51³Ô¹Ï

The 4+1 combined BS/MS in Geological Sciences, Geo-Information Science degree program (i.e., 4+1 Program in GLS/GIS) allows students to complete both a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Geological Sciences AND the Master of Science (MS) degree in Geo-Information Science at an accelerated pace. Students currently enrolled in the BS in Geological Sciences program may be admitted directly into the MS in GIS program and share 12 credits (4 classes) of graduate level credit. These shared credits are graduate level courses that are applied to both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees. As a result, students can potentially complete both degrees in 4 + 1 years.

Learn more about the MS in Geo-Information Science. 

Benefits of an Accelerated 4+1 Program in Geological Science/Geo-Information Science

• accelerated programs save time since a bachelor’s and master’s degree can be obtained in as little as 5 years¹
• accelerated programs save students money since students are saving time by sharing credits between the undergraduate and graduate program (less time = less tuition paid)
• a Master's degree can open doors to more advanced positions that leverage scientific training with advanced geospatial skills and higher earning potential

Program Requirements

To complete the combined BS/MS in GIS degree, students must meet both the Geological Sciences bachelor’s and the MS in GIS degree requirements with their regular credits and the shared graduate credits.

Admission Requirements

Geological Sciences majors may apply for admission to the combined BS/MS in GLS/GIS program provided the following conditions have been met:

• Candidates must be enrolled in the undergraduate Geological Sciences  program
• Candidates must have completed at least 72 credit hours (junior class) at 51³Ô¹Ï and have a minimum of 30 credit hours of undergraduate study remaining before starting in the program
• Candidates must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25

Applying for Admission

Students can apply for the combined BS/MS in GLS/GIS program before completing their junior year. Applications for admission into the combined BS/MS GLS/GIS program will be reviewed in October and February.  The following are application requirements:

• Students may apply only once to the program.
• Submit undergraduate transcript
• Submit three letters of reference including at least two from 51³Ô¹Ï faculty (one being a full-time member of the Geography and Sustainability Department)
• Submit a personal statement of interest (500-1000 words) providing reasons for wanting to pursue a graduate degree and career plans.
• Provide the best example of your writing, such as a research paper using appropriate references.  (approximately 5 pages in length)
• Optional: Submit a resume highlighting employment and life experiences

Application forms and details on submission instructions can be obtained from the graduate Geo-Information Science program coordinator.

Continuing Requirements for Admitted Students

Those admitted to the combined BS/MS in GIS program will:

• Take 12 credits of graduate coursework that will count toward both the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science, two in the Fall semester and two in the Spring semester. The MS will then be earned after completing an additional 19 credits.
• Be required to maintain a minimum cumulative 3.25 GPA in their undergraduate courses
• Be required to maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA in graduate courses

The undergraduate degree will be awarded when all undergraduate requirements are met (120 credits; including the 12 graduate-level credits taken during senior year). The Master’s degree will be awarded with the completion of the 31 credits required for the Master of Science in GIS (which includes the 12 graduate course credits taken during the senior year of the undergraduate program). Students apply for graduation at the completion of the undergraduate program and again at the completion of the graduate program. 

Advising

Before admitted students complete their bachelor's degree, they will be advised by the undergraduate advisor, in consultation with the MS in GIS graduate Program Coordinator, who will assist them in selection of graduate level courses. During the senior year of the undergraduate BS program, 4+1 students must secure permission from the graduate GIS Program Coordinator to enroll in graduate-level courses. Once students have completed their senior year and been officially admitted into the MS in GIS program, they will be advised exclusively by the MS in GIS Graduate Program Coordinator and will be able to enroll in graduate-level courses at will.
 

A Master of Science degree program typically requires about 2 years to complete for full-time enrolled students. Full-time enrollment in the graduate Geo-Information Science program at 51³Ô¹Ï is a minimum of 6 credits per semester.