Geospatial Science (M.S.)

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.

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.

Required Core Courses
GSS 805Applied Geographic Information Systems4
or NR 860 Geographic Information Systems in Natural Resources
GSS 815Online GIS and Web Mapping 12
GSS 825Applied Geospatial Programming 23
GSS 827Applied Drone Remote Sensing3
NR 857Remote Sensing of the Environment4
or NR 859 Digital Image Processing for Natural Resources
or ESCI 878 Remote Sensing Earth & Environmental Sciences
GSS 867Surveying and Geospatial Field Methods 24
or ESCI 871 Positioning for Ocean Mapping
MATH 842Geospatial Statistics 33
Electives
Select two courses from the electives list below.5-6
Capstone
GSS 900Professional Preparations in Geospatial Science 12
Total Credits30-31
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.

Elective Courses
GIS, Remote Sensing, and Positioning
GSS 996Geospatial Science Independent Study1-4
ESCI 870Geodesy for Ocean Mapping3
ESCI 871Positioning for Ocean Mapping4
ESCI 872Applied Tools for Ocean Mapping2
ESCI 877GIS for Earth & Environmental Sciences4
ESCI 896Topics (Bathymetric Spatial Analysis)1
Programming, Database and Data Visualization
BIOL 806Data Science with R for the Life Sciences4
COMP 820Database Systems and Technologies3
COMP 860Data Visualization & Communication3
DATA 820Programming for Data Science3
ESCI 801Quantitative Methods in Earth Sciences4
MATH 832Introduction to the R Software1
Statistics and Analysis
BIOL 811Experimental Design & Analysis4
DATA 800Introduction to Applied Analytic Statistics3
ESCI 801Quantitative Methods in Earth Sciences4
MATH 834Statistical Computing3
MATH 835Statistical Methods for Research3
MATH 838Data Mining and Predictive Analytics3
MATH 839Applied Regression Analysis3
MATH 840Design of Experiments I3
MATH 842Geospatial Statistics3
MATH 843Time Series Analysis3
NR 909Analysis of Ecological Communities and Complex Data4
NR 914Data Analysis for Natural Resources and Ecology4
PPOL 908Quantitative Methods for Policy Research3
SOC 901Sociological Methods I: Intermediate Social Statistics4

Sample Degree Plan 21-Months

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
GSS 805
Applied Geographic Information Systems
or Geographic Information Systems in Natural Resources
4
Elective Course 2-4
 Credits6-8
January Term
GSS 815 Online GIS and Web Mapping 2
 Credits2
Spring
GSS 825 Applied Geospatial Programming 3
GSS 867
Surveying and Geospatial Field Methods
or Positioning for Ocean Mapping
4
 Credits7
Summer
GSS 827 Applied Drone Remote Sensing 3
 Credits3
Second Year
Fall
NR 857
Remote Sensing of the Environment
or Digital Image Processing for Natural Resources
or Remote Sensing Earth & Environmental Sciences
4
Elective Course 2-4
 Credits6-8
January Term
GSS 900 Professional Preparations in Geospatial Science 2
 Credits2
Spring
MATH 842 Geospatial Statistics 3
 Credits3
 Total Credits29-33

Sample Degree Plan 17-Months

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
GSS 805
Applied Geographic Information Systems
or Geographic Information Systems in Natural Resources
4
Elective Course 2-4
 Credits6-8
January Term
GSS 815 Online GIS and Web Mapping 2
 Credits2
Spring
GSS 825 Applied Geospatial Programming 3
GSS 867
Surveying and Geospatial Field Methods
or Positioning for Ocean Mapping
4
Elective Course 2-4
 Credits9-11
Summer
GSS 827 Applied Drone Remote Sensing 3
 Credits3
Second Year
Fall
NR 857
Remote Sensing of the Environment
or Digital Image Processing for Natural Resources
or Remote Sensing Earth & Environmental Sciences
4
Elective Course 2-4
 Credits6-8
January Term
GSS 900 Professional Preparations in Geospatial Science 2
 Credits2
Spring
MATH 842 Geospatial Statistics 3
 Credits3
 Total Credits31-37

Sample Degree Plan 10-Months

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
GSS 805
Applied Geographic Information Systems
or Geographic Information Systems in Natural Resources
4
NR 857
Remote Sensing of the Environment
or Digital Image Processing for Natural Resources
or Remote Sensing Earth & Environmental Sciences
4
Elective Course 2-4
Elective Course 2-4
Geospatial Statistics  
 Credits12-16
January Term
GSS 815 Online GIS and Web Mapping 2
GSS 900 Professional Preparations in Geospatial Science 2
 Credits4
Spring
GSS 825 Applied Geospatial Programming 3
GSS 867
Surveying and Geospatial Field Methods
or Positioning for Ocean Mapping
4
MATH 842 Geospatial Statistics 3
 Credits10
Summer
GSS 827 Applied Drone Remote Sensing 3
 Credits3
 Total Credits29-33

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):

Community and Environmental Planning (B.S.)
Environmental Conservation and Sustainability (B.S.)
Environmental Sciences: Ecosystems (B.S.)
Environmental Sciences: Soil and Watersheds (B.S.)
Forestry (B.S.F.)
Geospatial Analysis (Minor)
Wildlife and Conservation Biology (B.S.)
Students select from the following approved 800-level courses that can be completed in the undergraduate senior year for dual credit:
NR 857Remote Sensing of the Environment4
NR 859Digital Image Processing for Natural Resources4
NR 860Geographic Information Systems in Natural Resources4
ESCI 801Quantitative Methods in Earth Sciences4
ESCI 877GIS for Earth & Environmental Sciences4
ESCI 878Remote Sensing Earth & Environmental Sciences4
BIOL 806Data Science with R for the Life Sciences4
GSS 805Applied Geographic Information Systems4
GSS 815Online GIS and Web Mapping2
GSS 825Applied Geospatial Programming 3
GSS 827Applied Drone Remote Sensing2
GSS 867Surveying and Geospatial Field Methods 4

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. 

Program Learning Outcomes
  • 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.