Course Descriptions
This program offers both a Master degree and Graduate Certificate in GIS. The Master degree requires 31 credits to complete while the Graduate Certificate requires 12 credits (or 4 courses). The following courses are offered in the MPS GIS program:
Course Descriptions
GEOG506: Introduction to Quantitative Methods for the Geographic Sciences (Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Professional Studies in GIS program. Credits received for this course will not count toward the MPS GIS degree.) This course is intended for graduate students admitted to the Master of Professional Studies in Geographic Information Sciences program who need additional preparation in quantitative methods. There are no prerequisites for the class. This course provides an introduction to quantitative methods for geographic and environmental sciences. The class covers the fundamentals of statistical analysis including data display, data description and summary, statistical inference and significance tests, analysis of variance, correlation, and regression. Some aspects of spatial statistics will also be covered. The main goal of this class is to provide a foundation in the quantitative analysis of spatial and other data. Students will 1) develop an understanding of important theoretical concepts in statistical analysis and 2) gain experience in the application of statistics to spatial and other data using statistical software. (3 credits)
GEOG579 and GEOG579B: Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems
(Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Professional Studies in GIS program. Credits received for this course will not count toward the MPS GIS degree.) An introduction to remote sensing and geographic information systems. Topics include methods of obtaining quantitative information from remotely-sensed images, interpretation of remotely-sensed images for spatial and environmental relationships, characteristics and organization of geographic data including spatial data models for thematic mapping and map analysis and use of geographic information systems in society, government, and business. Practical experience with remote sensing software and geographic information systems. (2-4 credits)
GEOG652: Remote Sensing: Digital Processing and Analysis
Digital image processing and analysis applied to satellite and aircraft land remote sensing data. Consideration is given to preprocessing steps including calibration and georegistration. Analysis methods include digital image exploration, feature extraction thematic classification, change detection, and biophysical characterization. One or more application examples may be reviewed. There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course. Click here to view books for the course. (3 credits)
GEOG653: Spatial Analysis
Analytical uses of geographic information systems; data models for building geographic databases; types of geographic data and spatial problems; practical experience using advanced software for thematic domains such as terrain analysis, land suitability modeling, demographic analysis, and transportation studies. There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course. Click here to view books for the course. (3 credits)
GEOG606: Spatial Statistics
This course covers the statistical modeling of spatial data and data analysis that are most useful to geographers and others who use spatial data. It provides the student with more advanced methods with an emphasis on practical techniques for problem solving. Home assignments are designed to help the student understand the fundamental concepts and principles in depth and allow the student to gain experience in the use of S-Plus statistical software and two powerful extensions of ArcGIS: Spatial analyst, and Geostatistical analyst. There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course. (3 credits)
GEOG671: Remote Sensing Instruments and Observations
Detailed examination of land remote sensing instruments, observatories and resultant measurements in the optical portion of the EM spectrum. Includes computer-based exercises that examine the importance of data geo-registration and radiometric calibration in land measurements. There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course. Note: This is a traditional course that offers on campus and requires physical attendance. (3 credits)
GEOG672: Biophysics of Optical Remote Sensing
Biophysical principles, phenomena and processes underlying multispectral remote sensing in the optical portion of the EM spectrum. Includes computer-based exercises that explore the biophysical basis of land patterns and dynamics observed in remote sensing data. There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course. Note: This is a traditional course that offers on campus and requires physical attendance. (3 credits)
GEOG673: GIS Modeling
This course introduces advanced techniques in the GIS data manipulation, geostatistics and geospatial modeling. The fundamental theories behind the analytical and modeling techniques are covered in detail. The theoretical knowledge will be enforced by a series of intensive computer exercises using real data sets. It covers descriptive and predictive GIS modeling techniques, including logit modeling (logistic regression), spatial statistics, geo-statistics, environmental diversity indices, Boolean logic, and map algebra. There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course. (3 credits)
GEOG674: GIS Spatial Databases
Many GIS functions revolve around spatial attribute data management. Therefore, a good understanding of database design and manipulation is of great benefit for the GIS practitioner. This course uses typical GIS database software and covers data acquisition & database creation, data structure & modeling, data management, information queries, and integration of multiple data sources in GIS. This course will also cover Oracle and Internet database and web services. There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course. (3 credits)
GEOG676: Programming for GIS
This course is an introduction to programming for intermediate GIS users. The fundamental concepts of computer programming will be introduced within the Geoprocessing framework in ArcGIS primarily using Python. Basic concepts of object-oriented programming and scripting will be presented. Students will develop skills in programming techniques to explore, manipulate and model spatial data using the Geoprocessor methods. There is a $40.00 lab fee for this course. (3 credits)
GEOG677. Internet GIS
This course will provide a rather comprehensive introduction to Internet/Web GIS and various technical options. The topics covered will include the structure, models, and protocols related to the Internet, the server-client models, mark-up languages, and then various technologies for designing Web GIS applications. This class emphasizes on hands-on practices from Google Earth, KML/KMZ, Google Map API, ArcGIS Server, JavaScript APIs, Flex APIs, and to Silverlight APIs. The focus is on ArcGIS Server and how to utiize the REST services for API development. (3 credits).
GEOG678. Web Programming
This course is designed to teach students the techniques for Web development, particularly creating dynamic and data-driven Web applications. The course introduces a high-level, object-oriented programming language such as VB.Net and the designing, coding, debugging, testing, and documenting for the development of Web-based applications. Other popular Web development tools such as DHTML, CSS and PHP are also covered.
GEOG788R. Mobile GIS
This course is designed to teach students how to create, test, and publish mobile GIS applications that work across multiple platforms (Android, iOS, and BlackBerry Tablet OS) and adopt to a smartphone or tablet display. This course leverages the capabilities of Flash Builder and the Flex framework and ArcGIS Flex APIs to developing and publishing mobile GIS apps.
GEOG795: Professional Practices Seminar
A professional practice seminar will be included to help prepare students for the work place. Topics will include development of a resume, physical preparation of a resume, choosing and helping reference writers, conduct of a successful interview, negotiating an employment package, giving professional presentations, proposal preparation, writing reports, codes of ethics and responsibilities to the broader community including pro bono work. The course will include presentations from practitioners in the GIS field. This course will also include basic project management skills and strategies to help prepare students for undertaking the internship and resultant final project. (1 credit)
GEOG796: GIS Project Management
This course covers project management methodology emphasizing implementing geographic information systems and integrating geospatial information sciences into broader projects. Topics include project initiation, planning, scope, scheduling, budgeting and risk management.
GEOG797: Capstone - Professional Project
Each student must undertake a project as a demonstration of his/her competence in geospatial science and technologies. The data and materials for this project can originate from an internship (internal or external to the department), or from relevant work experience at the student's current employer. The Geography Department will work with each student individually to determine the best mechanism for obtaining the necessary data and experience. Under the direction of a faculty advisor, the student will prepare a Project Report which shall contain an explanation of the requirements for the work, a technical account of the activities undertaken, including a literature review, a description of the methods and approaches taken, a critical discussion of the results obtained, along with conclusions and recommendations developed from the project. The final project will consist of a full fledged GIS application that is up and running and can be tested. This will enable the student to present potential employers with a portfolio containing an example of their ability to manage and develop a GIS application project and will show that they understand how to apply the technology to real world situations. (3 credits)
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