Spatial Computing

Unlocking Innovation in Informatics, Science & GIS

Graduate Studies in Spatial Informatics, Spatial Information Science and Engineering, and Geographic Information Systems

Spatial Informatics, Spatial Information Science and Engineering, & Geographic Information Systems

From mobile phone technologies to robotics, geographic informations systems (GIS), the Internet of Things (IOT), and sensor networks, most modern information systems are now highly dependent on location and spatial concepts for organizing and tracking data and information. Spatial Computing describes the overarching research and scholarly domain that is being advanced by our academic programs. While the terms are often used interchangeably, we use Spatial Informatics to designate the academic learning domain intersecting spatial topics that extend primarily from a computing foundation. Spatial Information Science and Engineering is used to identify our research-based degrees that advance understanding in handling location and time in emerging information systems and applications.  Geographic Information Systems is a domain focused on learning and applications in a popular and wide-spread software approach to handling location-based data.

The Spatial Computing faculty group also serves as core teaching faculty in the closely related graduate programs in Information Systems and Data Science.

Learn more about our graduate programs

Master of Science – Spatial Information Science and Engineering

The School of Computing and Information Science offers both a thesis and project option for the Master of Science in Spatial Information Science and Engineering. All work for a master’s degree must be completed within six years, beginning with the first semester of registration after admission.

The thesis option is the scientific track, typically requiring a strong undergraduate background in engineering, computer science, human-computer interaction, or mathematics. Prospective master’s students from other disciplines must complete requisite math and engineering courses to succeed in an engineering graduate curriculum. The thesis option includes a substantial individual research project forming the basis for a master’s thesis.

The project option is designed for students who prefer to focus primarily on coursework rather than research. Formal coursework is complemented by a one-semester project in which students demonstrate their ability to apply acquired knowledge to implement a particular solution.

Degree requirements can be found in the Graduate Catalog (select current year catalog > Graduate Programs, Certificates, and Specializations > Spatial Information Science and Engineering). Additional requirements are available in the Graduate Student Guide. While the online catalog is the authoritative source, the MS requirements for both options are summarized below.

MS Spatial Information Science and Engineering Requirements (Thesis Option)

A minimum of 30 graduate course credits (400 level or above) on an advisor-approved program of study, including:

  • At least 24 graduate course credits
  • At least 6 thesis credits (SIE 699)
  • At least 12 graduate course credits at the 500 level or above
  • At least 18 graduate course credits in SIE
  • No more than 6 credits of independent study (598, 698, or equivalent courses)
  • Required Courses:
    • SIE 501 – Introduction to Graduate Research (1 credit)
    • SIE 502 – Research Methods (1 credit)
    • SIE 507 – Information System Programming (3 credits)
    • SIE 693 – Graduate Seminar (1 credit)
    • INT 601 – Responsible Conduct of Research (1 credit)
  • Breadth Requirement: One 3-credit graduate course from at least 3 out of 5 areas:
    • Formal Representations of Spatial Phenomena
    • Spatial Cognition and Interaction
    • Database Systems
    • Geographic Information Systems
    • Information Policy
  • Advisory Committee Requirements:
    • At least 3 graduate faculty
    • At least 2 must be tenured or tenure-track SIE faculty
  • Master’s Thesis Defense

Refer to the Advising Notes for additional details.

MS Spatial Information Science and Engineering Requirements (Project Option)

A minimum of 30 graduate course credits (400 level or above) on an advisor-approved program of study, including:

  • At least 12 graduate course credits at the 500 level or above
  • At least 18 graduate course credits in SIE
  • No more than 6 credits of independent study (598, 698, or equivalent courses)
  • Required Courses:
    • SIE 589 – Graduate Project (3 credits)
    • SIE 507 – Information System Programming (3 credits)
    • INT 601 – Responsible Conduct of Research (1 credit)
  • Breadth Requirement: One 3-credit graduate course from at least 4 out of 5 areas:
    • Formal Representations of Spatial Phenomena
    • Spatial Cognition and Interaction
    • Database Systems
    • Geographic Information Systems
    • Information Policy
  • Advisory Committee Requirements:
    • At least 3 graduate faculty
    • At least 2 must be tenured or tenure-track SIE faculty

Students pursuing the Project Option may qualify to submit the GRE Waiver Request Application.

Refer to the Curriculum Advising Notes for additional details.

Master of Science – Spatial Informatics (Online Only)

The Master of Science in Spatial Informatics (MSSI) is an all e-learning, all coursework program designed for place-bound students seeking strong theoretical, computational, cognitive, analytical, policy, and technical foundations in geographic information science and systems.

Students complete coursework at their convenience, viewing lectures and submitting assignments electronically. Weekly live discussion sessions provide opportunities for engagement. The MSSI is an online-only version of the on-campus MS in Spatial Information Science and Engineering, focusing on next-generation spatial information systems.

