Geographic and Cartographic Sciences, MS

Program Overview

The Geographic and Cartographic Sciences, MS program at George Mason University provides expertise in using geographical approaches, GIS, and geospatial technologies to address geographic problems. Students develop skills in data collection, analysis, and display, preparing them for careers across industries where geoinformation management and analysis are critical. The program offers both thesis and non-thesis options and benefits from a strong local employment market and alumni network.

Program Outline

The program equips students with the skills and knowledge to use geographical approaches and tools like GIS, remote sensing, cartography, and geovisualization to address and solve geographic problems. This expertise is valuable for a wide range of employers in government, business, industry, and non-profit organizations. The program's coursework emphasizes the collection, analysis, and display of geographic data, incorporating emerging geospatial technologies to tackle problems in human and environmental geographic domains. Students benefit from a strong local employment market and a network of over 700 program alumni.

Outline:

The program requires either 30 graduate credits (with a thesis) or 37 graduate credits (without a thesis).

Core Courses:

• GGS 551 Cartographic Design (3 credits): This course focuses on the principles and practices of cartographic design, covering topics such as map projections, symbolization, generalization, and map production.
It covers topics such as data acquisition, spatial analysis, and GIS software applications.
• GGS 560 Quantitative Methods (3 credits): This course provides students with a foundation in quantitative methods for geographic analysis, including statistical analysis, spatial statistics, and data visualization.
• GGS 579 Remote Sensing (3 credits): This course explores the principles and applications of remote sensing, covering topics such as electromagnetic radiation, sensor systems, image processing, and remote sensing applications in various fields.
• GGS 689 Seminar in Geographic Thought and Methodology (3 credits): This seminar course examines the history, philosophy, and methodology of geography, providing students with a critical understanding of the discipline.

Thesis Option:

• GGS 799 Thesis (3 credits): Students must complete a thesis project under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
• Electives (12 credits): Students must select 12 credits of electives from 500 to 798-level GGS courses, in consultation with an advisor.
Up to 9 credits from closely related disciplines may be applied with departmental approval.

Non-thesis Option:

• Systematic Course (3 credits): Students must choose one course from the following:
• GGS 505 Transportation Geography
• GGS 507 Geographic Approaches for Sustainable Development
• GGS 540 Health Geography
• GGS 544 Military Geography
• GGS 557 Urban Planning
• GGS 615 Economic Geography
• GGS 656 The Hydrosphere
• GGS 657 The Lithosphere
• GGS 670 Introduction to Atmosphere and Weather
• GGS 704 Spatial Demography
• Regional Course (3 credits): Students must choose one course from the following:
• GGS 516 Geography of Latin America
• GGS 517 Geography of China
• GGS 518 Geography of North Africa and the Middle East
• GGS 526 Geography of Eastern Europe and Russia
• GGS 533 Issues in Regional Geography
• GGS 700 Comprehensive Exam
• Electives (15 credits): Students must select 15 credits of electives from 500 to 798-level GGS courses, in consultation with an advisor.
Up to 9 credits from closely related disciplines may be applied with departmental approval.

Assessment:

• Thesis Option: Students are assessed based on their thesis research, defense, and written thesis.
• Non-thesis Option: Students are assessed through a comprehensive exam covering the core curriculum and elective courses.

Teaching:

• The Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science has extensive research and teaching facilities, including labs equipped with GIS, remote sensing, cartographic, and analytical software.
• Specialized instructional space for geographic information science is housed in newly renovated labs in Exploratory Hall on the Fairfax Campus.

Careers:

• The program prepares students for professional careers in various fields where geoinformation management, geographic analysis, and geospatial visualization are essential.
• Graduates find employment in government agencies, businesses, industries, and non-profit organizations.

Other:

• The program offers an accelerated master's option for highly qualified undergraduates who can complete both a bachelor's degree and the Geographic and Cartographic Sciences, MS within an accelerated timeframe.
• Students in the accelerated program can take graduate courses during their final year of undergraduate study.
• The program has a strong alumni network with over 700 graduates.
• Teaching: The teaching methods and faculty are not described in detail.