eb Master of Engineering Geographic Information Systems Specialty Master of Science Civil Engineering Geographic Information Systems Specialty
Students seeking an advanced degree with a specialty in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at the University of Colorado Denver have two options available to them. Depending on their undergraduate degree and their objectives, graduate students may earn a Master of Engineering (MEng) or a Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE) with specialization in GIS. Both are directed to students who are seeking skills in using and managing the rapidly developing spatial data and analysis technologies of GIS. They emphasize quantitative methods in the development and application of GIS techniques to a spectrum of disciplinespecific settings. The MEng-GIS specialty is directed to engineers and other environmental and urban infrastructure professionals who are seeking a multi-disciplinary master s degree. Disciplines involved in the degree may include civil engineering (environmental, surveying and geodesy, remote sensing, water resources, and transportation), geography and environmental sciences (ecology, environmental impact assessment), urban and regional planning (planning methods, community development), information systems (database systems, programming and software engineering), applied mathematics (probability and statistics, simulation and optimization), and engineering management (strategic planning, project management). The MSCE - GIS specialty is directed to engineers who are seeking a master s degree with a focus on GIS and civil engineering (environmental, surveying and geodesy, remote sensing, water resources, and transportation). The MEng, GIS specialty and MSCE, GIS specialty each consist of a minimum of 30 graduate credits - 9 courses, plus 3 credits for an advanced applications project. Course deliveries are tailored for the working professional. On-campus course offerings are in the late afternoon, evening or on weekends; and the degree is offered entirely online using Internet-based courseware and web-conferencing technologies. Our instructors are comprised of leading GIS researchers and practicing professionals familiar with the latest GIS techniques and practices. To enroll, the MEng, GIS specialty requires a baccalaureate degree or equivalent in engineering, math, natural science (biology, chemistry, geology, geography, physics), information technology or computer science, or social science (economics, planning) from an accredited college or university. The MSCE, GIS specialty requires a baccalaureate degree or equivalent in engineering. PREREQUISITES MEng-GIS Specialty Basic science (2 semesters, e.g., physics, chemistry) Calculus I and II Computing Statistics Surveying MSCE-GIS Specialty Calculus I, II, III Linear Algebra and Differential Equations Physics I and II Analytical Mechanics I (Statics) Analytical Mechanics II (Dynamics) Mechanics of Materials Theoretical Fluid Mechanics Computing Methods in Civil Engineering Probability and Statistics Surveying Note: Comparable courses at an approved university may suffice. Prerequisites must be completed per the course requirements as described below. Regardless of specific course requirements, all prerequisite deficiencies must be completed before a student can take more than 9 credits of graduate courses. -2-
CORE COURSES CE 5381 CE 5382 CE 5383 CE 5384 CE 5385 CE 5386 CE 5387 CE 5960 Introduction to GIS GIS Data Development GIS Analyses GIS Management GIS Relational Databases GIS Laboratory (two or more versions may be available) Advanced Remote Sensing GIS Project GIS GRADUATE CERTIFICATE OPTION Completion of four of the GIS core courses qualifies the student for a GIS Graduate Certificate, awarded by the College of Engineering and Applied Science. The courses may be taken as non-degree status without formal admission to the MEng, GIS specialty or MSCE, GIS specialty. However all specific course prerequisites apply and the student must have a baccalaureate degree. ONLINE Core courses of the MEng, GIS specialty and MSCE, GIS specialty are offered online using web-based courseware and webconferencing technologies. Lectures and computer laboratory sessions are available in real time and recorded for web-streaming. It is possible for a student to complete all degree requirements at distance. Online students should have or secure a high bandwidth Internet connection (e.g., cable modem, DSL) in order to access course materials and software, and to participate in on-line sessions. Various elective courses are offered online, such as selected engineering courses and the Business School Information Systems Program. Check with CU Online for other online course offerings (www.cuonline.edu). DESCRIPTION OF CORE COURSES Note: the following courses are valued at 3 credits each on the semester system. CE 5381 Introduction to GIS The Introduction to GIS course provides an overview exposure to and experience with various aspects of GIS technology and its uses for natural resource and infrastructure planning, design and management. The course involves a survey of GIS software and hardware, a review of cartographic mapping principles, and hands-on applications to prototype situations, such as environmental impact assessment, municipal facilities management, transportation, water