<p>Rockville, MD sounds like a great place to start a family. I’d have to return to Boston or spend most of my time around the U street corridor and Dupont circle about 30 minutes away from school if i was seeking a vibrant hip/student scene.
Definitely the early 20’s student vibe is not what i seek not only because i am 33, but also because I have a plan which requires 100% of focus. I am very curious about the student body at UMBC-Shady Grove. I wouldn’t enjoy being a full time student there if the MPS in GIS would exclusively attract local mature GIS professionals who attend classes get in their cars and leave. Usually those are people who attend academic programs as a professional requirement or a need for a promotion. I’d miss interacting with creative, curious and engaging students. That would be quite depressing for i am coming out of the military and the human interaction would be important not only in a professional level (networking) but also in a socio-acadmic level. The on the lab/campus/field interaction is extremely important to me. I wonder If i have to keep on looking for a grad GIS program? The one offered at shady grove campus is so perfect in so many levels, it will be crazy to pass it. I have my undergrad in geography from U of lisbon in Portugal, and a Grad GIS cert from UMass Boston in Boston , MA. I am separating from the military from Ft Meade, MD early 2014 so I do have some time to research. Feed back from people currently in the program would help.</p>
<p>Have you looked into the Masters GIS program from Penn State? </p>
<p>They also offer it as a World Campus program.</p>