Program Focus

The program advances knowledge in spatial information, emphasizing novel concepts and methods in geographic information science. Students study:

  • Sensing, storing, accessing, analyzing, and managing spatial data
  • Modeling, extracting, integrating, visualizing, and communicating spatial information

Spatial Informatics integrates knowledge from geographic information science, information science, cognitive science, computer science, and engineering. Students develop expertise in:

  • Intelligent spatial information systems
  • Human-centered accessible technologies
  • Ethical, social, legal, and economic aspects of spatial information

Designed to meet growing industry demand, the program provides a pathway for students from diverse backgrounds to transition into geospatial technology careers.

The MSSI is available only to distance students. Courses mirror those taken by on-campus students, taught by the same instructors. No thesis is required, though students may propose a project-based course.

Degree requirements can be found in the Graduate Catalog (select current year catalog > Graduate Programs, Certificates, and Specializations > Spatial Informatics). Additional information is available through UMaineOnline. While the online catalog is the authoritative source, MSSI requirements are summarized below.

MS Spatial Informatics Requirements

The MSSI consists of 30 credits, all earned through coursework. Students complete:

  • Six required core courses
  • Fifteen additional credits from approved electives

If a required course duplicates prior coursework, an alternative may be selected with approval from the MSSI Graduate Coordinator.

Required Courses (Starting Fall 2024)

  • SIE 507 – Information Systems Programming (3 credits)
  • SIE 509 – Principles of Geographic Information Systems (3 credits)
  • SIE 510 – Geographic Information Systems Applications or SIE 512 – Spatial Analysis (3 credits)
  • SIE 550 – Design of Information Systems (3 credits)
  • SIE 557 – Database System Applications (3 credits)
  • SIE 505 – Formal Foundations for Information Science or SIE 580 – Ontology Engineering Theory and Practice (3 credits)

Elective Courses

Students must complete at least 12 additional approved credits to reach 30 total credits.

Regularly available distance electives include:

  • SIE 508 – Object-Oriented Programming (3 credits)
  • SIE 515 – Human-Computer Interaction (3 credits)
  • SIE 516 – Interactive Technologies for Solving Real-World Problems (3 credits)
  • SIE 517 – Spatial Interaction Design (3 credits)
  • SIE 554 – Spatial Reasoning (3 credits)
  • SIE 555 – Spatial Database Systems (3 credits)
  • SIE 558 – Real-Time Sensor Data Streams (3 credits)
  • SIE 559 – Geosensor Networks (3 credits)
  • SIE 590 – Information Systems Internship (3 credits)
  • SIE 693 – Graduate Seminar (1 credit)

Additional electives may be proposed on a case-by-case basis.

Approved courses from University of Maine Machias:

  • GIS 428 – Web-Based Maps, Applications & Services
  • GIS 500 – GIS I
  • GIS 600 – GIS II

Refer to the Curriculum Advising Notes for further details.

Spatial Information Science and Engineering

The Ph.D. degree is the highest academic degree. The Ph.D. in Spatial Information Science and Engineering is awarded to those demonstrating outstanding achievement in scholarship and, primarily, the ability to conduct independent research in the field. The preparation and defense of a dissertation, embodying the results of an original investigation in a specialized area, are essential features of the program.

All work for a doctoral degree must be completed within eight years, starting from the first semester of registration after admission to the program. Students must be admitted to candidacy within four years of registering for their first coursework applied toward the degree. To achieve candidacy, students must develop a dissertation proposal and successfully defend it orally before their graduate advisory committee. This defense must demonstrate the student’s knowledge related to their dissertation topic. The dissertation must be completed within four years of candidacy admission, culminating in a full oral defense.

For admission, students are typically expected to hold a Master’s degree with a strong technical and analytical background, usually in engineering, computer science, cognitive science, mathematics, geography, or another related field. Graduate students without a Master’s degree may be considered for direct admission with approval from the graduate program faculty. Students enrolled in the Ph.D. program who complete the requirements for the M.S. degree (project option) before their Ph.D. may be awarded the M.S.

Degree requirements for the Ph.D. in Spatial Information Science and Engineering can be found in the Graduate Catalog (select current year catalog > Graduate Programs, Certificates, and Specializations > Spatial Information Science and Engineering). Additional requirements supplementing the catalog are available in the school’s Graduate Student Guide. While the online catalog is the authoritative source, the Ph.D. requirements are summarized below for convenience.

