Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems Technology

The Geographic Information Systems Technology (GIST) master's degree and certificate provides training for those seeking employment in the high growing geospatial industry.
The GIST integrates GIScience, cutting-edge GISystems, and geospatial technology with management skills for use in government, corporate, nonprofit, and academic settings. The comprehensive curriculum is designed to meet the educational needs of working professionals seeking to improve their careers and for recent graduates seeking employment.
The GIST programs are housed within the School of Geography, Development & Environment. All students in GIST programs and certificates are represented by the School's
graduate student association (Southern Arizona Geographers Association). SAGA's main goal is to provide a forum for graduate students to voice their concerns about professional
development, the School, or teaching experiences. Many activities are also geared towards encouraging social interaction among the graduate students.
With the broad diversity in research interests and backgrounds, it is important for all of the graduate students to have an opportunity to share their views and to develop lasting
relationships that will not only carry them through their years at Arizona, but also through their careers. Intramural teams are often sponsored by SAGA, for example, as is an annual campout during the fall semester. The development of School t-shirts is also handled by SAGA. Other student organization activities have included the 1st Annual Western Geography Graduate Student Conference in 1997 and an Invited Guest Speaker Program. A representative of SAGA is also present at School faculty meetings.

GRE Required: No
Minimum GPA: 3.0 on 4.0 Scale
Official Transcripts: Yes, from all previous institutions
Statement of Purpose: Yes. Your statement of purpose should describe your interest in the geospatial industry, your previous experience in GIS (if any) and what skills you would like to develop in the program. The statement of purpose should be 300 words or less.
Letter of Recommendation: Yes. Your recommender must provide one letter of recommendation that is signed and dated. It should indicate the connection between you and the person writing the recommendation.
Resume: Yes

Standardized Tests
Minimum GPA = 3.00
Minimum TOEFL (Internet-based) Score = 79
Minimum TOEFL (Paper-based) Score = 550
Minimum IELTS (overall band score) = 7 (with no subject area below a 6)
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - minimum score of 79 iBT (or 60 on the revised PBT with no section score lower than 15). Individual MyBest scores must also be dated within 2 years of the enrollment term to be considered valid.