resources and demographics. GIS project management factors are addressed. Prerequisites include: graduate or upper division standing and training in the use of personal computers; or instructor approval. CE 5382 GIS Data Development Geographic information systems require development of supporting spatial and attribute data on which to apply the required analyses. This second GIS course builds on the introductory course and addresses principles and technologies for development and conversion of spatial data; including photogrammetry, surveying and geodesy, coordinate systems and transformations, and remote sensing. The course objectives are to: 1) introduce design concepts for GIS data collection and processing, 2) review principles of geodesy and coordinate reference systems, and 3) address methods for map data collections and conversions, including tablet digitizing, scanning, remote sensing, plane surveying, photogrammetry and global positioning systems (GPS). Prerequisites: Calculus II, Computing, Statistics, Surveying and Introduction to GIS, or their equivalent; or instructor approval. -3-
CE 5383 GIS Analyses GIS Analyses focuses on a spectrum of topics relevant to understanding the conceptual foundations of spatial analyses, and for processing data to obtain analysis products. Review GIS software functions, including: data entry (input, editing), manipulation (projection, merge, window, aggregate), analysis (map algebra, overlay, Boolean, interpolation, network, measurements, distance, terrain modeling, statistical analysis), query (spatial, attribute), and display/reporting. Integration of various domain-specific systems analysis models with GIS databases is also addressed. Laboratory activities involve programming applications using available GIS. Prerequisites: Calculus II, Computing, Statistics, and Introduction to GIS or their equivalent; or instructor approval. CE 5384 GIS Management GIS Management and Policies addresses aspects of system planning and development. These include topics of benefit-cost and financial analysis, scheduling, internal and external marketing, and project management. Also addressed are issues of GIS institutional acceptance, the role of computerized spatial data systems in decision-making, application of planning techniques for accomplishing resource goals, administrative structures which enhance efficiency of use, and legal considerations involved with development and use of such databases. Prerequisites: Calculus II, and Introduction to GIS, or their equivalent; or instructor approval. CE 5385 GIS Relational Databases GIS Relational Databases introduces relational database management system concepts with emphasis on GIS. Includes examination of relational database systems from conceptual design through relational schema design and physical implementation. Topics include SQL, database design and implementation for large database systems, transaction management, concurrency control, distributed database management systems and the interaction and progressive integration of GIS technologies and RBDMS technologies Prerequisites: Calculus II, Computing, Statistics, Surveying and Introduction to GIS, or their equivalent; or instructor approval. CE 5386 GIS Laboratory Note: there may be two or more versions of this course. The first, the second, or otherh may be taken. ArcGIS This version of the laboratory provides indepth experience with use and programming of particular GIS software, including ArcGIS, and related object-oriented programming languages. Advanced functionality for user-authoring of the software interface, data management and analysis functions, and output generation are covered. The exact content will vary by semester. The course involves use of standard data sets for the tutorial portion; the student will demonstrate independent capability through development of a project involving use of all aspects of the software package. Prerequisites: Calculus II, Computing, Introduction to GIS, and GIS Relational Databases, or their equivalent; or instructor approval. -4-
ELECTIVE GIS COURSES CE 58xx Web Deployment of GIS This is an optional course. The mainstream use of distributed geoprocessing services and spatial data sources by application developers, GIS professionals, and GIS users is on the verge of reality. Technological advancements within the last few years have decoupled GIS applications from GIS processing logic and geospatial data warehousing. While these concepts stem from the Information Technology Industry, it is important for future GIS professionals to be familiar with distributed computing and internet application concepts to provide effective leadership in the GIS industry. This course would provide a sound framework for these concepts, and will tools currently available including ArcGIS Server, Internet Mapping Servers (IMS), ArcIMS, J2EE and.net frameworks, interoperability specifications defined by the OpenGIS consortium, and future ArcGIS 9.x features. Prerequisites: Calculus II, Computing, and Introduction to GIS; or instructor approval. CE 58xx Natural Resources GIS An optional course, designed to provide students with exposure to practical applications of GIS in environmental assessment, natural resource management, and natural hazard assessment. Emphasis will be placed on the types of applications and