DENVER, August 28, 2008 – The University of Denver is now offering a Master’s Degree in Geographic Information Sciences through a partnership between University College, the school of professional and continuing studies, and the Department of Geography at the University of Denver.

This new master’s degree recognizes the emerging importance of geographic information science and the importance of integrating advanced study in geographic information systems, remote sensing, and global positioning systems with traditional studies in human, cultural, and physical geography. This degree is unique in that students in the program will take online classes exclusively and will complete the first half of the degree by taking classes offered through the University College graduate certificate program in Geographic Information Systems and the second half by taking classes offered through the Department of Geography’s Master of Science in Geographic Information Sciences. The master’s degree in Geographical Information Science will consist of a total of 48 credit hours.
       
“At the University of Denver, we have a long tradition offering applied graduate education in geographic information science,” noted Steven Hick, Academic Director at University College. “The addition of the online master’s degree option gives our GIS certificate students the opportunity to advance their academic credentials to a master’s degree thereby improving their value in the expanding GIS job market. Over the past five years we have experienced rapid growth in our online GIS certificate program student population. These students are located all over the country and they need and welcome the opportunity to further their education in geographic information science in the Department of Geography. And now with gasoline prices averaging over $4.00 per gallon, we also have a GIS education opportunity available for people concerned about the cost of their commute.”

Programs at University College are developed and updated with the input of advisory boards composed of industry leaders and employers. This ensures that students will learn what employers are looking for and gain the most current information with a view to future industry trends connecting them to future success.

Students must meet two of the following three admissions criteria to be considered for acceptance into the online MSGISc program: undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better; a minimum score of 1000 on the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) with at least a 500 in quantitative section and 500 in verbal section; and a 3.5 grade point average in the University College GIS Certificate Program. The applicant’s professional commitment and written language skills are evaluated through an essay, and confidential recommendations, both submitted as part of the admissions packet.
For complete information on this new degree and all of the other courses and programs available at University College, call 303-871-3155, or visit the University College’s website at www.universitycollege.du.edu.

Contact:
Steven Hick
University College Academic Director
303-871-4179
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