Choosing and Registering for Classes

Choosing and Registering for Classes in LionPATH

I’ve been accepted to the degree and this is the first time I’ll be taking classes

Explore Our Schedule and Course Descriptions

  • Our list of available courses and links to the syllabi and contents can be found here.
  • We also encourage you to email us at info@gis.psu.edu to talk to an academic advisor about which classes you should take given your interests, experience, and program of study.
  • Once you know which classes you want to take, use the steps listed below to register.

Class Registration Using LionPATH

  • Use your Penn State Access Account login to sign in to LionPATH. You will then be in the Student Center.
  • Please complete the Pre-Registration Activity Guide.
  • Click on the Search for Classes tab in the top right corner.
  • Select WC-World Campus.
  • In the Subject text box, type or choose GEOG from the dropdown menu. If known, you can enter a specific course number. Click the Search button.
  • In the Course dropdown list, find the course you want. Click the Select button by the desired course.
  • If a green circle is displayed by the course information, this indicates that the course is open for enrollment and you can click Next to add the course to your shopping cart. A yellow triangle indicates that the course is full, but you can reserve a seat on the waitlist. A blue square indicates the course is closed for enrollment.
  • Once you have selected courses, click on your shopping cart. Click the Select button beside each course, and then click the green Enroll button. Those courses will be added to your schedule.
  • Your semester bill will be generated and sent to you at a later time. Semester bills are created on the first of the month and due on the 22nd of that month. You will receive notification to your Penn State email, so please be sure to check that account frequently.

I’ve already taken classes in Penn State's Online Geospatial Education Programs

  • Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.
  • If you have trouble re-activating your Penn State Access Account or registering for classes, let us know.

I’d like to take classes as a non-degree student while I wait for my application decision

For many students, completing one or more classes prior to applying for the MGIS degree helps ensure that online learning is the right option. If admitted, fifteen credits earned in non-degree status can be counted toward the MGIS.

  • If you wish to take courses before applying to the MGIS Program, you should apply as a non-degree student. If you wish to register for one course by itself, please select "Certificate Admission - $65.00." Then select World Campus -> Geographic Information Systems. Even if you do not intend to earn a full Certificate, please choose the Certificate option - you will not be obligated to complete it.
  • After you have been admitted, you can follow the Class Registration Using LionPATH guide to select and join our classes.
  • If you need help or advice, let us know!

International Students

This information is taken from the official Graduate School Website.

The language of instruction at Penn State is English. All international applicants must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below.

Acceptable Test Scores

The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the internet-based test (iBT). Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 15 and 18 may be considered for provisional admission, which requires completion of specified remedial English courses ESL 114G (American Oral English for Academic Purposes) and/or ESL 116G (ESL/Composition for Academic Disciplines) and attainment of a grade of B or higher. The minimum acceptable composite score for the IELTS is 6.5. Specific Graduate programs may have more stringent requirements.

Exemptions from English Proficiency Testing

International applicants are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement who have received a baccalaureate or a graduate degree from a college/university/institution in any of the following: Australia, Belize, British Caribbean and British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Republic of Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the United States, and Wales. Please note that specific graduate programs may require all international applicants to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score, regardless of their academic background and country of origin.

Providing Transcripts from Institutions Outside of the United States

If your institution does not provide official English translations of documents, applicants usually reach out to the Ministry of Education for the particular country, any government translation agency for that country, any U.S. government translation agency, or ATA (American Translators Association) agency. Penn State accepts translations from these sources. Translated transcripts must be sent in printed form, directly from the translation authority to the Graduate School at Penn State. If you have questions, please contact the Graduate School.

Get Help

If you have any questions related to registration, choosing among our courses, certificates, and degree options, please let us know and we'll help you as quickly as possible.