Ph.D. Requirements

A minimum of 12 dissertation credits (SIE 699) and 30 graduate course credits (400 level or above) are required, as approved by the student’s graduate advisory committee. The program includes:

  • Up to 24 transfer credits of graduate coursework
  • SIE 507 – Information System Programming
  • At least 5 credits in Research Skills, including:
    • SIE 501 – Introduction to Graduate Research (1 credit)
    • SIE 502 – Research Methods (1 credit)
    • INT 601 – Responsible Conduct of Research (1 credit)
    • SIE 693 – Graduate Seminar (1 credit)
    • SIE 694 – Doctoral Seminar (1 credit) (taken annually after SIE 693 completion)
  • Breadth Requirements: At least one 3-credit graduate course from 4 out of the following 5 areas:
    • Formal Representations of Spatial Phenomena
    • Spatial Cognition and Interaction
    • Database Systems
    • Geographic Information Systems
    • Information Policy
  • Depth Requirement: At least 12 additional graduate credits (400 level or above) beyond the breadth requirement, relevant to the dissertation topic. At least 6 of these credits must be from SIE courses, as determined by the student’s advisory committee.
  • Advisory Committee Requirements:
    • Minimum of 5 graduate faculty
    • At least 3 members must be tenured or tenure-track SIE faculty
  • Dissertation Proposal Defense

A maximum of 24 credit hours of graduate coursework completed before enrollment in the Ph.D. program—either at this university or another—may be counted toward the degree if formally approved by the graduate advisory committee.

The University of Maine Graduate School minimum residency requirement for the Ph.D. is automatically met by four semesters of course enrollment beyond the baccalaureate degree, either on-campus or online. Requirements for on-campus presence for research and project work are determined at the discretion of the student’s primary advisor and advisory committee.

Refer to the Curriculum Advising Notes for additional details.

SIE and Spatial Informatics Four Plus One Programs

Conditional Acceptance while an Undergraduate Student

By planning ahead during your undergraduate program, you can finish in a single year the Master of Science in Spatial Information Science and Engineering, the Master of Science in Spatial Informatics, or the Master of Science in Information Systems. The final year in completing the Master’s degrees may be taken either on campus or online.

Undergraduate students from any degree program at the University of Maine may apply as early as the summer before their junior year for admission. Applications for conditional “early admission” should be received preferably by the middle of the first semester of the junior year and are not accepted after the senior year has commenced.

Note: In addition to University of Maine students, students at University of Maine Machias may also participate. Students from other UMS campuses may propose participation by having their faculty contact us to cooperatively propose a 4+1 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

📄 Application for Admission to the SIE or MSIS Four Plus One Program (Word Document)

Graduate Credit While Still an Undergraduate

By taking a course overload of three credits in the second semester of the junior year and a course overload in each semester of the senior year, a motivated student typically may acquire 9 credits (but no more than 12) for graduate school (at undergraduate tuition rates) prior to acquiring their undergraduate degree, assuming they receive a B or better in the courses. These courses, if chosen appropriately, may double count towards both the undergraduate and graduate degree.

By taking a 3-credit Information Systems Internship graduate course (SIE 590) with a corporation, agency, or non-profit organization during the summer, a student may readily complete the coursework master’s degree in a single year after their undergraduate degree. This master’s degree will be highly complementary to an undergraduate degree in almost any field and attractive to employers.

Graduate-level courses to double count must be at the 500-599 level. See SIE course descriptions for overviews and example syllabi of courses taught by the core Spatial and Information Systems faculty members. All courses are taught simultaneously on campus and online by professors with geospatial specialties, often drawing examples from this field. For Four Plus One students pursuing the MSIS after completing the undergraduate degree, see the MSIS Curriculum for a list of relevant courses.

Application and Acceptance Process

To save course credit tuition dollars for the student, the Application for Admission to the Four Plus One Program is submitted to the SIE/MSIS Graduate Coordinator rather than to the graduate school.

If a student is accepted and the following performance criteria are met, the SIE/MSIS faculty:

  • Accepts the student’s graduate courses completed while an undergraduate within their graduate program of study.
  • Supports the student’s application for formal admission to the graduate school after completion of the undergraduate degree.

📄 Apply using the Application for Admission to the SIE or MSIS Four Plus One Program

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for early admission before or during the junior year, an applicant should:

  • Have an overall minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.25.
  • Have completed the University of Maine General Education Requirement in Math.
  • Provide three letters of recommendation from current or previous university instructors.

📄 GRE Waiver Request Application

Continuation and Graduate School Application

Continuation in the graduate program is based primarily on performance in the graduate courses and the overall GPA upon graduation from the undergraduate program.

Accepted Four Plus One students must submit the full application to graduate school in their senior year. The GRE exam is typically waived for these high-performing students. A GPA below 3.0 at undergraduate graduation should be assumed as cause for discontinuation from the program.

Students with two or fewer semesters remaining to complete their undergraduate degree program do not qualify for the Four Plus One Program. However, their applications will be considered within the regular MSIS admissions process, allowing them to transfer up to two graduate courses prior to formal admission.

📄 Apply to the Graduate School

Exceptions to Graduate School Rules

The Graduate School Rules for Four Plus One Programs may be found in Section 3.3.

