We understand that furthering your education is a large financial investment, and we are committed to providing students with more affordable ways to learn. Because of this, we offer opportunities that help defray the cost of the program through scholarships, discounts, financial aid and tuition reimbursement resources.
- Tuition & Fees
- Benefits of Full-Time Enrollment
- External Scholarships and Awards
- Military and Veteran Benefits
- USC Payment Plan
- Gainful Employment Disclosures
| Tuition | 2023-2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Per Unit | $2,244 | |
| Total Cost | ||
| Master of Science in GIST | $62,832 | |
| Master of Science in Geodesign, Environment and Health | $71,808 | |
| Master of Science in HSGI | $76,296 | |
| Master of Science in Spatial Data Science | $71,808 | |
| Master of Science in Spatial Economics and Data Analysis | $71,808 | |
| Master of Arts in Global Security Studies | $89,760 | |
| Graduate Certificate in GIST | $35,904 | |
| Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence | $35,904 | |
| Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Leadership | $35,904 | |
| Graduate Certificate in Remote Sensing for Earth Observation | $35,904 | |
Fees
Application Fee: $90, non-refundable fee.
Books/Supplies: Students can expect to incur approximate additional expenses including books/supplies ($1,008), field excursion room/board ($450), and travel ($0-$500, estimated) for applicable programs.
Health and Activities: $100 (Activities include a variety of live virtual performances, concerts, speaker series and much more.)
For additional information about tuition and fees, please visit this link.
Benefits of Full-Time Enrollment
Students enrolled in the Spatial Sciences Institute’s GIS graduate programs are encouraged to maintain full-time enrollment (two courses per semester) to sustain momentum and continuity in learning about rapidly-evolving applications. However, a part-time track is also available for students who need more flexibility in their schedule. Keep in mind that our course modalities and online options may allow you to attend full time even if you’re currently working or managing other responsibilities. Learn more about class formats.
In these cases, we recommend students discuss the rationale and impact on their career plans with one of the student support advisors.
$75k+
55% of graduate respondents employed full-time report an annual base salary of $75,000 or higher.
Based on USC GIST’s 2020 Student Outcome Survey from September 2020 with responses from 69 master’s program graduates and 25 certificate program graduates.
57%
Percent of graduate respondents reporting a pay increase since graduating from USC.
Based on USC GIST’s 2020 Student Outcome Survey from September 2020 with responses from 69 master’s program graduates and 25 certificate program graduates.
94%
Percent of graduate respondents currently employed or continuing their education.
Based on USC GIST’s 2020 Student Outcome Survey from September 2020 with responses from 69 master’s program graduates and 25 certificate program graduates.
External Scholarships and Awards
Students enrolled in GIS master’s programs can take advantage of a myriad of merit scholarship and funding opportunities available to them. Some of the scholarships and awards that have been won by past Spatial Sciences Institute students include:
- United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) – Rgi Scholarship for Geospatial and Engineering; Ken Miller Scholarship for Advanced Remote Sensing Applications; Stu Shea USGIF Endowed Scholarship
- Gamma Theta Upsilon (GTU) – Scholarships for undergraduates going into graduate school and continuing grads (must be GTU member)
- American Association of Geographers (AAG) – Scholarships and grants awarded to both undergraduates and graduate students in varying amounts
- American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) – Various awards for students pursuing research and/or careers in remote sensing
- Cartography and Geographic Information Science (CaGIS) – Two awards to graduate students or undergraduates planning to complete a GIS master’s degree
The awards mentioned are just a sample of the external funding available to GIS students, and the Spatial Sciences Institute continually circulates relevant job, internship and scholarship opportunities as they arise. Award amounts vary and are subject to the availability of funds. Find more awards by visiting our USC Awards and Fellowships Database.
Military and Veteran Benefits
The University of Southern California is proud to support U.S. active duty and veteran service members. Veteran funding and scholarships are available to eligible individuals. Visit our Military page to learn more.
USC Payment Plan
The Office of Student Financial Services also offers graduate students the option to pay their university expenses in five monthly installments over each semester. For more information, please visit the Student Financial Services website.
Gainful Employment Disclosures
- Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science and Technology
- Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence
- Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Leadership
Request Brochure
Fill out the information below to learn more about the University of Southern California’s GIS Graduate Programs and download a free brochure. If you have any additional questions, please call 877-650-9054 to speak to an enrollment advisor.
Catalina Island Excursion
Students in the M.S. in GIST, M.S. in HSGI and Graduate Certificate in GIST programs will participate in a week-long fieldwork excursion...