Geographic and Cartographic Sciences, MS

Overview (2018 – 2019)

– See bottom of page for previous academic years

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, in concert with the use of emerging geospatial technologies to address problems in the human and environmental geographic domains. 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.

Admissions

University-wide admissions policies can be found in Graduate Admissions Policies.

To apply for this program, please complete the George Mason University Admissions Application.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Applicants for this master’s 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 AP.6 Graduate Policies. Faculty advisors should be contacted for further guidance and for graduate certificate program suggestions.

Degree Requirements

Total credits: 30 or 37

Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.

Students must complete either 30 graduate credits (with a thesis) or 37 graduate credits (without a thesis). If the non-thesis option is selected, students are required to pass a comprehensive exam.

Core Courses

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
GGS 553	Geographic Information Systems	3
GGS 560	Quantitative Methods	3
GGS 579	Remote Sensing	3
GGS 689	Seminar in Geographic Thought and Methodology	3
Total Credits		12

Thesis or Non-thesis Options

Thesis Option

Students selecting the thesis option must complete:

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Three credits of		3
GGS 799	Thesis
Select 15 credits of electives in 500 to 799-level GGS courses. ¹		15
Total Credits		18

¹	Electives should be selected in consultation with an advisor. With departmental approval, up to 9 credits from closely related disciplines may be applied to the degree.

Non-thesis Option

Students selecting the non-thesis option must complete:

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
GGS 700	Comprehensive Exam (1 credit)	1
Select 24 credits of electives in 500 to 799-level GGS courses. ¹		24
Total Credits		25

¹	Electives should be selected in consultation with an advisor. With departmental approval, up to 9 credits from closely related disciplines may be applied to the degree.

Additional Information

For more information please see the M.S. in Geographic and Cartographic Sciences Graduate Guidelines for information on requirements, options, advising, financial support, and other topics, the George Mason University Catalog Description including Admissions and Degree Requirements, the College of Science Blurb on the Program and the Graduate Admissions Page for the GECA Program

Also see the University Thesis, Dissertation, or Project Guide for format and content suggestions.

Master’s Thesis Committee Designation Form
Master’s Thesis Proposal Defense Form
Comprehensive Examination Recording Form
MS-GECA Requirements Checklist – Thesis Option
MS-GECA Requirements Checklist – Exam Option

Academic Catalog for Previous Years

2017 – 2018
2016 – 2017
2015 – 2016
2014 – 2015
2013 – 2014
2012 – 2013
2011 – 2012
2010 – 2011
2009 – 2010

MS in Geographic and Cartographic Sciences