analytical techniques in natural resources and hazards fields where GIS is commonly used as a mapping and analytical tool. Environmental areas include: wildlife applications; fire response; water resources; climate; karst landscapes; geologic studies; natural hazards, such as tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and landslides; and technical requirements such as project and data management, standards, visualization, and modeling. Prerequisites: Computing, and Introduction to GIS; or instructor approval. ELECTIVE COURSES IN SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION There are two options for elective tracks and graduate certificates offered by the Business School Systems Development and Implementation Program: 1) Business Intelligence Systems and 2) Web and Mobile Computing Specialization. Business Intelligence (BI) systems combine operational data with analytical tools to present complex and competitive information to planners and decision makers. The objective is to improve the timeliness and quality of inputs to the decision process. BI is used to understand the capabilities available in the firm; the state of the art, trends, and future directions in the markets, the technologies and the regulatory environment in which the firm compete; and the actions of competitors in the implications of these actions. The Business Intelligence in the Information Systems Program at the Business School will enable Master of Engineering in GIS students to get the necessary skills and knowledge in real-time data warehousing, data visualization, data mining, online analytical processing, customer relationships management, dashboards and scorecards, corporate performance management, expert and advanced intelligent systems, and hands on experience with leading BI tools. To obtain the BI specialization, GIS students must complete core course requirements for their GIS degree and complete four BI courses, consisting of two core courses: -5-
Database Management Systems ISMG6080 Business Intelligence Systems ISMG6220 and two elective courses, selected from the following list: Information Systems Management and Strategy ISMG6180 Global Enterprise Systems ISMG6420 Information Systems Security and Privacy ISMG6430 Data Warehousing and Administration ISMG6480 The Web and Mobile Computing Specialization in the Information Systems Program at the Business School will enable Master of Engineering in GIS students to expand their system development skills by gaining specialization in building and managing large systems using platforms for websites development, mobile and wireless applications, and web services and service oriented architectures. The courses provide expertise in.net programming, business process management, Internet and mobile technologies, website development technologies, data warehousing and administration, and service oriented architecture. To obtain the Web and Mobile computing specialization, GIS students must complete core course requirements for their GIS degree and complete four WM courses, consisting of two core courses: Analysis, Modeling and Design ISMG6060 Database Management Systems ISMG6080 and two elective courses, selected from the following list: Internet and Mobile Technologies ISMG6120.Net Programming Fundamentals ISMG6020 Website Development Practices and Technologies ISMG6240 Service Oriented Architecture ISMG6280 Data Warehousing and Administration ISMG6480 Students earn a certificate in WM or BI specialization from the Business School upon successful completion of four WM or BI courses. All of the ISMG courses listed above are offered online and can be completed concurrently with GIS courses. Students will be able to register for the classes on the web, with no special registration needs (please contact Linda.Brooker@ucdenver.edu with any registration problems or questions). NOTE: Students need to notify the graduate advising office in the College of Engineering and Applied Science (303-556-2372) prior to graduation, if they are planning to complete the SDI track requirements. Students also need to indicate the completion of the coursework when they submit their application for diploma card. OTHER ELECTIVE COURSES The student is encouraged to select elective course(s) from other graduate programs of interest through consultation with an advisor. A strict domain track is not required; combinations of 5000-level courses are accepted pending approval of a program of study. Departmental and course prerequisites apply. (Note: Most of the following courses are not offered online, although courses are being added over time. Equivalent courses from another university can be transferred in to the MEng or MSCE program up to a limit of 9 credits.) -6-
