Tap into technology to study Earth’s complex systems
Geography is an ancient discipline that examines our planet’s lands and waters, processes and inhabitants. Geospatial science is a modern field that involves the collection, analysis and presentation of spatial data.
As a student in Oregon State University’s online M.S. in Geography and Geospatial Science program, you’ll experience the merging of these two worlds and learn how to blend spatial data analysis and modeling techniques with Earth system science to address issues such as climate change, resource consumption, geopolitical conflict, public health, environmental justice and equity.
This collaborative, non-thesis program is offered online by Oregon State’s world-renowned College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences. It will enable you to leverage field, laboratory and computational work to analyze, interpret and resolve geographic problems that are focused on human risk and global resilience.
Join a one-of-a-kind online program
Oregon State offers the world’s only online master’s degree program that links the problem areas and applications revealed by geography with the tools and techniques of geospatial science. With mastery of both geography and geospatial science, you will acquire more transferrable skills, broader employment potential and the capacity to identify and help solve a wide range of challenges in our rapidly changing world.
Work toward a master’s with a GIScience graduate certificate
Do you want to build your knowledge base, connect with prospective faculty advisors and strengthen your résumé before enrolling in the geography and geospatial science master’s program? You can do so by first earning a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science online with Oregon State.
All 19 credits you earn in the certificate program can be applied directly to your master’s degree. This pathway makes it feasible to complete the master’s program in one year once you’ve earned the certificate.
Benefits of learning online with Oregon State
- All classes are developed and taught by Oregon State's world-class faculty, who are known for their research, expertise and innovation.
- OSU is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
- Oregon State is one of only three universities in the nation to hold land, sea, space and sun grant designations.
- Oregon State Ecampus is consistently ranked as a national leader in online education.
- OSU Ecampus students receive the same diploma and transcript as on-campus students.
Important dates
These are the start dates for OSU’s next two terms. However, this program only admits for fall, winter and spring terms.
See our academic calendar for our full quarter term schedule.
Degree quick facts
* Oregon State University is on a quarter-term system. There are four quarters each year and classes are 11 weeks long. This program's 45 quarter credits are equal to 30 semester credits.
† Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.
‡ You can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online. View the curriculum.
Find application deadline
View required or recommended deadlines for your student type on our application deadlines page.
Ready to apply?
Once you've gathered the information you need to know before you apply to Oregon State University, take the next steps.