Master of Science in Geographic Information Science GIS Software Requirements

Students taking on-line courses for this program will need ArcGIS and its Spatial Analyst, 3D Analyst, and Geostatistical Analyst extensions. (Note that this software needs Windows XP/NT/2000. Windows 95/98/ME will not work with ArcGIS software.) Below are three options for acquiring ArcGIS and the required extensions. The first method is the preferred and recommended option.

1. Purchase a one-year, time-out student license of ArcGIS (ArcView license) that includes the Spatial Analyst, 3D Analyst, and Geostatistical Analyst extensions for $100. With this option, students will need to purchase a license each year they are in the M.S. or certificate program. However, students will get the current version of ArcGIS whenever they acquire or renew their license. This will enable to you to keep current with the latest software release within a year. If you are in the M.S. or certificate program for several years, you will want to keep current with the latest version of ArcGIS.
2. Purchase regular student licenses (not time-out licenses) of ArcGIS (ArcView license) and the Spatial Analyst, 3D Analyst, and Geostatistical Analyst extensions. License prices are $250 for ArcGIS (ArcView license) and $150 for each extension, for a total of $700. This option does not include any upgrades to new versions of the software. For either the first or second option, students residing in the U.S. should call the ESRI Desktop Order Center at 800-447-9778. Ask for student pricing for ArcGIS. You will need a fax from the Department of Geology/Geography confirming that you are a student, and the Department will be happy to provide the fax. Students residing outside the U.S. need to contact ESRI's international distributor for their country. To find your distributor, see http://gis.esri.com/intldist/contactint.cfm . Pricing from international distributors may vary.
3. Purchase the book Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop, Second Edition, ESRI Press, 2004. This book includes a 180-day trial version of ArcGIS (ArcView license). The book may be purchased from ESRI by calling 800-447-9778 or by ordering on-line at http://gis.esri.com/esripress . Those residing outside the U.S. should access www.esri.com/library/esripress/orderoptions.html for ordering options. The book is also available from www.amazon.com . This option should only be used to immediately secure the software with the intention of fully buying the student version later. If you choose this option, make certain that you do not install the software too early so that the 180-day trial license expires before the end of the trimester.

Students employed by an organization that uses ArcGIS may wish to ask their employer about using ArcGIS at work. Students within driving distance of Northwest Missouri State University can access ArcGIS in the GIS lab in Garrett-Strong 1050. The lab may be used Monday through Friday, 7:30 - 5:30 PM when class is not being held in the lab. Evening or Saturday access to GS 1050 may be arranged by contacting the course instructor during the first week of class.

Please be aware that you are responsible for obtaining access to ArcGIS and its extensions and for installing the software on your PC. You should contact ESRI directly to obtain ArcGIS, rather than going through Northwest Missouri State University .

Other Software Requirements
Students are required to have software that creates Microsoft Word files (*.doc), PowerPoint files (*.ppt) and Excel files (*.xls) such as Microsoft Office XP/2000. Students are also responsible for installing the software on their PC.

Hardware Requirements for ArcGIS 8
You will need a PC running Windows 2000, Windows XP (Home Edition or Professional), or Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 6a. Please see www.esri.com/software/arcgis/arcview/ for other hardware requirements.

Browser Requirements
All Northwest on-line courses use eCollege (sm). For browser requirements, see www.northwestonline.org/ , then click on "Technical Information." Please note that the hardware requirements listed under "Technical Information" are not adequate for running ArcGIS 8. ArcGIS 8 does not run under Macintosh OS or under Windows 95, 98, 98SE, or ME.