Geospatial Systems Engineering MS

Overview

The Master of Science in Geospatial Systems Engineering will provide students with knowledge and skills focusing on the research, design, development, and use of technologies in geospatial surveying engineering. The program builds upon the ABET accredited undergraduate Geographic Information Science program (GISc) and the existing geographic information science concentration in the master’s program in computer science. The program satisfies the regional, state and national need for master’s-level graduates in geospatial systems design and surveying engineering. Due to the diversity of geospatial applications in industry, the 36 credit hour program is purposely designed to offer breadth in the course work.

Our degree is offered entirely online and on campus.  If you plan on attending courses online, you are required to have access to high-speed internet access on a daily basis.

Objectives of the program

Graduates of the Master of Science in Geospatial Systems Engineering will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Develop, manage, and analyze geospatial data using field and laboratory techniques, integrating surveying and engineering.
2. Develop the capacity for continued learning and professional application.
3. Apply geospatial systems engineering technologies creatively in real-world setting to solve geospatial processes and effects.
4. Become nationally and internationally recognized professionals.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Science in Geospatial Systems Engineering will have:

1. The ability to lead teams and apply problem-solving skills that include oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate professional geospatial information.
2. An awareness and utilization of external organizations and institutions that provide useful geospatial data sets and their relationships to traditional and contemporary societal issues.
3. A recognition of the need for continued learning and development of leadership skills through involvement in volunteer professional organizations and societies.

Degree Requirements

The course of study leading to an MS degree in Geospatial Systems Engineering is composed of four components:

1. General prerequisites (must be satisfied before the student can be formally and unconditionally accepted to the MS program).
2. Required Core Courses.
3. Graduate Project Proposal.
4. Graduate Thesis or Graduate Creative Project

Thesis/Non-Thesis Option

Students will choose between thesis and non-thesis options. The non-thesis option is designed for students who desire a greater breadth of understanding of geospatial systems engineering than the thesis option provides. The curriculum will especially benefit individuals employed in scientific or technical fields who seek advancement or additional training to enhance their knowledge and skills.  Non-thesis students must complete a professional research project with a written final report and seminar. The thesis option requires a thesis based upon original research, supported by the scientific literature, and proved statistically, when appropriate. The thesis master’s degree will allow a person to pursue advanced graduate study, or to obtain employment in most areas requiring a detailed knowledge of a specific aspect of geospatial systems engineering.

Students following either option will be required to take a core of interdisciplinary courses to provide a broad background, and to select elective courses in consultation with their advisory committee to provide in depth education in a particular area of emphasis related to geospatial surveying engineering. The elective courses may derive from one science discipline but they will often be interdisciplinary.