Mason professor develops dual-degree master's program

Germana Manca, assistant professor in George Mason University's Department of Geography and GeoInformation Science, has had a busy semester. In addition to helping analyze the coast of Japan in the wake of the devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunami, she has put the finishing touches on a transatlantic dual-degree master's program.

Students will study in the United States, United Kingdom and Italy and come away with two degrees in two years. The program is offered through Geographic Information Science for Environmental and Spatial Planning (GISESP), a consortium of three universities. Eight American participants are eligible to receive a $12,000 fellowship through GISESP, and eight European participants receive a similar fellowship worth €12,000.

The partner universities are the University of Cagliari in Italy, the University of London College of Birkbeck in the United Kingdom and George Mason University in the United States. The degrees granted by the program are a U.S.-recognized master of science in geography and cartography and a European II level master degree in geographic information and environmental planning support.

The program will aim to equip graduates with the knowledge and training to work internationally. The intercultural "life experience," said Manca, is also a big part of the program. Students studying outside of their home country will have the opportunity to adapt and learn different ways of life. Language learning is a part of the program, and for U.S. students, a certificate of Italian language proficiency is provided following the completion of a language course in Italy.

The program is funded by the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE).  More information on the program, the consortium, and how to apply can be found here. Professor Manca can be reached at gmanca@gmu.edu.