Credits required
45 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.*
Cost per credit
$571 Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.
Delivery
Online You can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online. View the curriculum.
Start terms
3 per year

M.S. in Geography and Geospatial Science – Online

Curriculum

The online coursework in Oregon State’s M.S. in Geography and Geospatial Science program is shaped by three areas of faculty expertise:

  • Global change, risk and resilience — Understand and predict how environmental processes such as climate change influence human risk and vulnerability, as well as how social processes such as resource consumption affect justice, equity and the environment.

  • Earth system science — Study how biogeographic, physical, ecological, chemical and human spheres interact, as well as how these connected components are dynamically changing across time and space.

  • Geospatial modeling and analysis — Explore the theory, application and ethical implications of geospatial technologies such as remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS) and data visualization.

Degree requirements

A total of 45 quarter credits are required to graduate with your master’s degree in geography and geospatial science. Degree requirements and curriculum information are available on Oregon State's academic catalog.

Sample course topics

  • History and philosophy of geography
  • Geographic information science
  • Geospatial perspectives on intelligence, security and ethics
  • Problem formulation in geography and geospatial science
  • Remote sensing and satellite image analysis
  • Web mapping and geovisual analytics
  • Geospatial analysis and applications
  • Programming for geospatial analysis
  • Planning principles and practices for resilient communities
  • Resilience-based natural resource management
  • Climate change impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability
  • Hydrology for water resources management

Additional program features

Capstone project

Rather than complete a thesis, you'll take part in a rigorous capstone project that requires you to apply the skills and knowledge you’ve gained throughout the program to a focus area of your choosing in consultation with your faculty advisor.

Login

Notice: Oregon State University students may now take part in internships anywhere in the United States. Read more about Ecampus’ authorization and compliance.

Related stories

What can you do with a marine studies degree?

4 minute readExplore jobs and outcomes for an online bachelor’s in marine studies The oceans are home to more than half of all species on Earth, and roughly half of the atmospheric oxygen we breathe comes from ocean plants. If you have ever felt the pull of the salty sea air or imagined life among some of ... What can you do with a marine studies degree?

Behind the scenes with Yvette Gibson, rangeland sciences instructor

5 minute readThey say you can’t have your cake and eat it too, but Yvette Gibson has ignored that expression for years. She’s simultaneously “loquacious and a complete introvert.” She has a steady job but is not bound by time or place. And she also has the unique ability to give advice on how to thrive as ... Behind the scenes with Yvette Gibson, rangeland sciences instructor

Explore 3 online degrees focused on animal science and conservation

3 minute readOregon State offers several bachelor's programs in conservation and animal sciences that you can earn online. Learn what makes each unique and the different skills you'll gain.