Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Technologies, Applications and Research M.A.

• Introduction
• Requirements

Introduction

Students in the University of California, Santa Cruz’s Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Technologies, Applications, and Research (GISTAR) program will develop comprehensive knowledge of geospatial technologies, applications, and research and develop innovative and transdisciplinary expertise in emergent methodological, analytical, and technological applications. We offer students the ability to master geospatial theory and research, conduct advanced geospatial analyses, utilize advanced geospatial technologies, and develop professional geospatial research projects and skills. Students will also engage in extensive interactions with faculty and researchers engaged in advanced geospatial initiatives.

In year one of the two-year master’s degree program, students take foundational core courses that focus on training in geospatial theory, geographic information systems (GIS), and advanced geospatial applications and analysis. In the second year, each student completes courses in advanced GIS systems, geospatial technologies and applications, and develops topical expertise in focus areas of specific interest. During the second year, students develop the focus of their capstone project and conduct innovative applied research with an affiliated program faculty member to complete the project. Graduates of the program will be prepared for advanced job opportunities in geospatial systems, research and analysis as well as new technological innovations, applications, and project development.

The program provides applied geospatial research opportunities with faculty in research areas in which UCSC is an established leader. This includes:

• ecological and biological conservation, coastal science and policy, climate change, ecological modeling, animal ecology, restoration ecology, remote sensing, geomorphology;
• environmental justice, political ecology, marine and coastal law and policy, climate change adaptation and mitigation, agroecology;
• machine learning, embedded systems, agricultural technology, autonomous vehicles, drones, environmental sensors;
• archaeology, data analytics and visualization, digital humanities, urban sociology, historical cartography.

Preparation for Graduate Work in Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Technologies, Applications and Research

Students admitted to the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Technologies, Applications and Research program will have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent. Relevant fields include a broad range of backgrounds ranging from the social sciences, humanities, physical and biological sciences and engineering and computer science. Students currently employed in related fields or seeking professional additional training and skills are encouraged to apply. Students from underrepresented and diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, and disciplinary backgrounds are also encouraged to apply

Requirements

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Course Requirements Expand and Collapse

The master’s degree in Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Technologies, Applications and Research is a Plan II (capstone project) degree.

The M.A. program will include a core set of six courses and one development course or applications course.

Core Courses Expand and Collapse

ENVS 215A /GIST 215A	Geographic Information Systems and Environmental Applications	5
ENVS 215B /GIST 215B	Intermediate Geographic Information Systems	5
ENVS 215C /GIST 215C	Advanced Geographic Information Systems	5
ENVS 215L /GIST 215L	Exercises in Geographic Information Systems	2
GIST 220	Cartography and Visualization	5
GIST 230	Remote Sensing	5

GIST 215A, GIST 215B, and GIST 215C are crosslisted with (also offered as) ENVS 215A, ENVS 215B, and ENVS 215C.

GIST 215L is crosslisted with (also offered as) ENVS 215L.

Development Course Expand and Collapse

GIST 240

GIS Development and Programming

5

Applications Course Expand and Collapse

GIST 250

Geospatial Technology Applications

5

The core sequence provides introduction to the fundamental concepts of geographic information science, systems, and technology including the theoretical principles of geospatial science, how this relates to the nature and analytical use of spatial information, and the basic skills required to engage in spatial modeling projects. The core sequence also covers the basic concepts and principles of remote sensing including techniques for data collection, mining, extraction, and analysis of remote sensing observations. Finally, the core provides an introduction to cartography and visualization defined as the art, science, and ethics of map design.

The development course covers advanced analytical approaches in GIS, including spatial statistics, programming languages such as Python, R, and SQL, and web-mapping and database management.

The applications course focuses on specific systems such as 3D/CAD systems, drones and aerial technologies, field-based advanced GPS and surveying systems, and server/infrastructure development and management.

Elective Courses Expand and Collapse

M.A. students are recommended to take one elective course during their first year and are required to take one elective course during their second year. The elective courses should provide additional training in quantitative or qualitative research design, tools, and analysis or disciplinary knowledge in their focus area of interest. The electives also prepare the students for their capstone project.

Other Requirements Expand and Collapse

GIST 290A	GISTAR Capstone Project	10
GIST 290B	GISTAR Capstone Project	10

Capstone Project Expand and Collapse

In the second year, students implement a capstone project by enrolling in and fulfilling the requirements for GIST 290, Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Technologies, Applications and Research (10 credits/quarter). This project is typically developed during Year 1 of the program in collaboration with an affiliated faculty member in the GISTAR program and with oversight from the program. The project should: a) include advanced GIS research and analysis; and b) be applied in nature focusing on the affiliated faculty sponsor’s research. Students provide a final written report and oral presentation to GISTAR students at the end of Year 2.

Planners Expand and Collapse

	Fall	Winter	Spring
1st Year	GIST 215A/ENVS 215A	GIST 215B/ENVS 215B	GIST 215C/ENVS 215C
	GIST 215L/ENVS 215L	GIST 215L/ENVS 215L	GIST 215L/ENVS 215L
	GIST 220*	GIST 230*	Elective course (optional)*
	Total credits=12	Total credits=12	Total credits=12
2nd Year	GIST 240 or GIST 250*	GIST 290A	GIST 290B
	Elective course (required)
	Total credits=10	Total credits=10	Total credits=10

* Revised: 11/25/24.