MA in Geography – Geographic Information Systems Map Out Your Future
36
Credit Hours
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Learn How to Make Communities Safer and Industries More Efficient with Liberty’s MA in Geography Degree – Geographic Information Systems
These days, we are surrounded by a wealth of data due to new technologies and software. In order for you to understand this data, software is needed to easily sift through the vast amount of information. The academic theory behind the development, use, and application of information gained from satellites, airplanes, and other land-based sensors is called geographic information systems (GIS). GIS software plays a key role in helping us understand and use geographical data. Liberty University’s 100% online Master of Arts (MA) in Geography – Geographic Information Systems can help you prepare to enter this industry.
Through this online GIS degree, you can learn how geographic information systems are used by various industries such as defense, energy and utilities, automotive, and many more. Your courses will also cover how this software is used in mapping, surveying, navigation, and location-based services. More specifically, you can learn how to apply GIS principles to urban planning and to help with various stages of disaster management. This specialization can show you how geography and GIS affect so many industries that we use in our daily lives.
If you are ready to learn how you can utilize GIS to cut costs and make industry operations safer and more efficient, then Liberty’s MA in Geography – Geographic Information Systems is the perfect program for you.
Why Choose Liberty’s Master’s in Geography Online GIS Degree?
As a pioneer in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to design an online MA in Geography – Geographic Information Systems that challenges you to grasp new concepts while respecting your personal commitments. Your responsibilities don’t stop when you embark on your educational journey, which is why our online geography degree is designed to fit your busy schedule.
Additionally, Liberty is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This means that Liberty has met high academic standards – and that a degree from Liberty can help you command respect in applicant pools. Partner with us for your online geography degree and take your career to new heights.
What Will You Study with Our Master’s Degree in Geography – Geographic Information Systems?
Our GIS master’s degree consists of 2 sections: core courses and GIS-related courses. Together, these sections can help establish a wide base of knowledge that can prepare you to use geographic information systems in a variety of ways that have far-reaching implications in a plethora of industries.
In this program, you will explore research methods that are commonly utilized in the field of geography. You can also gain an initial understanding of geographic information systems (GIS) and how these systems can be applied to real-world situations. Additionally, you’ll study historical geography, demography and populations, and economic geography – as well as how geography is instrumental in transportation and military operations.
The geographic information systems specialization will explore how we image the Earth’s surface from space or airborne vehicles. Knowing the history of remote sensing can help you understand the more recent approaches to this field. Additionally, you can learn how GIS is used to map the extent and severity of natural hazards. This can help you prepare for eventual disasters and equip you to mitigate these hazards. Using GIS technology in urban planning is another topic that will be addressed in this degree.
Geography and GIS are tied inextricably together, and this program is designed to offer you a deep understanding of the uses and implications of this vital software. Let Liberty be your guide as you navigate this exciting field.
Potential Career Opportunities
- Geographer
- Geographic information systems (GIS) technologist
- Industrial developer
- Nonprofit worker
- Policy developer
- Public administrator
- Surveyor
Featured Courses
Degree Information
- This program falls under the College of Arts and Sciences.
- View the Graduate Arts and Sciences Course Guides (login required).
Degree Completion Plan
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Tuition & Aid
Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.
Graduate Full Time | $565/Credit |
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Graduate Part Time | $615/Credit |
Military Graduate | $275/Credit |
Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
All Tuition & Fees
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Admission Information for Our MA in Geography – Geographic Information Systems Degree
Admission Requirements
- Apply online or over the phone with an admissions counselor by calling (800) 424-9596.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required).
- Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing. Applicants who have earned a master’s degree or at least 12 graduate credits from an accredited institution will be assessed on the basis of the master’s-level degree work.
- Unofficial transcripts can be used for acceptance purposes with the submission of a Transcript Request Form.
- Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy.
Preliminary Acceptance
If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:
- Be in your final term and planning to start your master’s degree after the last day of class for your bachelor’s degree.
- Complete a Bachelor’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
- Submit an official/unofficial transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show a minimum of 105 completed credit hours.
- If you are a current Liberty University student completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to submit a Degree/Certificate Completion Application.
- Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new master’s degree.
Dual Enrollment
Please see the Online Dual Enrollment page for information about starting graduate courses while finishing your bachelor’s degree.
Transcript Policies
Unofficial College Transcript Policy
Unofficial transcripts combined with a Transcript Request Form can be used for admission. Official transcripts are required within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first, and will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.
Before sending unofficial college transcripts, please make sure they include the following:
- Your previous school’s name or logo printed on the document
- Cumulative GPA
- A list of completed courses and earned credit broken down by semester
- Degree and date conferred (if applicable)
Official College Transcript Policy
An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to luoverify@liberty.edu.
If the student uses unofficial transcripts with a Transcript Request Form to gain acceptance, all official transcripts must be received within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first. Failure to send all official transcripts within the 60-day period will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.
Admissions Office Contact Information
Liberty University Online Admissions Verification
1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24515
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Submit your application online or over the phone.
Military
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.
Who May Qualify?
- Active Duty
- Reserve/National Guard
- Veterans/Retirees
- Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
- Current Department of Defense Employees
Available Benefits:
- Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for graduate courses
- Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)*
- 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
*Not applicable to certificates.
Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is GIS?
Many of us have heard the term “GIS” but don’t know exactly what it means. A geographic information system (GIS) is a system that creates, manages, analyzes, and maps all types of data. This system has multiple uses. It can identify problems, help set priorities, or help authorities manage and respond to events such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and fires. It also has many practical applications for carrying out disaster management and planning housing districts while accounting for potential problems related to geography. These days the automotive industry is even using GIS to help cars drive more safely.
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