Information Systems - Geographic Information Systems

The Geographic Information Systems sequence of the M.S. in Information Systems is a cross-disciplinary degree sequence between the School of Information Technology and the Institute for Geospatial Analysis and Mapping located in the Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment. The sequence is designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the area of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and how these systems are used.

Students are introduced to the procedures of capturing, storing, querying and displaying geographical data. Statistical analysis and interpretation of geographic information also involves the mapping of spatial coordinates onto multiple datasets. The sequence will equip students with the essential knowledge leading to effective use and development of present and future GIS applications.

Based on their professional goals, students can choose one of three options for the M.S. in Information Systems: thesis option, project option, or course option.

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to a master's program must:

• have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so within one academic year
• present official transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. Transcripts can be emailed from the university to Admissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Office of Admissions, 201 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 2200, Normal, IL 61790-2200

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Office of Admissions.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

A student applying to this program must:

• have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for either the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework or any previous work in a master's program
• submit official GRE Scores

International students must have a TOEFL score of at least 88 iBT, 230 computer-based, or 570 paper-based; the minimum acceptable IELTS score is 7.0 band.

Admission Dates and Deadlines

Graduate Assistantship Information

The University provides graduate assistantships as a means of financial support. They are intended as a way to facilitate a student's progress to degree while providing important professional development.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an assistantship a student must, generally,

• be admitted unconditionally as a degree-seeking student into a graduate academic program, or have a minimum of 120 undergraduate hours if in an integrated degree program
• be in good-standing
• be enrolled full-time (typically at least 9 credit hours during the fall or spring semesters, or at least 6 hours during the summer session).

Benefits

Graduate assistants receive

• monthly wages paid in the form of either a stipend or an hourly wage
• a waiver for 100% of tuition during a semester of appointment
• a waiver for up to 12 credit hours of tuition for the summer term immediately following a fall or spring appointment

Cost & Funding

See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees. Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources. Students who have been admitted from continuous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.

Graduate Coordinator