FAQs

Question: Are MS Geography - GIST students eligible for assistantships (and associated tuition waivers) at UMass?

Answer: Yes! Though the GIST program does not control any funding and cannot guarantee funding for students, students are eligible for any opportunities on campus. The graduate school maintains a list of opportunities here: https://www.umass.edu/graduate/funding/assistantship-and-hourly-opportunities, and other opportunities within the department and elsewhere will be shared on the student listserv.

Question: Can I take a course that isn't on the program list?

Answer: Absolutely: as long as the course is graduate level (500 or above). Our students come from many backgrounds, undergraduate majors, and interests, so naturally many courses come up across UMass as areas of interest. As long as the course has relevance to what you want your future geospatial work to be, it's good for program requirements.

Question: Can you waive the application fee?

Answer: Yes. Fee waivers are automatic for the following groups.

• Current UMass Amherst and other Five College undergraduate students applying to a master’s only program.

• Members of the McNair Scholars Program

• Individuals who qualify for a GRE fee reduction

• Eligible domestic students from underrepresented groups who are participants of organizations and programs listed here.

If you aren't in one of these groups, please email Forrest after submitting your application for a waiver.

More frequently asked questions for the program will be populated below, check in often!