Exceptions may be applied for by completing the Request for an Exception to Regulation form:
🔗 Graduate School Website → Faculty & Staff → Request for an Exception to Regulation

Exceptions granted in the past have included:

  • Allowing a student to count more graduate courses taken at the undergraduate tuition rate than the twelve normally allowed for a Four Plus One student prior to formal entry into graduate school.
  • Allowing a student with a 3.25 GPA to double count 9 graduate credits in the undergraduate program since their major GPA was above 3.5.
  • Allowing a student who entered as a Four Plus One Student to convert to a thesis program (Four Plus Two Program) in order to accept a funded graduate assistantship.

📄 Application for Admission to the SIE or MSIS Four Plus One Program (Word Document)

Graduate Certificates

The School of Computing and Information Science supports and manages student applications for graduate certificates in the following areas:

• Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems
• Graduate Certificate in Information Systems
• Graduate Certificate in Computing for Educators
• Graduate Certificate in Data Science and Engineering

Any of these Graduate Certificates may be pursued independently or earned as part of and complementary to the following degrees: MS Spatial Informatics, MS Information Systems, and MS Spatial Information Science and Engineering [Thesis or Project Option]. All certificates are offered both on campus and online. Consult Graduate Certificates for the detailed requirements and how to apply. Formal admission through the graduate school application process is required even if you are enrolled simultaneously in a graduate degree program.

Our goal is to educate scientists, information specialists, and engineers with a broad knowledge of information systems and spatial informatics. They should be able to communicate and apply this knowledge constructively for the benefit of others. Objectives in support of this goal include ensuring that our academic programs provide students with foundational knowledge in mathematics, computation, and basic science to prepare them for STEM graduate courses. Students should develop independent and creative thinking, communicate their knowledge effectively, and engage in society ethically and professionally.

Curriculum – Maintain a curriculum that emphasizes engineering and information system fundamentals, mathematical rigor, breadth and depth of coursework, and design skills aligned with industry needs. Continuously update and evolve graduate courses and programs to meet changing societal demands for information.

Areas of Specialization – Build on existing strengths. Over the next five years, research is expected to expand in spatio-temporal models, real-time sensor-stream-based systems, geosensor networks, user interfaces for autonomous transportation systems, spatial interaction design, natural language-based spatial information extraction, ontology-based spatial information integration, and information policy issues related to access, security, privacy, and intellectual property. Additional topics of interest include spatial data science, spatial AI, intelligent spatial technologies, spatial uncertainty, spatiotemporal real-time information processing, spatial experience design, spatial reasoning, navigation, mobility, GIS interoperability, spatial data quality visualization, location-based mobile services, and the legal and ethical aspects of spatial information systems.

Teaching – Strengthen graduate-level classroom teaching by (1) encouraging faculty participation in education-based professional activities and workshops, (2) expanding distance learning technologies, (3) incorporating research-validated best practices for graduate education, (4) recognizing outstanding teaching through awards, and (5) encouraging faculty to use midterm evaluations and similar tools for real-time feedback.

Research – Promote high-level research involvement by (1) encouraging faculty to increase research proposal submissions, (2) recognizing outstanding research through awards, (3) supporting faculty and students in publishing in peer-reviewed outlets, and (4) encouraging faculty and students to present research at conferences, seminars, and in classrooms.

The graduate programs in Spatial Information Science and Engineering focus on advancing knowledge of spatial information, particularly in next-generation information systems. Emphasis is on developing innovative concepts and methods in geographic information science for sensing, storing, accessing, analyzing, and managing spatial data, as well as modeling, extracting, integrating, visualizing, and communicating spatial information. Research interests predominantly include Spatial Computing, such as spatial cognition, spatio-temporal reasoning, spatial ontologies, spatio-temporal data streams, geosensor networks, spatial data science, and location privacy.

Professional Service – Encourage continued participation at national and international levels on editorial boards, research review committees, professional organizations, and peer-review processes.

Student Recruitment and Retention – Attract top students globally and support their diverse needs through careful advising and personalized faculty mentorship.

Student Backgrounds – Graduates of the Master’s in Spatial Informatics at the University of Maine have had undergraduate degrees in disciplines including Anthropology, Applied Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Planning, Forestry, Geography, Geology, Information Systems, Landscape Architecture, Management Information Systems, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Statistics, Surveying Engineering, and Urban Planning, among others. Additional backgrounds of graduates from the Master’s in Information Systems are also relevant.

Relations with Professions and Industry – Foster active relationships with private industry through sponsored research, collaborative efforts, internships, professional exchanges, and student design projects. See the list of past employers and career paths in Spatial Informatics.

Relations with Other Academic Units – Strengthen relationships with academic units supporting information science and system objectives through initiatives such as the Four Plus One program and collaborative research via the Spatial Data Science Institute.

