The Master of Science in Geographic Information Science (MSGIS) degree program at CSULB is a one-year, 30-unit, cohort-based program designed to provide students with advanced analytic and technical training in geospatial technologies and professional skill-building, in order to prepare graduates for the geospatial workforce. Courses are scheduled to meet the needs of working professionals.
- Students enrolled in this program are eligible for some forms of financial aid, with the exception of the State University Grant (SUG) and Cal Vet College Fee Waiver.
- GI Bill benefits can be used for this program. Click here to learn more about eligibility, rates, and other details.
“Not only did the MSGIS program fulfill my hopes, but it had the added benefit of the diverse education and experience I gained through the course work. Night and weekend classes made it easy for me to provide an income while gaining an education. The days were rewarding due to the collaboration of all students in the cohort, and all instructors continuously gave details on how to take a project just one step higher. I learned such a great deal in those courses, and still utilize my notes today. Without the MSGIS program and their collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management, I would not have gained this position."
Audrey Sauvey
GIS Specialist
Master of Science in Geographic Information Science
- GISC 601: Geospatial Professionalism (may be offered as 1 to 4 units; 4 required)
- GISC 602: Applied GIS (may be offered as 1 to 4 units; 4 required)
- GISC 603: Cartographic Visualization (may be offered as 1 to 4 units; 4 required)
- GISC 604: Enterprise GIS Development (may be offered as 1 to 4 units; 4 required)
- GISC 605: Programming for Geospatial Professionals (may be offered as 1 to 4 units; 4 required)
- GISC 606: Applied Remote Sensing (may be offered as 1 to 4 units; 4 required)
- GISC 607: Project Orientation and Support (may be offered as 1 to 2 units; 2 required)
- GISC 608: Applied Project (4 units)
Potential students interested in learning more about this program are encouraged to attend a free information session. The information sessions include short presentations by a program representative, designed to provide you with an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the program's benefits.
Upcoming online-only Information Sessions are below. Click on each date to register for the Zoom meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Applicants must meet CSULB Graduate Programs Admission Eligibility requirements for admission to graduate school. A 3.0 GPA is recommended. No GRE is required.
Prerequisites for the MSGIS degree include the following:
- A bachelor’s degree in either geography or a related discipline, with a minimum of one upper division course in geospatial techniques (for example: geographic information science, cartography, and/or remote sensing); OR
- A bachelor’s degree in a related discipline with a minimum of one year of professional experience in a field with direct application of geospatial technologies.
Apply Now! The application deadline for Fall 2023 is March 15 (international students) or June 1 (domestic students). Please apply early, as the review of completed applications begins on April 1, 2023.
Fall 2023 applicants:
You must submit an application to CSULB via Cal State Apply.
1. Apply online to CSULB using Cal State Apply
- Go to Cal State Apply
- Follow instructions to complete the process.
- Campus: CSU Long Beach
- Start Term: Fall
- Source: Extended Education
2. Along with your application, please include and submit the following through Cal State Apply:
- Personal statement (1,000 words)
- Sample of your work (Word document or PDF containing a summary of relevant samples of your geospatial work, or a link to your work)
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation.
For further information on Graduate Applications, including the status of your application with the Enrollment Services Office, please visit the CSULB Graduate Admissions site.