Master of Science in GIS & Public Administration

Geographic Information Systems and Public Administration (M.S.)

The Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Public Administration Program at Salisbury University is unique among all such programs. It provides a practical, hands-on educational experience that prepares students for a career in the administration of GIS, particularly in a public context.
     The M.S. in GIS and public administration is a direct response to the increasing value in using GIS technology to allocate scarce resources in support of informed public policy decisions. The degree is designed to enhance the GIS management proficiency of professionals working in government, business and non-profit organizations.
 

Are you looking to enter an exciting, dynamic field with management skills sorely needed by organizations across the country? Then this is the program for you.

SU’s MSGISPA OFFERS:

• The only online program in the U.S. focusing on public GIS administration
• The opportunity to continue working full time while advancing your education
• A focus on interaction between faculty and students and between student colleagues
• Collaboration between SU, which is well known for its top-quality undergraduate GIScience education, and the University of Baltimore’s award-winning, online Master of Public Administration program
• Hands-on, real-world solutions to pressing GIS management issues
• The chance to real-world problem solve through local government cooperative projects
   

• GIS is one of the fastest-growing, high-tech career paths. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the geospatial technology industry, within the architectural and engineering occupations group, as one of the top 10 fastest growing careers between 2002 and 2012.
• The adoption of GIS by government continues to accelerate, especially in areas such as environmental protection, resource management, public planning, law enforcement, economic development, facility management, public health and property management.
• Students that complete this program achieve the necessary education credits for certification as a Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP).
• Being online, the MSGISPA program is designed for both working professionals that have a finite amount of time to further their education and those looking to complete the program in an intense one-year program. 
   

Meeting a critical need

With GIS being identified as one of the fastest-growing job sectors in the US economy, the pressing need for qualified GIS administrators cannot be understated.  When coupled with the mission-critical responsibilities that GIS now have in many public (and private) organizations, the need for GIS managers specifically trained for the job becomes obvious.

The Master of Science in GIS & Public Administration program is unlike any in the country.  It seeks to provide a practical, hands-on educational experience that prepares students for a career in the administration of Geographic Information Systems, particularly in a public context.

Is our program for you?

• Are you a GIS Professional looking to move into a management position in your government agency, non-governmental organization, or business?
• Are currently in a management position but are soon expected to be responsible for the staff and resources of a GIS department?
• Are you looking to enter an exciting, dynamic field with management skills sorely needed by organizations across the country?
• Are you a working professional that cannot put your life and career on hold while you pursue an advanced degree?
• Are you ready to become one of the first specifically-trained GIS Administrators?

How does it work?

This program builds from the successful undergraduate GIS program within the Department of Geography and Geosciences at Salisbury University and the extensive local government GIS outreach program, led by the Eastern Shore Regional GIS Cooperative.

While the majority of the program will be completed remotely, students should feel confident that the faculty could not be more committed to delivering high-quality content and completely supporting students as they move through the challenging course of study.

Come explore!

Please take some time to explore the potential of this program, via this website and by contacting the program director, Dr. Michael Scott (msscott@salisbury.edu).  We look forward to helping you accomplish your professional goals.