Curriculum Advising Notes

(1) Transfer Courses – For any of the master’s degrees, a maximum of six credit hours of graduate coursework taken prior to enrollment in the master’s program, whether at this university or another, may be counted towards the master’s degree. If the course did not count towards a completed undergraduate or graduate degree and if the student’s graduate advisory committee formally approves acceptance of the courses on the student’s Program of Study, then the credit hours may be transferred to apply toward the master’s degree.

(2) Waived Courses – Waived courses are required courses that need not be taken because the student has already covered the subject matter of the course in previous courses. See the SCIS Course Waiver Form. If a course is waived, another course is taken in its place with approval of the Graduate Coordinator in consultation with the faculty. In some instances, the replacement course is prespecified. For instance if SIE 507 is waived, the replacement course is SIE 508 unless that subject matter as well has already been covered in previous coursework by the student.

(3) Elective Courses Not Contained in the Official UMaine Catalog – All of the elective courses listed above continue to be accepted. Many of these courses at other campuses and in other programs are NOT listed in the official online catalog for pragmatic reasons. However, these elective courses are typically still accepted by the faculty for inclusion on your Program of Study. Other relevant courses may also be petitioned for that are not on the above current list.

(4) Taking Courses from Other Campuses –  If a course listed above is taken from another campus, it must first be approved on your Program of Study (See Master’s POS or Grad Certificate POS). After approval, you must complete the Domestic Study Away Form (DSAF) for each course taken on another campus. Each DSAF should be submitted near the time in which you enroll in any course from away. Sign it, submit it first to the Graduate Coordinator (harlan.onsrud@maine.edu) and then send the form with those two signatures to the UMaine Graduate School (debbi.clements@maine.edu). The graduate school will forward the form to other campus offices that may need it to validate your active student status, particularly if you are receiving any financial aid.

(5) Programs of Study (POS) – If needed for study away courses or for documenting the acceptance of transfer courses, please complete the POS form immediately upon admission.  Otherwise, completing the POS after one or two semesters in the program is fine. (See https://umaine.edu/graduate/ > Students> Forms and Documents> Master’s and CAS Program of Study and/or Certificate Program of Study as appropriate.) In completing the form, you may determine the semester that SIE courses are typically offered by consulting the Graduate Student Guide on pages 11 through 14.

(6) On-Leave Status – If you decide to enroll in no courses for one or more regular academic year semesters, your are required to submit a Request for On-Leave Status. If you fail to submit such a request, you are assumed to have left the program by the Graduate School.

(7) Application for Graduation – As graduation approaches, you should file a Completion of Degree Requirements form with the Graduate School. This often first requires submission of a Change in Program of Study form to ensure that any changes in your POS have been approved by the faculty. (See https://umaine.edu/graduate/students/forms-and-documents/ > Change in Program of Study and/or Completion of Degree Requirements as appropriate.)

SIE Course Timetable

Courses in the Spatial Information Science and Engineering degree programs are typically offered once a year during the same semester each year. For planning purposes, obtain the typical Annual Schedule of SIE Classes from the SCIS office. See also pp. 11-14 of the Graduate Student Guide.

The official schedule of classes for each semester is available through MaineStreet. If you do not yet have an account, click Log In and then under Quick Links, choose University of Maine term, and then select Class Search and then Search. Choose Course Subject (SIE) and Course Career (Graduate). All courses offered that semester should be listed. Independent study and thesis courses may be arranged with appropriate professors at any time.

SIE Course Materials and Syllabi

For a convenient point of access to some materials for graduate courses offered to both online and on-campus students, see web-posted course materials.

See also the suggested list of SIE graduate courses appropriate as electives for high-performing upper-level undergraduate students and graduate students interested in gaining depth or breadth in Spatial Computing, Information Systems, and/or Data Science.

SIE Graduate Course Descriptions

To view the official course descriptions, consult the Graduate Catalog

Core Courses

SIE 501 – Introduction to Graduate Research

  • Covers the process of successful graduate research from identification of a researchable question, preparation of a thesis proposal, to completion of the research and its publication. Focus on engineering research methods for spatial information.
  • Credits: 1
  • Prerequisites & Notes: None
  • Example Past Syllabus

SIE 502 – Research Methods

  • Covers the process of successful graduate research, including the written and verbal presentation of plans and results. Students formulate hypotheses, perform a literature search, write abstracts and introductions of research papers, learn about presentation styles and techniques, and make two presentations (3-minutes and 10-minutes) about research proposals.
  • Credits: 1
  • Prerequisites & Notes: SIE 501 and students must have selected a thesis topic.
  • Example Past Syllabus

