Graduate Program
The Department of Geosciences offers the Master of Science in Geosciences degree with thesis and non-thesis options. The thesis option requires 30 credit hours of course work including six hours of thesis. The non-thesis option includes 33 hours of course work plus written and oral examinations. Both options require proficiency in statistical analysis. The program prepares students for positions in the public and private sectors or for additional graduate study.
The Masters in Geosciences focuses upon remote sensing, digital image processing, and geographic and archaeological information systems. Graduate students work closely with faculty on research projects that provide valuable practical experience, enhance employment opportunities, and support continued graduate education. The Department has close ties with the Mid-America Remote Sensing Center (MARC), a center dedicated to teaching, research, and service to the community in remote sensing and GIS. Research opportunities are also available at the Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site, the Murray State Archaeology Laboratory, and the Center of Excellence for Reservoir Research (CRR) where water-related research is conducted.
Chair: Tom Kind
Location: Wilson Hall, Room 104
Graduate Coordinator: Tom Kind
Location: MARC, Lowry Center, Murray State University,
Murray, Kentucky 42071
Telephone: (270) 809-2148
Requirements for Admission
Applicants must meet the Murray State University requirements
(see Chapter 2). The department requires that three letters of recommendation
accompany application materials. A letter discussing reasons for the applicant’s
interest in the program should also be forwarded. Submission of GRE scores
is encouraged but not required. Additional requirements for unconditional
and conditional admission are as follows.
Unconditional
To qualify for unconditional admission, an applicant
must have an overall grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in a geoscience
(or related) field.
Conditional
Students admitted conditionally are admitted to full
standing after completing (1) any remedial courses required by the graduate
faculty and (2) one semester of graduate work with an overall grade point
average of 3.0 or above.
Master of Arts/Master of Science in Geosciences
CIP 40.0601
The student’s program is developed in consultation with the graduate coordinator.
THESIS TRACK
Total Course Requirements 30 hours
GSC 512 Introduction to Remote Sensing
GSC 521 Geographic Information Systems
GSC 619 Seminar in Research Techniques
GSC 640 Advanced Remote Sensing
GSC 660 Spatial Analysis Techniques
GSC courses at 600-level (3 hrs)
GSC or related courses at 500- or 600-level (5 hrs)
GSC 698-699 Thesis Research
Other Degree Requirements
• Proficiency in quantitative methods through MAT 565.
• Oral defense of thesis.
NON-THESIS TRACK
Total Course Requirements 33 hours
Same as above with the following substitution for thesis:
GSC 696 Understanding Scientific Communications
GSC courses, at 600-level increase to 6 hrs
GSC or related courses at 500- or 600-level increase
to 8 hrs
Other Degree Requirements
• Proficiency in quantitative methods through MAT 565.
• Written and oral comprehensive examinations.
Master of Arts in Education
(Secondary Education) with Geography Specialization
CIP 13.1205
Students seeking the M.A.Ed. in secondary education (see Chapter 5) may complete a geography specialization with 12 hours of 500- or 600-level geography courses.
Master of Arts in Education
(Secondary Education) with Earth Science Specialization
CIP 13.1205
Students seeking the M.A.Ed. in secondary education (see
Chapter 5) may complete an earth science specialization with 12 hours of
500- or 600-level earth science courses.
Additional information:
Murray State University Catalogs: http://www.murraystate.edu/provost/catalogs/