2013-2014 University Catalog 
  
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2013-2014 University Catalog

Earth Systems and Geoinformation Sciences, PhD

Banner Code:  SC-PHD-ESGS

The PhD in Earth Systems and Geoinformation Sciences program (ESGS) is based on the integration of the scientific disciplines in geosystems, geosciences, and geoinformatics. 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.

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. 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 complete a Mason graduate application on-line at http://admissions.gmu.edu/grad/. Official transcripts from each college and graduate institution attended, a current resume, and an expanded goals statement will be required.

Applicants will also need three letters of recommendation and an official report of scores obtained on the GRE-GEN. 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. A minimum combined math and verbal GRE score of 1200/1600 (old test) and 270/340 (new test) are needed to qualify for the Presidential Fellowship.

Reduction of Credit

For students entering the doctoral program with a master’s degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution, the number of required credits may be reduced up to 30 credits, subject to approval of the program faculty and the associate dean for student and academic affairs. See the College of Science graduate policies section for more information.

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.

Doctoral Course Work (48 credits)

Core Courses (24 credits)

All students are required to take 24 credits of courses selected from a set of six core areas. Of the cores, students must complete at least one course in five of the cores and two courses in at least three of those five.

Quantitative Core
Geoinformatics Core
Geosciences and Physical Geography Core
Human Geography Core
Geographic Information Science Core
Remote Sensing Core

Research Synthesis (2-3 credits)

Colloquium (2 credits)

Electives (19-32 credits)

  • Credits necessary to reach 72 total credits. At least half of the elective credits taken must be from GGS courses in consultation with graduate program director.

Dissertation Research (24 credits)

Students take 24 credits, with at least 12 credits in GGS 999.

Dissertation Committee

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.

Candidacy Examination

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. 

Dissertation Proposal and Advancement to Candidacy

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. 

Doctoral Dissertation

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.

Total: 72 credits