UC Santa Cruz is launching a new Master of Arts program in Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Technologies, Applications, and Research (GISTAR), designed to meet the growing demand for expertise in geospatial technologies. The two-year professional program has already begun accepting applications and students can continue applying through Jan. 15, 2024. The first cohort of students will begin their studies in Fall 2025.
GISTAR aims to provide transformative, transdisciplinary training for students interested in applying geospatial technology in fields such as environmental policy, ecological and climate modeling, urban planning, and more. The program, housed in the Department of Environmental Studies in the Social Sciences Division, and working with a large group of interdisciplinary faculty across campus, addresses a key gap in geospatial education along California’s Central Coast. The program will draw on the region's integration into the tech-driven economy of Silicon Valley and surrounding areas, with geospatial technology being one of the fastest-growing sectors nationwide.
“Spatially-oriented data and GIS technologies align well with Silicon Valley's focus on innovation. Their applications in spatial analysis for environmental modeling, urban planning, remote sensing, aerial monitoring, disaster and wildfire management, transportation, community safety, and coastal mapping are increasingly sought after in both government and high-tech sectors. The integration of spatial intelligence and AI further enhances their relevance,” said Bo Yang, Assistant Professor for Environmental Studies, GISTAR Director, and Faculty Director for the Center for Integrated Spatial Research (CISR). “The GISTAR program is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills to thrive in this rapidly growing field of geospatial technology.”
The curriculum is structured around three core areas: foundational geospatial theory and analysis, advanced GIS development, and geospatial technologies such as UAS/drone survey, 3D mapping, and AI-driven spatial modeling. Students will engage with hands-on, real-world applications and research projects with faculty from across campus, preparing them for careers in government, high-tech industries, and environmental organizations. The program culminates in a two-quarter capstone project where students integrate their skills into real-world research.
GISTAR’s creation follows a 2018 external market analysis that identified strong demand for specialized geospatial training in both public and private sectors. Yet, few programs along the Central Coast meet this need. The GISTAR M.A. is designed to fill this gap, training up to 20 students per year, with plans to expand capacity for current undergraduate and graduate students in other programs in the future.
Jeffrey Bury, Chair of Environmental Studies and Director of CISR, who was also responsible for creating the new program, emphasized the importance of the new professional degree: “The GISTAR program is designed to meet the growing demand for geospatial expertise by providing students with cutting-edge skills in GIS, spatial analysis, and emerging technologies. Our graduates will be equipped to tackle some of the most pressing environmental and societal challenges, driving innovation in both the public and private sectors.”
Graduates of the program will be well-positioned for roles in leading companies like Google, Apple, and Esri, as well as government agencies like NASA and NOAA. The program emphasizes emerging technologies, from drones and AI to Earth Engine, ensuring that students remain at the forefront of geospatial innovation. The GISTAR Master’s degree is STEM-designated, allowing international students to have extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT) and gain practical experience in geospatial technologies like GIS and remote sensing.
For more information on how to apply, visit the UC Santa Cruz admissions page.
