A: Our graduate-level certificate and M.S. in CyberGIS and Geospatial Data Science has many aspects that set it apart from other existing programs, including:
Only program that combines Geographic Information Science and Systems and Data Science:
A stronger focus on skills and knowledge in high demand in the private and public sector :
A flexible, engaging, and tailored experience for you:
A: Yes! This program may be of interest to those looking to transition into a career in CyberGIS and Spatial Data Science from another field, or otherwise seeking to gain more knowledge of concepts and tools in GIS. While a large number of our advanced online courses do have specific pre-requisites, students may successfully complete the certificate program without a GIS, computer science or engineering background. Please contact us for more information if you have specific questions or concerns about how this program might align with your career goals.
A: Yes! While you are welcome to apply directly for the online master’s degree, another option is to initially enroll in the certificate program, take a course or two, and then apply to the degree program. Once officially admitted to the online master’s program, courses taken toward the certificate will also be applied toward the degree requirements.
A: The 12-hour online graduate certificate provides advanced training and skills for individuals interested in either starting a career in in the GIS field or advancing in an existing career, similar to a focused workshop series. The master’s program involves 32 credit hours of coursework, including a focused capstone research project with a faculty adviser. The certificate provides an ideal bridge into the master’s program, if so desired.
A: You’ll submit your resume or CV, and an unofficial transcript from your bachelor’s degree, along with a few details about yourself. That’s it!
A: No. The Geography and Geographic Information Science Department has removed this requirement for all its graduate programs, on-campus and online!
A: A student may secure private loans for this program, but because you are a non-degree seeking student, you are not eligible for financial aide through the FAFSA application. Tuition waivers are not accepted for this program; statutory waivers such as military or federal waivers may be used.
A: Yes and no. This program may be of interest to those looking to transition into a career in GIS or data science science or allied field, or otherwise seek to gain more knowledge of concepts and expertise in GIS. Please contact us if you have specific questions or concerns about how this program might align with your career goals.
A: Yes! While you are welcome to apply directly for the online master’s degree, another option is to initially enroll in the certificate program, take a course or two, and then apply to the degree program. Once officially admitted to the online master’s program, courses taken toward the certificate will also be applied toward the degree requirements.
A: The full 32-credit hour graduate program will provide you a more robust and advanced skill-set, as well as research and project management skills because you are completing a 4 to 8-credit hour non-thesis capstone project with a faculty adviser supporting you on a topic of interest. The 12-credit hour graduate-level certificate is a micro-credential that gives you some updated skills or new skills you may not have acquired in a previous bachelor’s degree program. You may add either the micro-credential or graduate degree to your LinkedIn profile and resume for job hunting or advancement opportunities.
A: The online master’s program is a more applied degree specifically focused on helping you build and refine your knowledge and skills in the field of cyberGIS and geospatial data science. On-campus students have a different experience working with a particular faculty member on a specific thesis and a focus they select. While you will do a research-type project in this program (the capstone research course) you will not write a thesis, and your project will not be as extensive as the project in our on-campus master’s program. The on-campus and online degrees are equivalent in quality, rigor and both are recognized by the University of Illinois, they just have a different focus.
A: We strive to evaluate applications to the master’s program as soon as possible. Once you have completed your application and all of your references, TOEFL scores (if applicable), official transcript from your bachelor’s degree, and resume/CV have been received, we will review your application materials and a decision will be made. This process may take anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks. We will contact you should we need additional information.
A: No. The Geography and Geographic Information Science Department has removed the requirement for all its graduate programs, on-campus and online!
A: There is the option to apply for student loans depending upon the course-load taken during the semester. Students should check with the financial aid office for more information. Military benefits, statutory waivers and private scholarships may also be used.
