The Master of Science in Geographic Information Science degree was founded on natural resource management studies in 1995. Today the MSGIS offers disciplinary study linkages in natural resource management, homeland security/emergency management, business, policy administration/criminal justice, and project management.
Our learners come from a variety of backgrounds and undergraduate studies. In addition to teaching the core curriculum of geographic information science and technology classes as a foundation, we recognize the need for further knowledge in specific disciplines to compliment these technology studies.
In response to this need, the Resource Analysis Graduate Program at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota has expanded its curriculum to include concentrations in five areas:
Winona Campus (APPLY NOW):
Twin Cities Campus (APPLY NOW):
Natural Resources - Winona
Environmental Management
Conservation
Natural Resource Utilization
GIS has become an integral part of the Natural Resource arena. Spatial data are a key component in GIS. This integrated system allows for the collection, storage, analysis, and manipulation of this spatially referenced data. As the world's population continues to grow, natural resource managers need to be cognizant of new technologies that assist in managing resources. Geographic Information Systems (GIS), is one such technology that provides resource managers with a vast array of tools to enhance their decision-making process. Whether you are an engineer, biologist, geologist or other resource specialist, GIS facilitates incorporating spatial data for organization, analysis, and/or mapping to produce output that is accurate and coherent.
Natural Resource Management – 10 Credits
Contact:
Dave McConville, Ph.D.
800-635-5987 X-1542
Fax: 507-494-6035
dmcconvi@smumn.edu
Homeland Security/Emergency Management - Minneapolis & Winona
Emergency Prepardness
Public Safety Management
Community Health and Safety
Natural disasters, smart population growth, world resource management, epidemic disease management, traffic control, and terrorism control all depend on questions of geography. GIS is ideally suited to assist in decision-making in these areas and many more. Whether you work in government, emergency services, public safety, crime control and management, public health, land use planning and/or resource allocation, this disciplinary concentration area can help you to better understand the landscape of the field of security and emergency services. Coupled with GIS expertise, you can model 'what if' scenarios, create predictive models and learn how to integrate data from varying sources for the public good.
Homeland Security/Emergency Management – 11 Credits
Contact:
Mr. Patrick Thorsell
800-635-5987 X-8716
Fax: 507-494-6035
pthorsel@smumn.edu
Business Administration - Winona
Customer Analysis
Market Assessment
Siting Feasibility Studies
Increasingly, businesses are compiling extensive databases with considerable geographic information. Innovative businesses are using GIS to harvest this spatial component to analyze, predict, and manage their diverse databases becoming more efficient in their market. Living in the “Technology Age” has altered the way businesses operate in this diverse and dynamic environment. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a major player in assisting businesses to adapt to these inevitable changes. From international corporations to entrepreneurial startups, manufacturing to information-based, companies are calling on GIS to assist with their day-to-day operations. Individuals who possess GIS skills will become extremely marketable as businesses seek employees with the expertise they need.
Business Administration – 10 credits
Contact:
Mr. John Ebert
800-635-5987 X-6961
Fax: 507-494-6035
jebert@smumn.edu
Policy Administration/Criminal Justice - Winona
Social Resource Management
Election Demographics
Traffic Analysis
State and local governments and law enforcement agencies are continually pressed to become more efficient. As a result, GIS is readily used to access viable geographic information and manage large databases with some geographic link, such as zip codes, etc. The Public Administration/Local Government option is designed for those who work or wish to work with varying issues within public policy development and/or implementation and local government operations. The option focuses on GIS as a decision support tool. Learners can expect to enhance critical thinking skills, analytical techniques, and objectivity in decision-making. Learners will also learn how to deliver geographic information to the community at large. Methodologies in using spatial analysis to develop and evaluate public policy are the key elements of the program. The Criminal Justice option will prepare learners for spatial crime analysis. This option is designed for those who want to learn techniques used to analyze spatial aspects of crime, giving the specialist the ability to interpret data pertaining to the location, distribution and dispersion of crime.
Public Administration/Local Government – 11/12 credits
Contact:
Mr. John Ebert
800-635-5987 X-6961
Fax: 507-494-6035
jebert@smumn.edu
Project Management - Minneapolis
GIS and Software Project Management
Multi-Agency Project Management
Human Resource Utilization-Management
In most organizations, the role of the Geographic Information Scientist not only includes geospatial data development and analysis, but also project management. Graduating professionals will be an asset to their organization acquiring advanced geographic information science tools and project management skills. Students may also take electives in a variety of general business management courses such as managerial principles, leadership and ethics.
Project Management - 9 Credits
Contact:
Mr. John D. Ebert
800-635-5987 X-6961
Fax: 507-494-6035
jebert@smumn.edu
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