For several years, the University of Maryland (UMD) and Nanjing Normal University (NNU) offered a pioneering cooperative Master of Science in Geospatial Information Science (MSGIS). The program has now closed.

The MSGIS equipped students to meet the challenges associated with the continuing evolution of geographic science while providing them with vibrant and fulfilling educational experiences. Graduates of the program were empowered to apply geographic science and solutions to societal and environmental issues, both nationally and internationally. The program served the educational interests of GIS communities by preparing its enrollees for challenging careers in relevant civilian sectors. 

UMD’s Department of Geographical Sciences (GEOG) is recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in geospatial research and education. Similarly, the School of Geographical Sciences at NNU is recognized as a Top Five institution among its peers in China. The UMD-NNU cooperative program leveraged the outstanding human, scholarly, and pedagogical resources of both institutions to create a unique learning environment for its students.

GEOG has outstanding faculty who contribute their knowledge and expertise by making fundamental contributions to the advancement of geographic science, conducting disciplinary and integrative research in the physical and social sciences that spans local to global scales, and emphasizing a geospatial perspective on our changing planet and its sustainability.

UMD’s Office of International and Executive Programs (OIEP) served as liaison between UMD and NNU, ensured compliance with relevant UMD policies and procedures, and assisted with program management and operations.

Candidates spent a year studying at NNU before transferring to the U.S. to complete a six-month residency at UMD prior to graduation. While the program was active, UMD faculty visited NNU to teach some required classes, and all course instruction—whether given in China or the U.S.—was conducted in English.

At the end of the Capstone course, there was a final presentation in the form of a "Poster Symposium" (the entire Department of Geographical Sciences—as well as alumni—were invited to participate). The presentation served as a portfolio of what each student has accomplished in the MSGIS program while the program was active.