M.A. in Geographic Information Science

Entry Requiremtents for Postgraduate Programs 

Application Fees : US$ 90

Academic Requirements:

• Prospective postgraduate students must have completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is generally required for admission consideration.

English Language Proficiency Requirements:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

  • Overall Score: 6.5 or higher
  • No individual band score lower than 6.0

• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test):

  • Overall Score: 78 or higher

• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic):

  • Overall Score: 52 or higher

• DET (Duolingo English Test):

  • Overall Score: 110 or higher

Texas State University recognizes the importance of supporting international students in achieving their educational goals. To assist students in pursuing their academic aspirations, the university offers a range of scholarships tailored to international students' diverse backgrounds and achievements. These scholarships help alleviate the financial burden and make higher education more accessible. 

1. International Freshman Scholarships: Texas State University offers merit-based scholarships for incoming international freshman students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and other accomplishments. Eligible students are automatically considered during the admission process.

2. International Transfer Scholarships: Transfer students from international institutions are also eligible for scholarships based on their academic performance at their previous institution. These scholarships recognize the hard work and dedication of transfer students as they continue their education at Texas State University.

3. Global Diversity Scholarship: The Global Diversity Scholarship is designed to celebrate the diverse backgrounds of international students. It is awarded to students who have demonstrated a commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. This scholarship is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

4. President's Honor Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to highly accomplished international students who have exceptional academic achievements and leadership qualities. Recipients of the President's Honor Scholarship receive a significant financial award to support their education at Texas State University.

5. Graduate Assistantships: Graduate students have the opportunity to apply for assistantship positions, which provide financial support while gaining valuable professional experience. Graduate assistantships may involve teaching, research, or administrative responsibilities.

6. Donor-Funded Scholarships: Texas State University benefits from the generosity of donors who have established scholarships to support international students. These scholarships may be based on various criteria, such as field of study, leadership, community involvement, or academic excellence.

7. Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments within the university offer scholarships to students pursuing specific majors or disciplines. These scholarships are often awarded based on academic performance and potential within the chosen field.

8. Study Abroad Scholarships: For international students interested in participating in study abroad programs, Texas State University provides scholarships to support their global learning experiences. These scholarships help students broaden their horizons and gain cross-cultural perspectives.

Application Process: The application process for scholarships at Texas State University may vary depending on the scholarship. Some scholarships require a separate application, while others consider all eligible students during the admission process.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Geographic Information Science (GIS) program at Texas State University opens the door to a range of exciting and fulfilling career opportunities in the rapidly growing field of geospatial technology. As industries across the world increasingly rely on spatial data to inform decision-making, professionals with expertise in GIS are in high demand. Graduates of the M.A. in GIS program are well-equipped to excel in diverse sectors, applying their skills to address real-world challenges.

1. GIS Analyst: Graduates can step into the role of GIS analysts, responsible for collecting, interpreting, and analyzing geospatial data. They provide critical insights for fields such as urban planning, environmental management, and disaster response.

2. Cartographer: Cartographers create maps that effectively communicate spatial information. They work in industries like navigation, urban planning, and environmental conservation.

3. Spatial Data Scientist: Professionals in this role use advanced data analysis and statistical techniques to derive meaningful insights from spatial data. Their expertise is applied to complex problems in transportation, healthcare, and social sciences.

4. Geospatial Software Developer: Graduates with programming skills can develop GIS software, tools, and applications that enhance data analysis and visualization capabilities.

5. Environmental Consultant: Graduates can work as environmental consultants, helping organizations and government agencies make informed decisions about land use, conservation, and natural resource management.

6. Urban Planner: Urban planners utilize GIS to analyze demographic, environmental, and infrastructural data to design sustainable and efficient urban environments.

7. Remote Sensing Specialist: Professionals in this role work with satellite and aerial imagery to monitor and analyze changes in the environment, agriculture, and land use.

8. Researcher: For those inclined towards research, opportunities exist in academia, government agencies, and private research institutions. Graduates can contribute to advancements in GIS technology, methodologies, and applications.