Graduate Programs in Geospatial Information Sciences

The program is offered through the Department of Geographical Sciences in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. Geospatial Information Sciences provides the most up-to-date education on geospatial technology, theory and applications.  

Mentoring and advising are an essential part of the program. Students meet with faculty and the academic program director to ensure that educational goals and career learning and development goals are met. Students should contact Kristen Halliday, Assistant Director, via email: khallida@umd.edu.

The Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Information Sciences has a 12-credit, 4-course curriculum that provides specialized training in GIS and in the application of geospatial technologies, specifically geographic information systems, remote sensing, spatial analysis and modeling.  

• Offered in person (major code Z035) or online (major code Z134). The curriculum is identical in each delivery format.
• Can be completed in twelve months of continuous part-time enrollment. See Designation of Full-time/Part-time Status.

Plan of study includes two 3-credit core courses (6 credits) and two 3-credit electives (6 credits).

Registration Overview

• See the sample plan of study, below. Students should use this as a guide to develop a plan with the academic program director.  
• Actual course offerings are determined by the program and may vary semester to semester. Students should note if a course has a pre-requisite or co-requisite. 
• Specific class meeting information (days and time) is posted on UMD’s interactive web service services, Testudo. Once on that site, select “Schedule of Classes,” then the term/year. Courses are listed by academic unit.   
• The program uses specific section codes for registration, which are listed on the sample plan of study.

Sample Plan, Fall Admission

Sample Plan, Spring Admission

Courses

For a listing of program courses, see the Graduate School Catalog Program Requirements - Z035 and Z134. For course descriptions that includes pre-requisites or co-requisites, see GEOG.

Overall

• Program offers two learning options: in person (major code Z035) or online (major code Z134). The curriculum is identical in each delivery format.
• Uses the term academic calendar with classes held each 12-week term: I (fall), II (winter), III (spring), IV (summer).
• Classes are held weekday evenings (e.g., after 5:00 p.m.) to accommodate the working professional’s schedule
• Instruction provided by University of Maryland faculty and professionals in the field. 

In-Person Learning 

• Classes meet in UMD College Park campus classrooms, offering a focused, distraction-free learning environment. 
• Instructors present dynamic and interactive seminar-style instruction.
• Lectures are video archived. Students who are unable to attend a class session can review the session at their convenience.
• Students enrolled in a program that features in-person instruction are required to submit the University’s Immunization Record Form prior to the first day of their first semester/term. See Health Requirements. 

Online Learning

• Using advanced audio and video technology, UMD’s online learning environment delivers dynamic and interactive content. 
• Featuring convenience and flexibility, online instruction permits asynchronous or synchronous participation.
• Lectures are video archived. Students who are unable to attend in real time can review the session through asynchronous participation.

Upon successful completion, graduates will have mastered the following competencies:

• Understand the big picture of geospatial technology as a disciplinary field.
• Attain a good understanding of geospatial technology’s history, current state, and future development trend.