Geographic Information Science Graduate Pathway (Beginning Fall 2027)

Saint Louis University's Geographic Information Science Graduate Pathway program prepares students to enter the next semester of the Master of Science in Geographic Information Science or Geoinformatics and Geospatial Analytics, Ph.D. degree program. Upon successfully completing the graduate pathway program and meeting SLU's requirements for matriculation, students may enter the next semester of graduate study.

Program Entry Requirements

One-Semester (Accelerated) Pathway

  • Undergraduate degree or equivalent with 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Professional goal statement 
  • Résumé
  • Language requirement (one of the following):
    • TOEFL 75 (17 in reading and writing)
    • IELTS 6.0 (6.0 in reading and writing)
    • PTEA 50
    • Duolingo 105

Two-Semester (Standard) Pathway

  • Undergraduate degree or equivalent with 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Professional goal statement 
  • Résumé
  • Language requirement (one of the following): 
    • TOEFL 70 (13 in reading and writing)
    • IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in reading and writing)
    • PTEA 48
    • Duolingo 95
    • Completion of Academic English Level 4
  1. Students will be able to execute a variety of verbal tasks in academic settings using English that can be understood by those unaccustomed to non-native speakers.
  2. Students will be able to execute a variety of written tasks in academic settings using English that can be understood by those unaccustomed to non-native writers.
  3. Students will be able to apply a process-driven approach to completing verbal and written academic assignments in multiple disciplines and modes.
  4. Students will be able to deploy reflective and self-regulated learning strategies.

One-Semester (Accelerated) Pathway

GIS 5010Introduction to Geographic Information Systems 13
or GIS 5090 Introduction to Programming for GIS and Remote Sensing
GIS 5040Introduction to Remote Sensing (or GIS Required Course)3
EAS 4200Synoptic Meteorology I3
EAP 4250Advanced Listening and Speaking for International Graduate Students II2
Total Credits11

Two-Semester (Standard) Pathway

GIS 5010Introduction to Geographic Information Systems 13
or GIS 5090 Introduction to Programming for GIS and Remote Sensing
GIS 5030Geospatial Data Management3
GIS 5040Introduction to Remote Sensing (or GIS Required Course)3
GIS 5080Digital Cartography and Geovisualization (or GIS Required Course)3
EAP 4100Introduction to Reading and Writing for International Graduate Students I3
EAP 4150Listening and Speaking for International Graduate Students I2
EAP 4200Advanced Reading and Writing as Researchers for International Graduate Students3
EAP 4250Advanced Listening and Speaking for International Graduate Students II2
Total Credits22
1

Students pursuing the Geoinformatics and Geospatial Analytics, Ph.D. program will take GIS 5090 Introduction to Programming for GIS and Remote Sensing (3 cr) instead of GIS 5010 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3 cr).

Continuation Standards

  • Minimum 3.0 cumulative SLU GPA
  • Grade of "B-" or better in all courses counting toward the degree
  • No C-/D/F/W/I/P/NP/S/U grades

Progression Requirements

  • Minimum 3.0 cumulative SLU GPA
  • Grade of "B-" or better in all courses counting toward the degree
  • No C-/D/F/W/I/P/NP/S/U grades
  • Successful completion of program portfolio

This roadmap is just one example of a semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. There are other plans students can and do take. The plan of study for each particular student is established in consultation with each student’s academic advisor; this roadmap does not replace academic advising appointments.

Roadmap notes:

  • This Roadmap assumes full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
  • Courses/Milestones marked with an “!” are critical and must be completed in the semester listed in the Roadmap to ensure a timely graduation.
  • Course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

One-semester (Accelerated) Pathway

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
EAP 4200 Advanced Reading and Writing as Researchers for International Graduate Students 3
EAP 4250 Advanced Listening and Speaking for International Graduate Students II 2
GIS 5010
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
or Introduction to Programming for GIS and Remote Sensing
3
GIS 5040 Introduction to Remote Sensing (or GIS Required Course) 3
 Credits11
 Total Credits11

Two-semester (Standard) Pathway

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
EAP 4100 Introduction to Reading and Writing for International Graduate Students I 3
EAP 4150 Listening and Speaking for International Graduate Students I 2
GIS 5010
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
or Introduction to Programming for GIS and Remote Sensing
3
GIS 5040 Introduction to Remote Sensing (or GIS Required Course) 3
 Credits11
Spring
EAP 4200 Advanced Reading and Writing as Researchers for International Graduate Students 3
EAP 4250 Advanced Listening and Speaking for International Graduate Students II 2
GIS 5030 Geospatial Data Management 3
GIS 5080 Digital Cartography and Geovisualization (or GIS Required Course) 3
 Credits11
 Total Credits22