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.
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.
Thesis Option
Students selecting the thesis option must complete:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Three credits of | 3 | |
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:
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