Masters

Information Systems - Geographic Information Systems

Overview

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a master’s sequence in Information Systems. The degree is a cross-disciplinary sequence between the School of Information Technology and the Institute for Geospatial Analysis and Mapping, located in the Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment.

GIS at Illinois State gives you the essential knowledge to use current GIS applications and develop future systems. The program teaches theory and provides practical experience using GIS systems. Students perform statistical analysis and interpretation by mapping spatial coordinates onto multiple datasets. The program also covers geographical data and the procedures for capturing, storing, querying, and displaying it.

Based on your professional goals, you can choose to do a thesis, project, or take extra courses to complete the program.

Point of Pride

GEOMAP, our Institute for Geospatial Analysis and Mapping, plays a particularly important role in supporting this mission of student research. Student opportunities with GEOMAP have led to many prestigious internships and employment placements upon graduation, including with organizations such as Esri.

Dr. Yongning Tang
(309) 438-8002
Old Union 107

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How to Apply

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to a master's program must:

have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so within one academic year
present unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term. If accepted, official transcripts can be emailed from the university to GraduateAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 209 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Office of Admissions.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

GPA
A student applying to this program must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for either the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework or any previous work in a master's program.

GRE
Applicants will need to submit GRE scores. An admitted student's typical GRE score meets or exceeds 300 (verbal and quantitative).

Information Systems MS GRE Waiver Petition
Applicants to the Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program at Illinois State University may petition to have the GRE requirement waived if they meet one of the following criteria:

Successful completion of a Master’s degree from an accredited institution in any discipline. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree from an institution accredited by globally recognized bodies (e.g., AACSB, ABET, or equivalent), or have completed at least three graduate-level courses in a related field with a GPA of 3.5 or higher from accredited institutions in US.
Demonstrated exceptional academic potential through significant scholarly contributions (such as peer-reviewed publications, academic awards, or presentations at major academic conferences) or professional accomplishments in fields related to information systems or computer science (including patents, software development, or significant project management roles). Interested applicants may petition for a waiver by completing the necessary form.

Approval for GRE waivers will be at the discretion of the Graduate Admissions Committee based on all available information regarding your potential success in the program.

English Proficiency (International Students Only)
International students must obtain a minimum TOEFL score of 79 (internet-based testing), IELTS of 6.5 or Duolingo of 105.

View English Proficiency details about acceptable documentation or English waiver guidelines.

Application Deadlines

Fall (August) Term — March 1 preferred; May 1 final
Spring (January) Term — Currently not accepting applications for spring admission.

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Graduate Assistantships

The University provides graduate assistantships as a means of financial support. They are intended as a way to facilitate a student's progress to degree while providing important professional development.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an assistantship a student must, generally,

be admitted unconditionally as a degree-seeking student into a graduate academic program, or have a minimum of 120 undergraduate hours if in an integrated degree program
be in good-standing
be enrolled full-time (typically at least 9 credit hours during the fall or spring semesters, or at least 6 hours during the summer session).

Benefits

Graduate assistants receive

monthly wages paid in the form of either a stipend or an hourly wage
a waiver for 100% of tuition during a semester of appointment
a waiver for up to 12 credit hours of tuition for the summer term immediately following a fall or spring appointment

Costs & Funding

See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees. Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources. Students who have been admitted from contiguous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.

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