Environmental Engineering CE 5333-3 CE 5334-3 CE 5393-3 CE 5394-3 CE 5401-3 CE 5402-3 CE 4427-3 CE 5602-3 CE 5537-3 CE 5622-3 CE 5631-3 CE 5632-3 CE 6512-3 Applied Hydrology Groundwater Hydrology Water Resources Development and Management Water Resources Systems Introduction to Environmental Engineering Multi-media Transport and Fate of Environmental Pollutants Transportation and Urban Engineering Storm Water System Design Highway Engineering Numerical Methods in Civil Engineering Traffic Operations and Control Transportation Planning Methods Urban Transportation Modeling Traffic Impact Assessment Geography/Geology GEOG 5060-3 Remote Sensing I: Introduction to Environmental Remote Sensing GEOG 5090-3 Environmental Modeling with Geographic Information Systems GEOG 5095-3 Deploying GIS Functionality on the Web GEOG 5235-3 GIS Applications in the Health Sciences GEOG 5265-3 Sustainability in Resources Management Environmental Sciences CHEM 5710-3 Air Pollution Chemistry ECON 5530-3 Economics of Natural Resources ENVS 5000-3 Biogeochemical Cycles ENVS 5600-3 Applied Statistics for the Natural Sciences Urban & Regional Planning URP 5510-3 URP 5520-3 URP 6651-3 URP 6653-3 URP 6671-3 Planning Methods I Urban Spatial Analysis Environmental Impact Assessment Natural Resource Planning and Management (also listed as GEOG 4260) Regional Economic Development (also listed as GEOG 4400) Computer Science Note: courses require undergraduate prerequisites C SC 4508-3 C SC 5252-3 C SC 5451-3 C SC 5535-3 C SC 5573-3 Introduction to Software Engineering Computer Communication Networks Algorithms Fundamental Concepts of Programming Languages Operating Systems Applied Math MATH 4792-3 Probabilistic Modeling MATH 4820-3 Statistics MATH 5490-3 Network Flows CE 4077-3 CE 5456-3 CE 5457-3 Engineering Management Engineering Economy Engineering Practice Administration of Public Works -7-
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS 1. Admission requirements for the MEng, GIS specialty include a baccalaureate degree or equivalent in engineering or a closely related field (math, physics), natural science (biology, chemistry, geology, geography), or social science (economics, planning)) from an approved college or university. For the MSCE, GIS specialty a baccalaureate degree or equivalent in engineering is required. 2. Students interested in only the GIS Graduate Certificate can enroll for any course as long as they meet the prerequisite requirements for each course or obtain the instructor s permission. 3. Normal Admission. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) or better in all college-level academic work attempted and evidence of strong math skills. 4. Provisional Degree Student. A student may be accepted provisionally: 1, with an undergraduate GPA of less than 3.0, but greater than 2.75 or 2, if the GPA is less than 2.75, by taking the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) General Test and achieving a satisfactory score (verbal plus quantitative of 315 is desirable 300 is the bare minimum). Within two years from the date of official admittance to the program, a Provisional Degree Student must have completed a minimum of 12 credits of graduate course work with a GPA of at least 3.25. 5. Completed admissions forms include two copies of official transcripts and references from four people. Generally references are required from two former instructors and two professional associates and employers. However, students who have graduated some years previously may have all references supplied by professional associates and employers. All materials are to be sent to the address at the end of this document. Forms are available from the same office or by calling 303-556-2871. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS 1. Minimum overall 3.0 grade point average in all graduate work. Graduate courses must be taken for credit; they may not be taken Pass/Fail. 2. Passing grade on the Capstone Comprehensive Exam. 3. Demonstration of professional service through participation and leadership in a professional organization or society. 4. A minimum of thirty credits of graduate work must be completed. For the MEng at least 15 credits must be engineering and 15 credits may be taken outside of engineering. For the MSCE at least 24 credits must be engineering and 6 credits may be taken outside of engineering. All requirements for the degree must be completed within seven years from the date of the start of course work. 5. Up to 9 credits of graduate work may be transferred from an accredited graduate program, provided: 1, the course has not been used for any other degree, 2, the grade earned for the course(s) is B or better, 3, the course work has been taken within the last six years, and 4, the course coverage is equal in level, content, and depth to the course for which it is being substituted, or equal to an elective 6. A minimum of 18 credits must be taken at the 5000-level or above in the student s area of specialty. Under certain circumstances up to 12 credits of courses at the 4000 level may be counted for graduate credit. Credit in courses below the 4000-level will not apply toward degree requirements. All courses included to count for the degree must be part of an approved plan of study. This plan must be developed by the student and approved by her/his -8-
advisor within the first semester after being admitted to the program. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION For further details on course schedules, admission and graduate degree requirements, contact: MEng-GIS Specialty Coordinator University of Colorado Denver Downtown Campus in Denver Civil Engineering, Campus Box 113 PO Box 173364 Denver, Colorado 80217-3364 Telephone: 303-556-2871 Fax: 303-556-2368 E-mail: MEngGIS@ucdenver.edu Web site: http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/cuonli ne/onlinedegrees/masterengineeringgis/p ages/masterengineeringgis.aspx Updated August 2012-9-