Master's in Geographic Information Systems Programs in the United States: Professional Education in GIS and Geography

Abstract

This article examines the rise of master's degree programs in geographic information systems (MGIS) in the United States. We reviewed MGIS program Web sites and conducted thirteen in-depth interviews with program directors. Results show the range and complexity of programs in terms of mode of delivery, staffing, and engagement with the geospatial industry. The diversity of MGIS programs, their differences from traditional master's programs, and their focus on professional education all point toward a new style of degree program that challenges us to think differently about the future of graduate education in geography and GIS.

本文检视美国地理信息系统硕士学程 (MGIS) 的兴起。我们检视 MGIS 的学程网站, 并对十三个学程的负责人进行深度访谈。研究结果, 显示出这些学程在授予方式、职员任用以及地理空间产业的参与方面, 所具有的范围及复杂性。 MGIS 学程的多样性、其不同于传统硕士学程之处, 以及对专业教育的着重, 皆指向一个全新的学程形式, 并刺激我们以不同的方式, 思考地理学与地理信息系统的研究所教育的未来。

Este artículo examina la aparición de programas de maestría sobre sistemas de información geográfica (MSIG) en los Estados Unidos. Hicimos una revisión de los sitios Web de MSIG y llevamos a efecto trece entrevistas a profundidad con los directores de este tipo de programas. Los resultados muestran rango y complejidad de los programas en términos de la manera de operarlos, dotación de profesorado y compromiso con la industria geoespacial. En conjunto, la diversidad de programas MSIG, sus diferencias con los programas tradicionales de maestría y su énfasis en educación profesional apuntan a un nuevo estilo de programa conducente a título que nos reta a pensar diferentemente acerca del futuro de la educación posgraduada en geografía y en SIG

Key Words::

• GIS education
• GIS&T
• master's degree
• master's in GIS
• professional education

关键词::

• 地理信息系统教育
• 地理信息系统与技术
• 硕士学位
• 地理信息系统硕士
• 专业教育。

Palabras clave::

• educación en SIG
• SIG&T
• título de magíster
• maestría en SIG
• educación profesional

Notes

ⁱA fifth-year master's degree is offered to bachelor's students from the home unit. These degrees can be completed in one year.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Chris Lukinbeal

CHRIS LUKINBEAL is the Director of the University of Arizona Geographic Information Systems Technology programs and an Associate Professor in the School of Geography and Development at the University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721. E-mail: [email protected]. His research interests in geographic representation span GIScience to landscape studies, with a special emphasis on film and media.

Janice J. Monk

JANICE J. MONK is Research Professor in the School of Geography and Development, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721. E-mail: [email protected]. Her interests include feminist and gender studies, history of women in geography, and geography in higher education.