Graduate Program
Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy programs are offered to enhance a student’s capabilities in developing technical and professional areas. The M.S. student is expected to provide technical leadership to surveying and mapping organizations. PhD students develop a higher level of advancement in the Geomatics knowledge base. Financial aid may be available for graduate students to work as graduate assistants or to assist with an ongoing research project.
For more detailed information on degree requirements, the SFFGS Graduate Handbook is an excellent resource for prospective and current Geomatics graduate students.
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Master of Science (Thesis and Non-Thesis)
Concentration in Geomatics and Geographic Information Sciences
The aim of a Master’s program is to take a person who has completed a basic four-year degree into mastery of the technical aspects of geographic information systems from a historical surveying and mapping viewpoint. While a baccalaureate degree prepares for entry into a career in the working discipline, a person finishing this Masters program should demonstrate abilities at the “cutting edge” of knowledge in geographic information system theory and application. Within the GIS Masters degree program, the student may specialize in a chosen area of application while taking a core group of technical courses in remote sensing, mapping, geodetic coordinate systems, GPS, database technology, and cadastral mapping. Research usually consists of developing a state-of-the-art application in any area of the student’s choice: natural sciences, earth sciences, planning, land administration, or professional surveying and mapping.
Students can participate in a Master of Science degree program as either a thesis or non-thesis student. The graduate admission requirements are the same for either option.
The online non-thesis Master of Science degree was approved in the Fall of 2011. An article in the 2013 Professional Surveyor Red Pages outlines the program benefits highlighted by in-state tuition for students residing outside the state of Florida.
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Doctor of Philosophy
Concentration in Geomatics and Geographic Information Sciences
In a PhD program, the student not only receives a broad basic exposure and mastery of current knowledge, but demonstrates the ability to expand knowledge horizons. The PhD student in this program learns how to develop new knowledge in geographic information sciences and application. In this program, the student may specialize in one of many areas, such as image processing/remote sensing, digital mapping, geodesy, satellite positioning, database technology and land administration. Research usually involves developing innovative additions to the state of the art in the chosen area.
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Non-Degree Seeking Students
Many students like to take one or two classes as non-degree students while working on the necessary application materials for admission into either a MS or PhD degree Geomatics Graduate Program.