Geospatial Science, M.S. - COLSA, UNH

The Professional Master of Science Degree in Geospatial Science at the University of New Hampshire is ideal for recent bachelor’s degree graduates or professionals looking to build knowledge, skills and credentials within the Geospatial Sciences. Within this program, students will be provided with the opportunity to build applied skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), web and mobile mapping, geospatial programming, drone, aerial, and satellite remote sensing, spatial statistics and advanced analysis, and geospatial field methods through a series of core requirements and elective classes. Students can complete their requirements over a one-year (10-month), one and one-half year (17-month), or two-year (21-month) schedule.

Sample Degree Plan 21-Months

Sample Degree Plan 17-Months

Sample Degree Plan 10-Months

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in Geospatial Science (GSS) degree is a 10-course professional master’s degree program consisting of a minimum of eight core courses and two electives that total at least 30 credits.

¹

This course is offered online only.

²

This course has a prerequisite, click the course link for more information.

³

Or students may select an alternative course from the Statistics and Analysis category in the electives list below.

Accelerated Master's Overview

Accelerated Master’s programs offer qualified University of New Hampshire undergraduate students the opportunity to begin graduate coursework in select graduate programs while completing a bachelor’s degree. Accelerated master's programs are designed to provide students with an efficient and cost-effective pathway to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree or graduate certificate, enhancing career opportunities and long-term earning potential.

Accelerated Master's Highlights

• Begin studying advanced topics while an undergraduate student with the opportunity to complete a master’s degree or graduate certificate early.
• Master’s degree program students: Earn up to 12* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
• Graduate certificate program students: Earn up to 8* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s degree and the graduate certificate.
• Students complete the bachelor’s degree, and then officially matriculate into the master’s or graduate certificate program to complete the remaining required graduate-level coursework.

*Some exceptions apply. 

Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements

• A minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA is required.*
• A minimum of 90 undergraduate credits must be completed prior to enrolling in graduate (800-level) courses.
• Streamlined Graduate School Application (two letters of recommendation; most standardized tests and application fee are waived).*

*Some exceptions apply.

Accelerated Master's Requirements

• Students must attend a mandatory orientation session.
• Students must submit a special registration form each semester for dual-credit courses and note any DegreeWorks exceptions.
• Students may defer graduate matriculation for up to one year after earning their bachelor’s degree in most programs.
• See the Accelerated Master’s Catalog Policy and Accelerated Master’s Website for additional information and a list of programs. Note that some programs have additional requirements (e.g. higher-grade expectations) compared to the general policy.

Geospatial Science (M.S.) Accelerated Option

This graduate degree program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with the following undergraduate program(s):

Additional Information

Undergraduates enrolled in the AM program will be able to apply up to twelve credits of 800-level MS in GSS Program Requirements taken within their senior year to help fulfill the requirements of their current undergraduate degree and a future MS in GSS degree. 

• Students will be able to understand the major components of the Geospatial Science field, including its organizations, resources, data, and tools.
• Students will be able to apply the key theories, definitions, and terminology of Geospatial Science.
• Students will be able to implement and manage Geospatial Science projects from inception to final deliverables.
• Students will be able to apply concepts of Field Data Collection, GIS, Remote Sensing, Image Processing, Cartography, Data Visualization, Geospatial Analysis, Spatial Analytics, Database Design and Query, and Data Dissemination to real-world scenarios for better decision-making.
• Students will be able to apply Geospatial Science hardware and software technologies.
• Students will be able to apply good use practices and ethics within the Geospatial Sciences.
• Students will be able to communicate professionally and adeptly with individuals and groups at all levels, including technicians, scientists, managers, executives, policymakers, students, educators, and the public.
• Students will be able to interpret and discuss journal articles and professional reports that incorporate concepts of geospatial science.
• Students will be able to develop professional networks and skills to advance their careers and/or future educational endeavors.

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Deadlines

Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:

• Fall: May 15 (Priority), July 1 (Final)
• Spring: November 15
• Summer: April 1
• Special: N/A

Application fee: $65

Campus: Durham

New England Regional: No

Accelerated Masters: Yes (for more details see the accelerated masters information page)

New Hampshire Residents

Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form. This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission, or you will not be able to register for classes.

Transcripts

If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC. 

If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.

If admitted, you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:

• Electronic Transcripts: Please have your institution send the transcript directly to grad.school@unh.edu. Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
• Paper Transcripts: Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.

Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.

Letters of Recommendation: 2 Required

Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.

Personal Statement/Essay Questions

Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding:

1. Reasons you wish to do graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives.
2. Your specific research or professional interest and experiences in this field.

Resume

Resume is optional but recommended.

Important Notes

All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program-specific application questions.

International Applicants

Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.