SIE 503 – Principles of Experimental Design

  • This interdisciplinary course is designed primarily for first-year graduate students and advanced standing undergraduates who plan to engage in scientific research. The course covers topics in: (1) design of experiments, (2) modern experimental techniques and instrumentation, and (3) data collection, organization, and statistical analysis techniques.
  • Credits: 1
  • Prerequisites & Notes: SIE 501 or permission.
  • Example Past Syllabus

SIE 504 – The Beauty and Joy of Computing

  • An introductory course in computer science designed to prepare students with the skills and knowledge necessary to teach the first Advanced Placement (AP) course “Computer Science Principles,” but also useful for students wishing to integrate computer science concepts into other academic disciplines. The course covers the AP Principles Framework and Computational Thinking Practices.
  • Credits: 3
  • Example Past Syllabus

SIE 505 – Formal Foundations for Information Science

  • Increases student’s understanding of the approach to information systems and science by formalisms. Draws on mathematics to increase familiarity with formal syntax and language, develops understanding and technical ability in handling structures relevant to information systems and science.
  • Credits: 3
  • Prerequisites & Notes: SIE or MSIS student or permission of instructor, SIE 550 highly recommended.
  • Example Past Syllabus

SIE 507 – Information Systems Programming

  • Programming for those envisioning careers focused on developing and managing information systems and databases as opposed to software design. Data structures, algorithms, and their analysis.
  • Credits: 3
  • Prerequisites & Notes: SIE or MSIS student or permission of instructor.
  • Example Past Syllabus

SIE 508 – Object-Oriented Programming

  • Object-oriented programming represents the integration of software components into large-scale software architecture. This course introduces advanced programming skills and focuses on programming and design using a high-level object-oriented language, either Python or Java.
  • Credits: 3
  • Prerequisites & Notes: SIE 507 or permission of instructor.
  • Example Past Syllabus

SIE 509 – Principles of Geographic Information Systems

  • Covers foundational principles of geographic information systems, including traditional representations of spatial data and techniques for analyzing spatial data in digital form.
  • Credits: 3
  • Prerequisites & Notes: Graduate standing or instructor permission.
  • Example Past Syllabus

SIE 510 – Geographic Information Systems Applications

  • Introduces both conceptual and practical aspects of developing GIS applications. Covers application areas from natural resource planning through transportation, cadastral and land information systems and their spatial modeling requirements, and application development from requirement analysis to database design and implementation.
  • Credits: 3
  • Prerequisites & Notes: SIE 509 or permission.
  • Example Past Syllabus

SIE 512 – Spatial Analysis

  • Introduces students to techniques for spatial analysis. Covers methods and problems in spatial data sampling, issues in preliminary or exploratory analysis, problems in providing numerical summaries and characterizing spatial properties of map data, and analysis techniques for univariate and multivariate data.
  • Credits: 3
  • Prerequisites & Notes: An introductory statistics course and graduate standing or instructor permission.
  • Example Past Syllabus

Additional Course Offerings

SIE 598 – Selected Studies in SIE: Data Science Practicum (proposed permanently as DSE 510)

  • The Data Science Practicum introduces students to standard tools and methods used to explore, visualize, and analyze data. Students will become familiar with preprocessing and data cleaning, effective visualization methods, and their application as pertinent to different data types and basic data analysis.
  • Prerequisites & Notes: grad program admission and SIE507 or permission.
  • Credits: 3
  • On-line Course and On-campus
  • Syllabus (in progress)

Additional Courses

Courses currently offered and appropriate for inclusion on Programs of Study and under review to receive permanent course numbers:

  • SIE 598 – Selected Studies in SIE: Data Science Practicum (3 Credits)
  • COS 598 – Advanced Topics in CS: Statistics Foundations for Data Science (3 Credits)
  • COS 473/573 – Advanced Topics in CS: Computer Vision (3 Credits)
  • COS 435/535 – Advanced Topics in CS: Engineering Privacy in Software Systems (3 Credits)

These courses are available in both online and on-campus formats, subject to program admission and prerequisite requirements.

Admission & Aid

Admissions to the Spatial Computing graduate programs are competitive. In the admission process, the graduate faculty considers the potential of applicants to complete a program successfully and achieve a position of leadership in the private or public sectors. We generally seek an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or above. Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis. All applications are reviewed holistically – exceptional career or leadership experience may offset weak scores in some applicants. Students applying for the all-coursework graduate programs are NOT required to submit GRE scores. However, applicants pursuing a thesis based Master’s or Phd are typically expected to submit GRE scores.

At a minimum an applicant must have a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or a four-year international equivalent. The review committee considers both the curriculum completed and the institution attended in its assessment.

All students apply through the Graduate School, and the entire application packet, including transcripts and essay, must be received before formal acceptance will be considered. Applications processed through the Graduate School are accomplished on a rolling basis, and no strict deadlines apply. However, those applying for campus-wide research assistantships or scholarships should complete their application packets by January 1 for September admission. If programs are not full, applications may be accepted right up to the week before classes begin. Among other considerations, reviewers assess the potential of applicants to complete the program successfully. Conditional or provisional admission is available.

