UMW MSGA 4+1 Program

Earn two degrees in five years!

Now you can earn two degrees in approximately five years right here at UMW! Polish your GIS skills and enhance your analysis abilities. Gain the edge you need to establish your position in a fast-growing and in-demand industry. The UMW MSGA 4+1 program prepares students for success. Through the small class environment with experienced faculty, practical coursework, and a remarkable capstone experience.

Undergraduate students should apply for the MSGA Accelerated Degree Program in the second semester of their junior year (upon successful completion of 70 credits). Applications will be due on the Monday of the 6th week of that semester. Applicants should have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher based on a minimum of 12 UMW credits, have completed at least three GIS courses, each with a grade of B or higher, or have completed two GIS courses with a B and have an approved GIS portfolio. In addition, applicants should have completed at least one course in statistics and must provide a statement of purpose and two letters of recommendation. At least one letter should be from a UMW faculty member familiar with the student’s GIS knowledge; both should be from people who know the applicant in either a professional or academic capacity and can attest to the applicant’s graduate potential.

Once admitted, students will take MSGA 510 Spatial Thinking w/lab and MSGA 540 Modeling and Spatial Statistics. These courses are not sequenced; 540 may be taken before 510.

College of arts and sciences admission requirements

• 70 completed credits of Undergraduate study
• Minimum GPA of 2.7 and at least two GIS courses with a grade of B or higher in each
• One letter of recommendation from a UMW professor attesting to GIS experience

Application deadlines

• February 18th, for students starting their senior year in the fall.
• September 30th, for students starting their senior year in the spring.