The Program

The Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) concentration within the MS-Geography at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is an accelerated, one-year master’s program designed to provide a solid foundation in geospatial and geographic knowledge, skills, and practices. Through rigorous coursework in geographic information systems/science (GIS), remote sensing (RS), computer science and programming, and spatial modeling, highly-motivated students and professionals who complete this degree will emerge from the program with applied experience and a broad GIS skillset applicable towards diverse professional opportunities. This MS concentration will provide students with a background in the science, techniques, and application of geospatial skills that will enable them to embark on public and private sector careers or to undertake further studies in geography, planning, public policy, ecology, environmental science and other fields.

In this one-year concentration, students will take courses in both the Fall and Spring semesters and complete a summer internship after coursework is complete.  More details about program requirements are in the ‘Curriculum Overview’.

To apply, visit https://www.umass.edu/graduate/apply

We are always accepting applications to the program. While it helps us if you apply by March 1st, we strongly encourage you to apply after then as well!

For more information, please contact Forrest J. Bowlick at fbowlick@umass.edu 

Application Requirements

We'd love your application for Spring 2026 by October 1st, 2025. 

We'd love your application for Fall 2026 by March 1st, 2026.

While it helps us out a lot if you apply by these dates, if you can't make that deadline we still want you to apply!  Contact Forrest Bowlick to let him know, and we can discuss options.

Interested applicants should complete the application form on the University of Massachusetts Amherst graduate school webpage: https://www.umass.edu/graduate/apply

Students applying for this degree must hold a baccalaureate degree earned in the United States or a comparable non-U.S. degree/diploma, and include with their application:

• A personal statement;

• All college/university transcripts;

• Two letters of recommendation;

• An application fee of $75. For all applicants, the application fee can be waived upon request.

Students applying from outside of the United States may be required to submit TOEFL scores as well. See the graduate school page here: https://www.umass.edu/graduate/apply/international-applicants for more details. 

We do not request, require, or review GRE scores for applicants.

Credit Transfers

Up to 12 credits from previous coursework at UMass and/or 6 credits from another accredited institution (though no more than 12 credits total), may be transferred and applied to this degree, as long as those credits conform to the Graduate School’s regulations. Credit transfer is a very context and student specific process. Please indicate in your application if you are planning to transfer credits. Then, reach out to Forrest for the required paperwork. See https://www.umass.edu/graduate/policies/handbook/education-records for more details.

Financial Details

The approximate cost of the year-long program for Massachusetts’ residents is approximately $20,000 for 30 credit hours (~$17,000) plus mandatory fees (~$2,200). Students without health insurance would need to pay an additional ~$2,900 for health coverage. See the Graduate Student Fee Schedule: http://www.umass.edu/gradschool/funding-support/graduate-assistantship-office. 

While the GIST program does not control or guarantee any funding, GIST students are eligible for any teaching, research, or graduate assistantships available on campus. Those TA, RA, and GAs are competitive, so apply early and often!

For credit hours and mandatory fees, out-of-state residents pay ~$37,000.

Curriculum Overview

The coursework in the GIST concentration in MS Geography is structured with four areas of emphasis. To fulfill the course requirements, you will complete 30 hours of credits while satisfying requirements listed below. Any courses previously taken do not need to be repeated. Instead, those credits become open electives. Please refer to the UMass catalog for more details on these courses.

IV. Practicum/Internship

(1 course required, 6 credits)

This concentration expects students to secure and complete a 180-hour practicum or internship. Most students will enroll in the course in the spring and complete the practicum or internship in the summer.