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.
SSCI Course Requirements
Twenty-eight units of graduate work are required to fulfill the master’s degree. A detailed list of core courses and electives is provided in Courses of Instruction.
| CORE COURSES (16 UNITS) | UNITS | |
| SSCI 581 | Concepts for Spatial Thinking | 4 |
| SSCI 582 | Spatial Databases | 4 |
| SSCI 587 | GPS/GIS Field Techniques | 4 |
| SSCI 594ab | Master’s Thesis | 2-2 |
| ELECTIVES (12 UNITS) | UNITS | |
| SSCI 583 | Spatial Analysis and Modeling | 4 |
| SSCI 585 | Geospatial Technology Project Management | 4 |
| SSCI 586 | GIS Programming and Customization | 4 |
| SSCI 588 | Remote Sensing for GIS | 4 |
| SSCI 589 | Cartography and Visualization | 4 |
| SSCI 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 these programs 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 each of fall, spring and summer semesters.
Admission Requirements
Several groups of students are served by this M.S. program: new students who wish to apply directly to the geographic information science and technology master’s program, students currently enrolled in the geographic information science and technology graduate certificate program, students currently matriculated in a USC master’s or doctoral degree program, and 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 group must have: (1) a B.A. or B.S. degree or its international equivalent; (2) a minimum 3.0 GPA (A=4.0). 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
Those interested in learning more about this program should visit gis.usc.edu or click here to download a free program brochure, or if already a student at USC, visit Kate Kelsey, the GIST Student Program Advisor at: University of Southern California, Spatial Sciences Institute, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF B55, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0374, tel: 213-740-8298.
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 a 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.
