Geographic Information Science
Masters of Science in Geographic Information Science
The Master of Science degree is a Plan B (non-thesis) program that emphasizes applications of analytical techniques in the field of geography, particularly Geographic Information Sciences (GISci). In addition, students are trained in several 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. Since most Ph.D. programs require a research Master’s degree as an entrance requirement; persons interested in eventually pursuing a Ph.D. should get a MA in Geography, not 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
| 1. | 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 |
| 2. | Complete one course in cartography. | 3-4 credits |
| 3. | Complete one course in quantitative methods. | 3-4 credits |
| 4. | Complete one of the following: Geo 825 – Geoprocessing (4) Geo 826 – Geocomputation (3) Geo 827 – Digital Image Processing (4) |
3-4 credits |
| 5. | Electives | 8-11 Credits |
| Complete a minimum of 16 credits at the 800 or 900 level. | ||
| 6. | 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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We currently have approximately 10 students in the MSGISc program. We have graduated 24 students since the programs' inception in 2001. Virtually all are currently employed in the field. Examples of where our students are working include:
City of Davenport, Iowa
Ingham County (MI) Health Department, Lansing
MapInfo, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MSU Extension), Lansing
Plangraphics, Silver Spring, Maryland
Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, Detroit
State of Michigan, Department of Natural Resources
State of Michigan, Department of Community Health
State of Montana, Department of Natural Resources
State of Montana, Department of Environmental Quality
United States Geological Survey
United States Air Force
For more information, please contact:
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Ms. Sharon Ruggles Graduate Secretary 101 Geography Building Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 (517) 355-4650 ruggles@msu.edu |
Dr. Antoinette WinklerPrins Graduate Program Coordinator 207 Geography Building Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 (517) 432-7163 antoinet@msu.edu |