2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
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2011-2012 University Catalog

Earth Systems and Geoinformation Sciences, PhD

Banner Code:  SC-PHD-ESGS

The innovative PhD in Earth Systems and Geoinformation Sciences program (ESGS) is based on the integration of the scientific disciplines in geosystems, geosciences, and geography, with the two slightly more technology-oriented scientific disciplines in geoinformation sciences: remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS). Graduates from the ESGS doctoral program will be qualified to serve as lead scientists in a wide range of activities involving geosciences, geography, GIS, and remote sensing.

The continual expansion of the NASA Earth observation satellite constellation, the development and expansion of the spatial data infrastructure at federal agencies, and the need to analyze these Earth-oriented data to achieve environmental and economic objectives ensure a constant need in the foreseeable future for qualified scientists in these fields. Students receive broad-based training in the geosciences and geography, as well as concentrated courses in computation and geoinformation sciences.

The ESGS doctoral program represents a gateway to an academic career for some students; for others, it facilitates career advancement in the public sector or private industry. Graduates are equipped to participate in interdisciplinary research, which is the norm in today’s research arena. In addition, students also receive training in teaching, qualifying them to join academic units in more traditional disciplinary and instruction oriented settings or in multidisciplinary programs.

This program of study is offered by the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science in the College of Science.

Admission Requirements

This program is intended for graduates who hold a BS or BA degree in atmospheric science, climatology, meteorology, Earth science, geology, environmental science, remote sensing and Earth observing, hydrology, oceanography, geography, or a related field with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Applicants should have knowledge of calculus and a working proficiency with a computer programming language.

Knowledge of mathematics through ordinary differential equations is preferred. Interested applicants should contact the academic coordinator or the GGS chair for more specific advice. To apply, prospective students should forward a completed Mason graduate application, two copies of official transcripts from each college and graduate institution attended, a current résumé, and an expanded goals statement to the COS Fairfax Campus Graduate Admissions Processing Center.

Applicants should also include three letters of recommendation and an official report of scores obtained on the GRE-GEN. The GRE-SUB is recommended if it is given in the student’s undergraduate major. The GRE requirement for admission to the doctoral program may be waived if the student holds a master’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution. TOEFL scores are required of all international applicants. GRE-GEN scores are required of students wishing to be considered for a GMU Presidential Fellowship.

Degree Requirements

Students must satisfy all requirements for doctoral degrees expressed in the Academic Policies section of this catalog. The curriculum consists of 72 credits: 48 credits of course work and 24 credits of dissertation research. The 48-credit requirement may be reduced by up to 30 credits for a qualified student holding a previous master’s degree. Up to 24 credits of previous, relevant graduate course work may be transferred into the program as long as those credits have not been applied toward a previous degree.

All students are required to take 18 credits of courses selected from a set of three core areas: computational-quantitative, geosciences-geography, and geoinformation. Students also take 6 credits of courses in one of the four areas of emphasis listed below:

  • Geosciences (GSC)
  • Geography (GEOG)
  • Remote Sensing and Earth Observation (RS)
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Students also have the option of taking courses from two or more emphasis areas, subject to the program director’s approval. Additional requirements include a single credit of colloquium taken three times, and electives relevant to the student’s focus.

All students will be assigned a temporary academic advisor when they first enroll in the program. No later than the end of the second year, each student should identify a dissertation advisor and form a doctoral committee. After completing all required courses, each student must take a candidacy exam administered by the dissertation committee. The exam will have written and oral components. Its purpose is to determine whether the student has acquired adequate general knowledge in the selected subject area, as well as much more detailed knowledge of the specific research topic planned for the dissertation.

After students have completed all required courses and passed the candidacy exam, they should prepare an acceptable dissertation proposal. After the dissertation proposal is approved, the student is formally advanced to doctoral candidacy. The degree will be awarded on completion of the required course work and approval of a PhD thesis that makes an original and significant contribution to the field.

Computational-Quantitative Core (6 credits):

Choose from the following:

Geosciences-Geography Core (6 credits):

6 credits selected from the following:

Geoinformation Sciences Core (6 credits):

Choose one course from the GIS group:

Emphasis Courses (6 credits):

Two courses selected from those listed below for the desired area of emphasis. Students choosing not to select a specific area will be assisted by their faculty advisor in developing a curriculum plan by combining courses from two or more of the following areas (the curriculum plan must be approved by the program director):

Geosciences:

Geography:

Remote Sensing and Earth Observation:

Geographic Information Systems:

Electives (21 credits):

  • 21 credits of approved electives

Colloquium (3 credits):

3 credits total, GGS 900 taken 3 times:

Dissertation Research (24 credits):

24 credits, with at least 12 credits in GGS 999:

Total: 72 credits