[ M.S. | Calendar | Advising ]
The Master of Science degree in geographic information science (MS-GISci) is a Plan B (non-thesis) program that is intended for current or aspiring professionals in the rapidly growing GIS sector. Students are trained in the science and application of spatial technologies including remote sensing, geographic information systems, cartography, and quantitative geographic analysis. Significantly, the MS-GISci program focuses on organizational and management aspects, as well as technical and scientific training. While this program is appropriate for persons without broad training in the geographic sciences, prospective students should have some academic or professional experience with GIS. Since most Ph.D. programs require a research Master's degree as an entrance requirement; persons interested in eventually pursuing a Ph.D. should consider the MS in Geography rather than this non-thesis, MS degree.
To be admitted to the program students must have a minimum GPA of 3.4 in their undergraduate program and/or have a combined score of 1000 (verbal and quantitative) on their GREs. International students must have achieved a 600 on the paper TOEFL exam.
General Requirements for the MS in GISc degree at MSU
| Complete the following courses: GEO 425 - Geographic Information Systems (or its equivalent, if taken elsewhere) GEO 820 - GIS in Government and Business GEO 821 - GIS Practicum |
10 Credits 4 3 3 |
| Complete one course in cartography | 3-4 credits |
| Complete one course in quantitative methods | 3-4 credits |
| Complete one of the following: GEO 825 - Geoprocessing (4) GEO 826 - Geocomputation (3) GEO 827 - Digital Image Processing (4) Please note: The majority of these courses have prerequisites that have to be completed prior to enrollment in these courses. |
3-4 credits 4 3 4 |
| Electives | 8-11 Credits |
| Complete a minimum of 16 credits at the 800 or 900 level | |
| Pass the final exit examination. The examining committee shall consist, at a minimum, of the student’s Advisor and at least one other faculty member. The final examination will cover the student's declared primary area of study within the field of GISci, as well as related theory and methodology. Successful completion of the examination will be determined by a vote of the examination committee. |
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[ M.S. | Calendar | Advising ]
Calendar of Progress Toward the Master's Degree
| Middle of second semester | Advisor chosen |
| End of second semester | Master's Advisory Committee chosen Master's Advisory Committee Program Report on file |
Failure to meet one or more of the above deadlines may be taken as evidence of lack of satisfactory progress toward the Master's degree.
[ M.S. | Calendar | Advising ]
Academic Advising and Committee Structure for Master's Students
The Department of Geography is committed to providing the best advice regarding program planning, research, selection of courses and faculty, and general degree requirements, with the understanding that students are responsible for consulting their advisors before making program decisions.
Incoming Master's students are assigned to the Graduate Program Coordinator until an advisor is selected by the student. The professor with whom the student works most closely is the major professor or advisor. The student must select an advisor no later than the middle point of the second semester following entry into the program. The thesis advisor must be a member of the regular Geography faculty.
The Master's Advisory Committee consists of at least two persons: the advisor, who chairs the committee, and the person(s) who will be second (or third) reader(s) of the thesis. The composition of the committee must be approved by the Chairperson of the Department and reported to the Graduate Program Coordinator and Department's Graduate Secretary. Persons eligible to serve as Advisory Committee members include all regular Michigan State University faculty and, in some cases, emeritus faculty. Persons who are Specialists and Administrative Professionals may be included on the Committee but do not count toward the minimum of two (or more) members required. They are, in essence, "extras."
By the end of the second semester following admission to the graduate program, the student, in consultation with the Master's Advisory Committee, shall formulate an appropriate program of study. The program must be approved by the Chairperson of the Department and reported to the Graduate Program Coordinator. A completed Master's Program form must be submitted to the Graduate Secretary. Changes in the program must be approved by the Department Chairperson and a Master's Program Changes form submitted to the Graduate Secretary.
Master's students changing from an advisor who has already been officially designated and approved must first convene a meeting of the current and prospective advisors and the Graduate Program Coordinator to discuss the matter. The student shall be responsible for finding a meeting time and place that is convenient for the above persons. The Department Chairperson shall be notified of this meeting, by the student, at least 5 days in advance.
Additional Information