To apply for a degree program, students must submit:

  • A completed online application
  • Transcripts of all previous college or university work
  • Your current resume, which should include contact information for three references
  • A brief essay
  • Original GRE’s (Graduate Record Exam) for thesis-based MS and PhD programs*
  • $65 application fee
  • – Applicants for the MS SIE (Project Option) may submit instead the GRE Waiver Request if applicable. Online applicants applying for the MS Spatial Informatics need not submit GRE’s nor a waiver.

For detailed application requirements, please read all the comments that immediately follow as well as the Further Admission Information.

To apply for any of our Graduate Certificate programs, students should consult:

  • The appropriate graduate certificate curriculum
  • The graduate certificate application

International students also submit:

  • TOEFL or IELTS scores (TOEFL minimum of 80 or IELTS 6.5.)
    • Waived for native English speakers and students graduating from English-speaking or ESL programs.
  • WES or ECE certified transcript translation
  • Certificate of Finances
  • Copy of passport or visa

International applicants should also review the Office of International Programs page for more information on Visas, financial statements, and other requirements, or to contact an international advisor. All applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Resume: Professional References

In addition to standard resume text that sets forth your academic and work experience to date, please provide three professional and/or academic references. Recommenders listed in your resume should be able to comment on your academic strengths, work ethic, responsibilities, accomplishments, career advancement, managerial experience, or ability to be successful in the degree program. These three references may or may not be contacted depending on circumstances. Please provide mailing address, phone, and email contact information as appropriate. A one-page resume is typically sufficient and please provide no more than two pages.

Essay: Application Prompt

Submit an essay describing your motivation for pursuing the degree or certificate for which you are applying. The essay is evaluated not only for content but also for intrinsic writing quality and strengths. Your essay should be no more than two pages.

Application Fee Waivers

Application fees are waived for:

  • Graduates of University of Maine System Schools
  • Veterans of the US Armed Forces
  • Fulbright Scholars
  • Participants in select programs (e.g., IRT/McNair)

Please read as well the Further Admission Information at link.

MS and PhD in Spatial Information Science and Engineering:

Admission to the University of Maine Spatial Information Science and Engineering graduate programs is competitive. In its admission process, the graduate faculty considers the potential of applicants to complete the program successfully and achieve positions of leadership in the private or public sectors. For all of our graduate programs, we are generally seeking students that score at the mean or above on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical segments of the GRE exam and in the 50th percentile or above on the exam overall. We generally seek an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or above. Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis. For applicants pursuing the Project Option, completion of the GRE Waiver Request Application may be appropriate.

At a minimum, an applicant must have a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or a four-year international equivalent. Within their curriculum, all applicants should have completed a university course in Algebra as a minimum math prerequisite for admission. Previous programming courses or experience are recommended but not required. The review committee considers both the curriculum completed and the institution attended in its assessment.

All students apply through the Graduate School, and the entire application packet, including transcripts, test scores, essay, and letters of recommendation, must be received before formal acceptance will be considered. Applications processed through the Graduate School are accomplished on a rolling basis, and no strict deadlines apply. However, to be considered for on-campus Fall admission, completed applications should be received typically 8 weeks prior to the beginning of the term. Those applying for campus-wide research assistantships or scholarships should complete their application packets by January 1 for September admission.

For further admission requirements, consult the Graduate Catalog > Admission.

MS Spatial Informatics and Graduate Certificate Programs:

Admission to these graduate programs is competitive. In its admission process, the graduate faculty considers the potential of applicants to complete the program successfully and achieve positions of leadership in the private or public sectors. We generally seek an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or above. Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis. Students applying for these all-coursework programs are NOT required to submit GRE scores or letters of recommendation. However, these submissions are still recommended.

At a minimum, an applicant must have a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or a four-year international equivalent. Within their curriculum, all applicants should have completed a university course in Algebra as a minimum math prerequisite for admission. Previous programming courses or experience are recommended but not required. The review committee considers both the curriculum completed and the institution attended in its assessment.

All students apply through the Graduate School, and the entire application packet, including transcripts and essay, must be received before formal acceptance will be considered. Much more weight is given in these applications to your essay (motivations, life experiences, ability to succeed) and transcripts as compared to research-focused applicants. Applications processed through the Graduate School are accomplished on a rolling basis, and no strict deadlines apply. If programs are not full, applications will be accepted right up to the week before classes begin.

Note 1: Transfer Courses – For any of the master’s degrees, a maximum of six credit hours of graduate coursework taken prior to enrollment in the master’s program, whether at this university or another, may be counted towards the master’s degree. If the course did not count towards a completed undergraduate or graduate degree and if the student’s graduate advisory committee formally approves acceptance of the courses on the student’s Program of Study, then the credit hours may be transferred to apply toward the master’s degree.

