MSST vs. GIS?

Graduate School
1

<p>Hello CC,</p>

<p>Okay, so I’m a sociology major who is in his last year of college. I’m trying to decide on where I want to go for graduate school. I decided that I wanted to get into the field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) because of the fact that I can apply it in so many different ways (even sociologically!), in addition to the fact that it is such a marketable and useful skill to have. I’ve come across a new program though and it seems very interesting:</p>

<p>Master of Science in Security Technologies (MSST) at the University of Minnesota.</p>

<p>[Security</a> Technologies Graduate Degree | Homeland Security Careers, Nuclear Security Jobs & Airport Security Jobs | University of Minnesota | Technological Leadership Institute](<a href=“Technological Leadership Institute Home”>Technological Leadership Institute Home)</p>

<p>I went to an information session recently and found it to be a very nice program. I am currently interning at a police department and got to speak with some crime analysts about their job. That’s what got me interested in GIS (because of its use in crime mapping). I was wondering though…could the MSST work as well? It deals with crime prevention, as well as other security infrastructures such as bio/food safety, cyber security, etc. It’s a very interdisciplinary program, which is what I find so appealing about it. But…it’s only a year old (just started in 2010) and I’m not even sure the accreditation. </p>

<p>So, what’s the better option: security technologies or GIS? GIS seems far more marketable and renowned, but the field of security is also very solid. Based on my studies thus far, I’ve gained an interest in how social space affects human behavior and how people interact within their spaces. GIS could help me in that area, especially in terms of deviance and crime analysis. Interested in combining the social with the physical…makes for a good assessment. </p>

<p>Oh, and does anyone know of GIS programs with concentrations (as opposed to a generalized “just learn GIS” program)? I’m looking at University of Saint Mary’s because of that…four different options. Not so sure about any other schools. </p>

<p>Thanks!! :D</p>

<p>-Ulrich</p>

2

<p>I’m confused - why can’t you apply to both?</p>

3

<p>I will be applying to both. I just need to determine what my first choice is…and if the MSST is even worth it. Funding is an issue also. The MSST doesn’t offer any stipends or anything; gotta look to outside funds (scholarships, loans) for that…</p>

4

<p>Well I would wait to see where you get in first. You may not have a choice. </p>

<p>FWIW, I think the GIS program sounds better, only because it’s more established and wouldn’t be an unwise choice. They dangled MSST in your face which distracted you, sort of like “the grass is greener” effect. But you’ve gotta stick to what you know and like, which sounds like the GIS. Good luck!</p>

5

<p>Denizen,</p>

<p>I think I may indeed end up doing GIS instead. The cost is certainly a lot lower too (20k vs. 32k)…haha. I’d like to know that I’m getting my money’s worth when I go out and look for a job. </p>

<p>Thanks for the help! :]</p>

<p>I would still like to know what other people (possibly alumni?) think of the MSST though.</p>

6

<p>There are effectively no outside scholarships available for graduate students. The primary sources of financial aid for such programs are university-sponsored assistantships and fellowships.</p>

7

<p>So…none of these count?</p>

<p>[Graduate</a> School Fellowships for Diverse, Women, and Minority Students Pursuing Masters and PhDs](<a href=“http://www.imdiversity.com/Villages/Channels/grad_school/fellowships.asp]Graduate”>IMDiversity – Careers, Opportunities, and Diversity Connect)</p>

<p>Being Native American, that should help my application too since there are so few of us in higher education (particularly in the sciences).</p>