2016-2017 University Catalog
Geographic and Cartographic Sciences, MS
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Banner Code: SC-MS-GECA
College: College of Science
Department: Geography and Geoinformation Science
The Geographic and Cartographic Sciences, MS (GECA) focuses on the growing demand for scientists and professionals in the field of geographic information science, who use geographical approaches and tools such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, cartography, and geovisualization to address and solve geographic problems. This expertise is useful to a wide variety of employers in the federal, state, and local government sectors, as well as in business, industry, and non-profit organizations. The degree’s coursework concentrates on the collection, analysis, and display of geographic data, and the use of emerging geospatial technologies to address problems in the human and environmental geographic domains. The GECA program’s disciplinary domain has been recognized by the US Department of Labor as one of the three most strategic job growth areas. Students in this program benefit from a large and diverse local employment market, as well as a network of more than 700 program alumni (1978-present) who live and work in the local area.
Research Facilities
The Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science has extensive research and teaching facilities, including several labs equipped with GIS, remote sensing, cartographic, and analytical software from leading industry vendors and open source groups. Specialized instructional space for geographic information science is housed in newly renovated labs in Exploratory Hall on the Fairfax Campus.
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting all admission requirements for graduate study at George Mason University (see the Admissions section of this catalog), applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in geography, cartography, or a closely related field. Applicants without an undergraduate degree in geography may be required to take one course in each of the following: physical geography, human geography, and cartography. All applicants must have a course in statistics. The program also requires GRE test scores, three letters of recommendation, transcripts of all college coursework, and a statement of interest in the degree. The GRE requirement will be waived if the student holds a master’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. TOEFL scores are required for all foreign applicants. Credit from courses taken at other departments and other universities may be applied to the program with prior approval.
Secondary Program Options
Students enrolled in this master’s program have the option of adding a secondary graduate certificate program. Depending upon the secondary program chosen, many courses may be applicable to both the certificate and the master’s. Before adding a secondary program, students are advised to carefully review the ‘Requirements for Graduate Certificates’ and the ‘Requirements for Master’s Degrees’ in the AP.6 Graduate Policies section of this catalog. Faculty advisors should be contacted for further guidance and for graduate certificate program suggestions.
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