|
The Master of Science (M.S.) Degree in GIScience Graduate
Student Handbook (511 kb) The Master of Science degree is a Plan B (non-thesis) degree that
emphasizes applications of analytical techniques in the field of geography. Students are
trained in advanced technologies such as remote sensing, geographic information systems,
cartography, and spatial analysis. The degree is aimed toward professionals who want to
acquire expertise in research techniques, but who may not necessarily wish to eventually
pursue a PhD. This program is appropriate for persons with interest, but not necessarily
strong training, in the geographical sciences. Students must have completed an
introductory course in GISci or cartography prior to entering the program. Students
must also complete a total of 30 credits distributed as follows:
All courses must be approved by the student's guidance committee.
Additionally, the student must present a poster or oral paper at a professional meeting,
and pass an exit examination administered by their graduate committee.
Calendar of Progress Toward the
Master's Degree
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.
Academic Advising and Committee Structure for Master's Students
The Department of Geography is committed to the policy that graduate students have a right to 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 Supervisor 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 with a Ph.D. in Geography. 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 Supervisor 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." The Advisory Committee must be formed no later than the end of the second semester following entry into the program. 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 Supervisor. 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. Changes in the student's committee, or changes in the program, must be approved by the Department Chairperson. A Master's Program Changes form must be completed and 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 Supervisor 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 |