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The Geographic Information Systems Technology (GIST) master’s degree and certificate provides training for those seeking employment in the high growing geospatial industry. We offer two GIST options.
Both options integrate GIScience, cutting-edge GISystems, and geospatial technology with management skills for use in government, corporate, nonprofit, and academic settings. The comprehensive curriculum is designed to meet the educational needs of working professionals seeking to improve their careers and for recent graduates seeking employment.
GIST
The University of Arizona is one of the premier public research universities in the world, ranked by the National Science Foundation (NSF) as one of the top research public universities in the United States and is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). The 380-acre campus is located in central Tucson, an affordable and culturally vibrant city surrounded by the beautiful and dramatic Sonoran desert
Graduate students in the School of Geography and Development (SGD) benefit from the broad range of faculty expertise and strong links to interdisciplinary research centers across campus. Our work spans the discipline, from physical geography (climate science, dendrochronology, remote sensing, spatial science), to human-environment (political ecology, water policy, climate change) to human geography (development, state theory). Our shared commitment to collaboration and community makes for a lively and engaged department.
SGD offers M.A. and Ph.D. degrees, two professional master’s degrees, and participates in several graduate certificate programs
Academic Year Begins: January (In-Person); August or January (fully-online)
GRE Required: No
Minimum GPA: 3.0 on 4.0 Scale
Official Transcripts: Yes, from all previous institutions
Statement of Purpose: Yes
Resume: Yes
Application acceptance end date: Ongoing, or October 1 for international students seeking admission to in-person MS-GIST.
Admission restrictions: Your place in the program is not guaranteed until you have enrolled
Minimum GPA
3.00
Minimum TOEFL (Internet-based) Score
79
Minimum TOEFL (Paper-based) Score
550
Minimum IELTS (overall band score)
7
The first source for financial aid is through the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. For U.S. residents, make sure that you file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Apply as early as possible for Financial Aid and make sure your funding is spread across the entire program (Spring, Summer, and Fall Semesters).
The MS-GIST Program is also part of the new Workforce-Ready Master's Fellowship offered through the University of Arizona Graduate College. These fellowships consist of $3000 in one year for students approved by the Graduate College for the program. More information here.
Eligibility Criteria for Workforce-Ready Master's Fellowships include:
October 1 for international applicants seeking admission to in-person MS-GIST.
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