Note 2: Residency – In order to meet the University of Maine Graduate School residency requirement, at least 50 percent of the coursework towards the degree must be taken through the University of Maine, whether on-campus or online. Almost all SIE formal courses up to and through the PhD course requirements are available online as well as on campus. Requirements for on-campus presence for research and project work are at the discretion of the student’s first advisor and advisory committee.

Note 3: Tuition – For more information about tuition and fees, please visit the Bursar’s Office webpage. Alternatively, see Tuition and Fees at UMaine Online. The low in-state tuition rate remains the same whether taking courses online or on campus. Although the grad courses, programs, and instructors are essentially identical, please note that tuition and fees for out-of-state students are different for online versus on-campus programs. All non-resident online graduate students from anywhere in the world receive the very favorable E-Tuition Rate. This remains one of the lowest nationwide and international graduate tuition rates offered by a publicly funded U.S. land-grant, sea-grant university. On-campus students from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island qualify for the NEHBE Scholarship rate when the UMaine graduate degree is not offered in those states.

Note 4: STEM Status – International students should note that the MS and PhD SIE programs are certified as STEM programs (see U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Student and Exchange Visitor Program and CIP Code 14.3801) potentially allowing a longer post-graduation training stay in the U.S.

Note 5: Grad Certificates in Addition to an MS – Students currently enrolled in a master’s degree program through the Graduate School who wish to pursue an approved graduate certificate program simultaneously in a subarea or specialization (e.g., IS, GIS, Computing for Educators, and Data Science and Engineering Grad Certificates) should apply for admission to the certificate program before one-half of the required master’s credits are completed.

Graduate Assistantship Opportunities

Incoming accepted graduate students are automatically included in the pool of applicants considered by faculty members for teaching and research assistantships in the School. Assistantships automatically pay tuition costs and some health costs in addition to a monthly stipend. Such funding opportunities may arise at any time before or during an academic year as new funds are confirmed by funding agencies or the university.

Funding is available for graduate research assistants on a wide variety of research projects. Such funding is generated by individual faculty members as well as by groups of faculty. You may want to contact individual faculty regarding their current and imminent projects. Professors with research funding may request a Zoom interview with you that may also be recorded for viewing by other potentially interested professors.

Additional Financial Support Options

Graduate tuition and fees are posted by the UMaine Bursars Office. Self-funded on-campus students from most New England States and all of Canada pay the NEBHE graduate tuition rate, which is about half the rate of out-of-state tuition. Distance students from anywhere in the world pay a highly reduced graduate tuition e-rate, which is one of the lowest offered by any public land-grant university in the U.S.

For general information on the range of grants, loans, and scholarships available from Federal and other sources for graduate students, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid. Consider talking to a Financial Aid Officer. Note: Those seeking a Graduate Certificate rather than a full graduate degree are ineligible for most grants, loans, assistantships, and scholarships.

University-wide assistantships and scholarships are often available for SCIS students, but only those students who have their complete graduate applications submitted by January 15 are typically placed by the School into the pool of those considered. All full-time students are eligible to apply.

Many students are supported through jobs on campus in various technical and administrative support roles. Openings are regularly posted at student employment.

As an online working student, does your employer support a tuition reimbursement program?

Despite the high percentage of companies offering tuition-assistance programs, average employee participation is still only around 5 percent. Under IRS rules in 2020, up to $5,250 in educational reimbursement may be written off by the company as an employee fringe benefit. Over that amount is reported as employee income, and thus the employee must pay taxes on any amount the employer pays over $5,250.

Note: At an in-state graduate tuition rate, Maine employees of participating employers may take almost 12 credits per year (4 courses) online at UMaine with no cost to themselves except potentially for fees if not covered by their employer. At the out-of-state e-rate for tuition, U.S. employees of participating employers in any state may take approximately 9 credits per year online at UMaine with no cost to themselves.

Advance Your Future:
UMAINE GRADUATE SCHOOL

APPLY TODAY

Spatial Computing Faculty

ADJUNCT FACULTY:
Michael Cressey
Jonathan Paul

EMERITI:
Kate Beard-Tisdale
Professor of Spatial Computing
kate.beard@maine.edu
Harlan Onsrud
Professor of Spatial Computing
harlan.onsrud@maine.edu
Max Egenhofer
Professor of Spatial Computing
max.egenhofer@maine.edu

Silvia NITTEL

Associate Professor of & Graduate Coordinator of Spatial Computing

Kimberly Lai, M.A.

UMaineOnline Advisor

Karen Kidder

Administrative Support Supervisor – School of Computer & Information Science

School of computer and information Science

5711 Boardman Hall
Room 348
Orono, ME 04469
Tel: 207.581.21

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