Division of Mathematics & Sciences

Master of Applied Science in Geospatial Information Technologies

The Master of Applied Science in Geospatial Information Technologies (MAS-GIT) program is a designated “Signature Program” at Delta State University. The program is designed to meet the needs of students from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds who have completed an undergraduate degree and seek advanced academic training in geospatial information technologies. It is a fully online degree program that offers students everywhere with flexibility needed for advancing their career without interrupting current work duties. Resources are also available on campus to support learning. The program has attracted students worldwide (see the map of our graduates).

Geospatial information technologies are innovative approaches that government agencies, private businesses and non-profit organizations increasingly employ to understand problems and make informed decisions.

The MAS-GIT program offers advanced coursework, practicum, and independent research opportunities in geospatial science and technologies. Balanced course study and practical learning experience engage students in applying spatial analysis tools to solve a wide range of contemporary problems, such as environment, geospatial intelligence, urban and regional planning, natural resources, ecology, economy, business and more.
No out-of-state fees are required for this online program.

  • Fully online with flexible study time
  • No Out-of-state fees
  • Admissions open for every semester
  • Multiple start dates a year

Program Objectives

The MAS-GIT degree program offers education and practice of geospatial information science, advanced geospatial analysis, remote sensing, digital image processing and information extraction, photogrammetry, computer programing and innovative research. The program is designed to meet the needs of students from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds (e.g., geography, geosciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, engineering, environmental sciences, earth science, computer information systems, meteorology, ecology, forestry, social sciences, interdisciplinary studies) who have completed an undergraduate degree and seek advanced academic training in geospatial information technologies.

The program focuses on state-of-the-art geospatial science and technologies that practitioners in geospatial fields seek. The program combines a professional orientation with an academic foundation by requiring both course work and practicum. Students are provided with research opportunities to solve and document real world geospatial problems. The program prepares students for entering professions and advancing careers in government, private industry, and academic research in geospatial fields.

Program Details

To learn more about how geospatial information technologies are applied in various fields (urban and regional planning, natural resources, environment, ecology, economy, and business etc.), please visit the MAS-GIT information page.

Admission

Full admission to the MAS-GIT program may be granted to the applicant who:

  1. Meets all requirements for admission to Graduate School.
  2. Has earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.75 on all undergraduate coursework
    a. in GIT or a related discipline (e.g., geography, geosciences, biological sciences, physical sciences,
    engineering, environmental sciences, earth science, computer information systems, meteorology,
    ecology, forestry, social sciences, interdisciplinary studies). OR
    b. in other disciplines and has at least three years of successful relevant GIT experience supported by two letters of recommendation from practitioners in the field.

A student with an earned GPA between 2.5 and 2.75 may be considered for full admission with an academic hold for the first semester or through a certain number of courses.

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted for both Fall and Spring terms before the semester start date.  Although applications submitted after the start dates through the end of the registration (typically the seventh day of classes each semester) will be reviewed, we strongly encourage individuals to apply as early as possible in order to allow time for GIT software setup.

How To Apply:

  1. Visit the DSU online applicant portal.
  2. Submit all official transcripts to Delta State Graduate Admissions. You can submit via e-transcript (grad-info@deltastate.edu), or via mail (Kent Wyatt Hall Suite 239, 1003 W Sunflower Road, Cleveland, MS, 38733). Letters of recommendation can be e-mailed to the address above.

Pathway 1: For students with GIT undergraduate degree or equivalent introductory graduate classes, or 5 years professional experience in the field.

GIT Core Courses – 18 hours                                                       

REM 616: Applied Remote Sensing
REM 617: Image Analysis and Info. Extraction
GIS 610: Advanced GIS and Applications
GIS 631: Digital Photogrammetry
GIS 691: GIS Capstone I
GIS 692: GIS Capstone II
GIS 693: GIS Capstone III

Electives in GIT OR in advisor-approved related discipline(s) – 12 hours

GIS 570: Programming GIS
GIS 580: Internet GIS and Spatial Database
GIS 640: GIT for Disaster and Emergency Management
GIS 642: Environmental Applications for GIT

Total hours for degree – 30

Pathway 2: For students who do not have an undergraduate GIT degree or professional experience in the field.

 Introductory Courses – 6 hours                                                 

GIS 512: Principles of GIS
GIS 514: Geostatistics and Spatial Analysis

 GIT Core Courses – 18 hours (see Pathway 1 above)

Electives in GIT OR in advisor-approved related discipline(s) – 6 hours

GIS 570: Programming GIS
GIS 580: Internet GIS and Spatial Database
GIS 640: GIT for Disaster and Emergency Management
GIS 642: Environmental Applications for GIT

Total hours for degree – 30

Degree Requirements

A candidate for the Master of Applied Science in Geospatial Information Technologies is required to meet the following:

1. Fulfill general requirements for a graduate degree at Delta State University.
2. Complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate credit.
3. Earn an overall GPA of at least 3.0.
4. A student who receives a grade of D or F or who acquires two grades of C will be removed from the
program.

Student Responsibility. The graduate student must accept full responsibility for knowing and following the policies and regulations of DSU graduate programs, as well as requirements specific to the degree program.

Contact

Program Coordinator

Dr. Yongqin Zhang
P: (662) 846-4251
F: (662) 846-4798
yzhang@deltastate.edu

Address and Mailing

Mathematics & Sciences
College of Arts & Sciences
DSU Box C-4 Walters 116B
Cleveland, MS 38733