The Master of Science in Spatial Informatics is an all course-work degree program of study that is available only through distance learning. Its goal is to serve place-bound students that desire strong theory, computational, analytical, policy and technical foundations in geographic information science and systems. This graduate degree is the online version of the on-campus MS in Spatial Information Science and Engineering degree and accommodates students from wide ranging undergraduate degree backgrounds.Students build on foundations in computer science, mathematics, physics, geography, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, engineering and related fields to study spatio-temporal phenomena and design intelligent spatial information systems. The terms “spatial information science and engineering” and “spatial informatics” may be used interchangeably to describe the field of knowledge that builds from and bridges to domains of geographic information science, computer science, cognitive science and engineering.The UMaine Spatial Informatics graduate program is designed to meet the growing demand in society for graduates with high-level geospatial technology skills and provide a path for women and men from diverse fields to rapidly transition to information system career paths by providing them with foundation graduate level courses in information systems and geographic information science.ObjectivesStudents develop knowledge and technical skills in such areas as information system design, human-computer interaction, database systems design and management, systems development, computer networks, and information law and ethics. They gain working familiarity with one or more programming languages if not already acquired, the concepts of managing resources across local and wide area networks including technical and managerial concepts of distributed systems, client-server systems, world-wide-web, digital libraries, and further evolving network-based systems. Relational and object-oriented databases and systems for group decision support are addressed in the context of designing and managing databases. All of these general information systems graduate courses draw on spatial technology examples or contextual environments. The online graduate program specializes in preparing graduates to better utilize location information, geographic information systems, sensors and mobile technologies in accomplishing the day-to-day tasks of businesses and government and to help advance new innovations in these domains. In addition, students have the opportunity to take courses that provide an understanding of business and engineering applications and thus provide further foundations for effective communication with end users.CurriculumThe Master of Science in Spatial Informatics is available only to distance students. The program consists of the same courses as taken by on-campus graduate students in Spatial Information Science and Engineering taught by the same instructors. Distance students view lectures and class discussions at times of their own choosing while deadlines for electronic delivery of assignments are often the same as for on-campus students. There is no thesis required although students may propose the pursuit of a project-based course as part of their graduate program if desired.CareersGraduates are both self-employed and employed throughout business and government in a broad range of spatial information management and system development positions. Jobs are numerous, varied and well paid. Many past graduates are involved in advancing spatial technology itself; developing software and systems to enhance the ability of individuals, businesses, government, and industry to better utilize location information, sensors and mobile systems in their daily tasks.
