M.S. in Geographic Information Science for Development and Environment
Clark’s STEM*-designated Master’s in Geographic Information Science for Development and Environment (GISDE) is a joint program between Clark’s International Development, Community and Environment Department (IDCE) and Graduate School of Geography. In this unique program, students prepare to meet some of the world’s most pressing social, political and economic challenges by developing expertise in and applying geospatial technologies to:
- Earth system information science
- Land use change
- Public health and environmental justice
- Food security and humanitarian assistance
- Conservation GIS
*Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
- Study with faculty from our top-ranked Graduate School of Geography and renowned International Development, Community and Environment Department.
- Take courses accessible to both GIS novices and people with prior GIS experience.
- Choose from a research, practitioner or portfolio track.
- Learn GIS programming skills for web mapping, automation, and advanced analytics by participating in the development of TerrSet (formerly IDRISI), the pioneering GIS and remote sensing software system developed by Clark Professor Ronald Eastman and Clark Labs.
- Benefit from a dedicated desktop computer with remote sensing and GIS software for each student.
- STEM-approved. Students who graduate with a STEM degree may be eligible to remain in the United States for up to 36 months on Optional Practical Training (OPT).
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND HOW TO APPLY
- Create an account on our online application portal to complete your Clark Graduate School Application and upload any additional credentials as required.
- Application fee: $75 (non-refundable), submitted with your online application.
- Required personal statement: Please provide a statement in which you discuss your career goals, and plans for achieving these goals. Please also discuss any relevant educational, professional or other experiences that will contribute to your success in the program and in your career.
- Letters of recommendation: Three recommendations are required. Recommendations should be provided from employers, supervisors, professors, instructors or others who are able to comment on your professional and educational goals and potential (no friends or relatives please).
- Test scores: Please have any required test scores sent to Clark University Graduate Admissions:
- GMAT/GRE scores: Optional.
- GRE code: 3279 (GRE Information)
- GMAT code: Q4X-6X-85 (GMAT Information)
- Foreign language proficiency tests: Required of all international applicants. Please contact us if you believe you qualify for an exemption.
- TOEFL code: 5969 (TOEFL Information)
- IELTS: Please notify IELTS to send scores electronically to the Graduate Admissions Office. (IELTS Information)
- GMAT/GRE scores: Optional.
- Official transcripts: Have your transcripts mailed directly from the institution to:
Clark University
Graduate Admissions Office
950 Main St.
Worcester, MA 01610
USA
- Monitor your application: Check the status of your application via the online application portalto ensure all of your credentials were received and view your final decision.
- Any questions? If at any point you have questions or concerns about your application, please contact the Graduate Admissions Office for assistance.
For Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and City Year Volunteers
All AmeriCorps, Peace Corps or City Year volunteers applying to a program in the International Development, Community and Environment department are required submit a description of service as part of their application. If you are currently serving and have not yet received your description of service, a letter from your supervisor stating your current status and when your service is expected to end will be acceptable. All descriptions of service or supervisor letters should be uploaded through your application status page or emailed to gradadmissions@clarku.edu.
For International Applicants
Official transcripts
All transcripts that are submitted as part of your application must be translated into English prior to submission. Transcripts from international programs that do not include the original language and the English translation will not be considered for admission. If you submit an official final transcript, please make sure to include confirmation of earned degree.
Financial documents
We ask that all international applicants refrain from sending financial documents as part of their application for admission. Financial documents will be needed only after you have received an offer of admission and choose to enroll at Clark University.
Required documents
After you accept the offer of admission and pay the non-refundable deposit, the following items are needed:
- International Student Information Form
- A copy of your passport
- Bank statement that is no more than 6 months old*
- Signed Affidavit of Support if the bank statement is not in your name and if you will not be using personal funds to finance your education*
Upload the documents listed above to your online application account.
*The bank statement and affidavit of support are needed for those who would like Clark University to issue an I-20 form (for students who want to obtain an F-1 student visa) or a DS-2019 (for students who want to obtain a J-1 visa)
Obtaining a student visa
After you upload the documents listed above, your information will be reviewed by Clark University’s International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). In most cases, the ISSO will issue an I-20 or DS-2019 form so that you can apply for a student visa. The I-20 form or DS-2019 form will be sent to you along with detailed steps on the visa application process. Here is a brief overview of the visa acquisition process:
- Read the I-20 or DS-2019 to make sure all of the information is accurate.
- Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to determine the procedures for visa application.
- Pay the $200 SEVIS fee online to the U.S. government.
- Schedule a visa interview online (DS-160)
- Information on photo requirements for a student visa can be found on the official website.
- Make sure to bring a copy of the following to your visa interview:
- SEVIS fee payment receipt
- Admission letter from Clark University
- Financial documents that prove you have funding listed on I-20 or DS-2019
- Documents that demonstrate your intention to return home after completion of studies.
Financial Assistance
International Development, Community and Environment (IDCE) Department Merit Fellowships
IDCE offers merit-based fellowships to qualified U.S. and international students who have demonstrated leadership in their work experience and have excellent academic qualifications. Fellowships include:
- IDCE Fellowships: 75 to 100 percent tuition-remission award. An important circle of scholars within the IDCE community, IDCE Fellows search for thoughtful, realistic and innovative approaches to international development, advancing social change, building community and promoting environmental sustainability.
Special Program Fellowships
IDCE partners with outside programs to offer these special fellowships:
- Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Fellows Program: IDCE partners with the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program (formerly Fellows/USA) to provide returning Peace Corps volunteers (RPCVs) with scholarships covering 50 percent of tuition; at least one exceptional student receives full tuition remission. To fulfill their service requirement, Fellows work with the IDCE Career Development Office to complete a supervised professional internship (either for credit, as part of a course or outside of degree requirements) with a local community organization. Fellows also may work with Clark’s Community Engagement Office to complete volunteer activities. Fellows also will be considered for paid assistantships. When applying to IDCE, check the appropriate box to be considered for a fellowship; there is no separate application. In addition, application fees are waived for RPCVs, although applicants must provide some form of verification of service at the time of the application in order to waive the fee.
- AmeriCorps Alumni Fellowships: IDCE offers fellowships covering at least 40 percent of tuition to all AmeriCorps alumni admitted to an IDCE graduate program. This fellowship includes and often exceeds the match provided by the AmeriCorps education award. In addition, each year IDCE awards at least one full tuition-free fellowship to an AmeriCorps alum of extraordinary merit. When applying to IDCE, check the appropriate box to be considered for a fellowship; there is no separate application. To waive the application fee, applicants must provide some form of verification of service at the time of the application.
- Teach for America Fellowships: IDCE provides partial tuition fellowships for all Teach for Americaalumni admitted to one of IDCE’s graduate programs. Awards cover at least 40 percent of tuition for up to two years in which the student is enrolled in the department. When applying to IDCE, check the appropriate box to be considered for a fellowship; there is no separate application.
- World Teach Fellowships: IDCE provides partial tuition fellowships to all admitted World Teachalumni. When applying to IDCE, check the appropriate box to be considered for a fellowship; there is no separate application.
- City Year Scholarship: IDCE provides partial tuition fellowships worth at least 40 percent tuition remission to City Year alumni admitted to a graduate program. In addition, IDCE awards at least one 75 percent competitive fellowship annually to a City Year alum of extraordinary merit. When applying to IDCE, check the appropriate box to be considered for a fellowship; there is no separate application. To waive the application fee, applicants must provide some form of verification of service at the time of the application.
- Compton Fellowships: In the past, IDCE has awarded Environment and Sustainable Development Fellowships from the Compton Foundation. The award enables students to carry out research projects on environmental management and sustainable development. Typically, there are four available fellowships for each incoming class (valued at $10,000 each). The primary goals of the Compton Graduate Fellowship Program are to increase developing countries’ professional capacity in peace and security, population and reproductive health, and environment and sustainability, and to promote research-based linkages between these three fields. IDCE’s Compton Fellowships support early to mid-career professionals from sub-Saharan Africa, Mexico and Central America.
- Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD) Alumni Fellowships: IDCE provides partial tuition fellowships worth at least 40 percent tuition remission to all FSD alumni who have six months or more of service abroad and who are admitted to one of IDCE’s graduate programs.
For more information please click "Further Official Information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://www.clarku.edu/programs/masters-geographic-information-science-development-and-environment