOG 587 | GPS/GIS Field Techniques | 4 |
| ELECTIVES (4 UNITS) | UNITS | |
|---|---|---|
| GEOG 583 | Spatial Analysis and Modeling | 4 |
| GEOG 585 | Geospatial Technology Project Management | 4 |
| GEOG 586 | GIS Programming and Customization | 4 |
| GEOG 588 | Remote Sensing for GIS | 4 |
| GEOG 589 | Cartography and Visualization | 4 |
| GEOG 591 | Web GIS | 4 |
The courses in this program are open to students living and/or working anywhere, including students at USC’s Los Angeles, Orange County, Sacramento and Washington, D.C. centers. The certificate program can be completed in one to two years as long as students take one or two courses in each of the fall, spring and summer semesters. The graduate certificate program can serve as a possible “stepping stone” toward the geographic information science and technology master’s degree program.
Admission Requirements
Two groups of students are served by this program:1. New students who wish to apply directly to the geographic information science and technology graduate certificate program.
2. Students currently matriculated in a USC master’s or doctoral degree program (other than the M.S. in geographic information science and technology).
Candidates for admission among the first group of students must have: (1) a B.A. or B.S. degree or its international equivalent; (2) a minimum 3.0 GPA (A = 4.0) undergraduate GPA. All course work taken at the undergraduate level is used to calculate the GPA. Exceptions will be made in cases of very high GRE scores or some other compelling evidence of potential to excel in graduate studies (e.g., outstanding letters of recommendation). Preference will be given to candidates with significant professional experience working with geographic information systems and related geospatial technologies.
Application Procedures
Applicants are required to submit the following documents: (1) completed application for admission which can be found online at www.usc.edu/admission/graduate; (2) statement of purpose; (3) official transcripts from all schools previously attended. International students must submit TOEFL scores and are expected to achieve a minimum score of 100 on the Internet-based examination.The graduate certificate program utilizes rolling admissions and enrollment based on the standard academic calendar. This means that students may start the program in either the fall, spring or summer semesters.
Those interested in learning more about this program should contact Kate Kelsey, University of Southern California, 3620 S. Vermont Ave., KAP 462, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0255.