Earn your joint degree in Geoinformatics
Iowa U2G–undergrad to grad in 5 years
This combined degree program offers motivated undergraduate students the opportunity to complete their bachelor’s and master’s degree requirements at an accelerated rate of five years. As part of the University of Iowa’s U2G program, you will graduate with both a bachelor’s degree in geographical and sustainability studies and a Master of Science in Geoinformatics.
Program outcomes
Driven by an increasing need for locational intelligence and a large, growing volume of publicly accessible geographic data, the GIS industry is expected to grow by 29% over the next decade, much faster than the average occupation (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook). Graduates of the U2G program will develop technical skills such as spatial analysis, statistics, computer programming, and database management for geographic data, and gain valuable experience applying these geospatial techniques to real-world problems. Students in the combined degree program will gain an understanding of:
- Advanced techniques for spatial analysis
- Advanced problem solving strategies using geospatial techniques
- Cutting-edge geospatial technologies
- Advanced principles of information science or computer programming
- Collaborative project management
Graduates will be prepared to enter a variety of career fields in the private or public sector. Potential career fields include economics, health, climate change, environmental management, and urban planning.
Admission requirements
Applicants to the U2G combined degree program should apply for admission to the program during the second semester of their third year as an undergraduate. Requirements for admission are:
- Completion of 80 semester hours of undergraduate work
- Grade-point average (GPA) of 3.25
- Transfer students need to have completed 30 semester hours at the University of Iowa
- Successful completion of GEOG: 1050 Foundations of GIS
- Submission of online application to the Graduate College
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Curriculum vitale
- Official GRE and, if applicable TOEFL (international students) scores
Applications will be reviewed by the Geoinformatics Admissions Committee and will require support from the applicant’s undergraduate advisor in the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in coursework applied to their MS in Geoinformatics.
Program information
Tuition and fees assessment
Students enrolled in this program will be assessed at the undergraduate tuition rate for their blended year (i.e., first and second semesters of their senior year) and at the graduate rate for the final year of study. Students are eligible for a graduate assistantship once they complete their undergraduate degree and matriculate to graduate-only status.
Cross-crediting
Twelve semester hours of credit earned after admission to the U2G degree program will be cross-credited. This will be credit earned in the student’s fourth year of undergraduate school.
Final examination
Students will take the standard final examination administered to all MS in Geoinformatics, during the last semester of their fifth year.
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Current course list
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