Geographic Information Science and Technology – Master of Geographic Information Science and Technology
Program Overview
The Master of Geographic Information Science and Technology (MGIST) program at The Ohio State University is a fully online, cohort-based program designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers in GIS. The program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to collect, manage, analyze, and visualize geospatial data, develop and implement GIS solutions, and communicate effectively about GIS topics. Graduates are qualified for a variety of careers in the field, including GIS Analyst, GIS Developer, and GIS Manager.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Overview: The Master of Geographic Information Science and Technology (MGIST) program at The Ohio State University is designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers in the field. The fully online program allows students to study at their own pace and schedule, while still receiving a high-quality education from a top-ranked university.
- Objectives: The MGIST program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to:
- Collect, manage, analyze, and visualize geospatial data
- Develop and implement GIS solutions to real-world problems
- Communicate effectively about GIS topics to a variety of audiences
- Program Description: The MGIST program consists of 33 credit hours, including 15 courses directly related to the GIST profession. Students also complete a capstone class where they showcase their skills and knowledge by integrating what they have learned during the degree coursework.
Outline:
- Program Content: The MGIST program covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Geospatial data fundamentals
- GIS data collection and management
- GIS analysis and visualization
- GIS application development
- GIS project management
- Ethics and professional practice in GIS
- Program Structure: The MGIST program is a cohort-based program, meaning that students take all of their courses with the same group of classmates. This allows students to build relationships with their classmates and learn from each other's experiences.
- Course Schedule: The MGIST program is offered in a fully online format. Students can take courses at their own pace and schedule, but there are some required deadlines that students must meet.
- Individual Modules: The MGIST program is divided into six modules:
- Module 1: Geospatial Data Fundamentals
- Module 2: GIS Data Collection and Management
- Module 3: GIS Analysis and Visualization
- Module 4: GIS Application Development
- Module 5: GIS Project Management
- Module 6: Ethics and Professional Practice in GIS
Assessment:
- Assessment Methods: Students in the MGIST program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Quizzes
- Exams
- Projects
- Presentations
- Class participation
- Assessment Criteria: Students are assessed on their knowledge of the course material, their ability to apply GIS skills to real-world problems, and their ability to communicate effectively about GIS topics.
Teaching:
- Teaching Methods: The MGIST program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Demonstrations
- Hands-on exercises
- Guest lectures
- Faculty: The MGIST program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in the field of GIS.
- Unique Approaches: The MGIST program offers a number of unique approaches to teaching GIS, including:
- A focus on real-world applications
- A hands-on learning environment
- A cohort-based program
- A fully online format
Careers:
- Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the MGIST program are qualified for a variety of careers in the field of GIS, including:
- GIS Analyst
- GIS Developer
- GIS Manager
- GIS Project Manager
- GIS Consultant
- Opportunities: Graduates of the MGIST program have opportunities to work in a variety of industries, including:
- Government
- Non-profit organizations
- Private sector companies
- Academia
- Outcomes: Graduates of the MGIST program have a high success rate in finding employment in the field of GIS. Many graduates go on to work for top companies in the industry.
The Ohio State University
Overview:
The Ohio State University is a large, public research university with a main campus in Columbus, Ohio, and regional campuses in Lima, Marion, Mansfield, Newark, and Wooster. It is known for its strong academic programs, extensive research facilities, and vibrant student life.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to students, including:
Academics:
Colleges and schools, libraries, academic calendar, courses and classes, graduate school.Student Accounts:
Buckeye Link, BuckID, financial aid, student health insurance, Ohio State Account.Student Experience:
University housing, off-campus and commuter student engagement, dining services, organizations and involvement, inclusion, student health and wellness, recreational sports, counseling and consultation.Research:
Opportunities for business and industry, researchers, students, entrepreneurs, research administration, research stories.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Ohio State boasts a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for student involvement. Students can participate in a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities, including sports, arts, and community service. The university also offers a variety of housing options, dining services, and recreational facilities.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.Research Opportunities:
Ohio State is a leading research institution with extensive facilities and opportunities for students to engage in research.Vibrant Campus Life:
The university provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience with numerous opportunities for student involvement.Affordable Education:
Ohio State strives to provide an affordable, high-quality education while minimizing student debt.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate:
Majors and programs in various disciplines.Graduate:
Degrees and programs in various disciplines.Professional:
Degrees and programs in various disciplines.Online:
Degrees and certificate programs.Other:
The university has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and it offers a variety of resources and support services to students from all backgrounds. Ohio State is also home to a number of notable research centers and institutes, including the Wexner Medical Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center.
