MS in Integrated Geospatial Technology
The Master's program is designed to represent the diversity within the body of knowledge that comprises Integrated Geospatial Technology. The specific set of courses a student takes to meet the requirements of the degree is meant to be flexible to allow a customized program that will satisfy specific research or project interests.
It is assumed that each student will take at least 2 courses from at least 2 different areas and specialize in one area in order to understand the essence of integrated approaches to solving real life problems. The tables below provide examples of possible study plans; actual degree plans will vary and will reflect a customized plan of study developed by students in consultation with their advisor. Note that Plan A is a traditional thesis-oriented degree, Plan B includes course work and a project or practicum with a company, and Plan C is a course work-only option.
Options
Each student must submit any necessary forms for their degree option to document their progress with the Graduate School. Individual option requirements are as follows.
Thesis Option
This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of the advisor. The thesis describes a research investigation and its results. The scope of the research topic for the thesis should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in twelve months or three semesters following the completion of course work by regularly scheduling graduate research credits. The thesis must be prepared following the current procedures.
At least two weeks prior to the oral examination, students must
- Schedule the final oral examination by completing a scheduling request on MyMichiganTech
- Submit a draft thesis to the Graduate School
- Distribute the thesis to the examining committee
The Degree schedule form must be approved before a defense is scheduled.
Students must also report the results of the oral examination and submit a final thesis to the Graduate School prior to completing their degrees.
The minimum requirements are as follows:
| Course work (minimum) | 20 credits |
| Thesis research | 6–10 credits |
| Total (minimum) | 30 credits |
| Distribution of course work credit | |
| 5000–6000 series (minimum) | 12 credits |
| 3000–4000 level (maximum) | 12 credits |
Report Option
This option requires a report describing the results of an independent study project. The scope of the research topic should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in twelve months or three semesters following the completion of course work by regularly scheduling graduate research credits. The report must be prepared following the current procedures.
At least two weeks prior to the oral examination, students must
- Schedule their examination using the Pre-defense form
- Distribute the report to the examining committee
- Submit the report to the Graduate School
The Degree schedule form must be approved before a defense is scheduled.
Students must also report the results of the oral examination and submit the final report to the Graduate School using the current procedures.
Of the minimum total of 30 credits, at least 24 must be earned in course work other than the project.
| Course work | 24 credits |
| Report | 2–6 credits |
| Total (minimum) | 30 credits |
| Distribution of course work credit | |
| 5000–6000 series (minimum) | 12 credits |
| 3000–4000 level (maximum) | 12 credits |
Coursework Option
This option requires a minimum of 30 credits be earned through coursework. Use of limited number research credits in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a coursework degree may be allowed in exceptional cases. Students wishing to apply research credits toward a coursework degree must obtain approval from their advisor and department. The department must then obtain approval from the Graduate School. Approval will only be granted when there is evidence that an appropriate body of work has been completed, sufficient deliverables have been produced, and circumstances beyond the students' control have made it necessary for them to change from a research-based to a coursework-based degree program.
A graduate program may require an oral or written examination before conferring the degree.
| Distribution of coursework credit | |
| 5000–6000 series (minimum) | 18 credits |
| 3000–4000 level (maximum) | 12 credits |
Sample Study Plans
These plans are not official lists of degree requirements. Adjustments may be required due to curriculum changes.
Plan A: Sample Study Plan (24 course credits + 9 research credits = 33 credits)
Plan B: Report Option
Plan C: Course Work Option (Other study plans are possible in consultation with an advisor.)
| Geodesy | Remote Sensing/Imaging | GIScience | |||
| Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring |
| Year 1 | |||||
| FW5540 (4) SU5003 (1) SU5020 (3) SU5041 (3) |
SU5010 (3) SU5021 (3) SU5540 (3) |
SU5002 (1) SU5020 (3) SU5930 (3) |
FW5560 (4) SU5010 (3) SU5540 (3) |
SU5003 (1) SU5020 (3) SU5041 (3) |
SU5010 (3) SU5042 (3) FW5440 (4) |
| Year 2 | |||||
| SU5003 (1) SU5022 (3) SU5930 (3) |
FW5560 (4) SU5023 (3) |
FW5550 (4) SS5300 (3) SU5003 (1) |
SU5043 (3) SU5540 (3) SU5800 (1) |
FW5550 (4) SU5004 (3) FW5043 (3) |
FW5560 (4) SU5800 (1) |