Geospatial Science & Engineering (GSE) Ph.D. Program

Program Information

The Ph.D. in Geospatial Science & Engineering (GS&E) program provides a multidisciplinary doctoral education that focuses on geographic information science (GISc). GISc is an emerging multidisciplinary field that incorporates research in geography/geographic sciences, environmental science and engineering, electrical and computer science and engineering, and the social sciences. The doctoral student may declare one of two Specializations: (1) Remote Sensing Geography, or (2) Remote Sensing Engineering, or may elect to complete the degree without a declared Specialization.

In 2004, the South Dakota Board of Regents approved the new SDSU-EROS Data Center Geographic Information Science Center of Excellence. The Center is a joint program that will enable South Dakota State University faculty and students, along with EDC scientists, to carry out collaborative research, seek professional development, and implement educational programs in the application of geographic information science. The Ph.D. in GS&E program strongly supports the research activities of this new center of excellence.

SDSU enjoys a fruitful collaborative research relationship with the USGS EROS Data Center, located only a short distance from Brookings. The EROS Data Center is the premier USGS geographic analysis and research facility with a focus on documenting and understanding the changing earth. It is also the largest repository of information on the land surface, enabling researchers the world over to implement the principles of geospatial science and engineering in investigating the dynamic earth system.

Curriculum

The GS&E doctoral program is unique in the way it brings together the science and engineering disciplines to focus on the area of GISc:

1. Required Interdisciplinary courses (6 credits required):
   *GSE 740 geospatial Science and Engineering, 3 credits
   *GSE 790 Seminar in geospatial Science and Engineering, 3 credits
2. Specialization courses (at least 6 credits required):
   A minimum of six credits of coursework in geography or engineering must be selected from an approved list of Specialization and Supporting Courses, which focus on the specialization area of the student's dissertation topic.
3. Supporting courses (at least 12 credits required):
   A minimum of twelve credits of multidisciplinary coursework must be selected from an approved list of Specialization and Supporting Courses. This is intended to add multidisciplinary support of the chosen specialization and dissertation topic.
4. Dissertation: 36 credits

Total Credits: 90 (minimum of 60 credits beyond the M.S. degree)

*These new courses are pending approval by the SD Board of Regents:

GSE 740 Introduction to geospatial Science and Engineering (3 credits)

Integrates the research and cores of the disciplines of geography and engineering with the science and technologies in monitoring the geosphere, biosphere and hydrosphere components of the earth system. The application of applied science using the tools of these disciplines in the monitoring of these components will be addressed. This course will provide a broad overview of the major topical areas of GISc and remote sensing engineering. Special attention will be given to the interface of science and engineering and the unique role of GISc as an interdisciplinary area for environmental investigation. Includes an examination of current issues in these disciplines and technologies relative to global scale research.
Prerequisite: Admitted to Ph.D. program in GSE

GSE 790 Seminar in Geospatial Science and Engineering (1-3 credits)

Provides an in-depth discussion and evaluation of emerging research and applications of GISc. It will also include the review of the current practice issues of the profession and career paths. Selected topics in geospatial science and engineering. Students are required to make presentations that are multidisciplinary in nature. Specific topics to be studied will change each semester. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: GSE 740

Contact Information

For additional information on the Ph.D. in Geospatial Science & Engineering, contact:

For Graduate Admissions or other general information:

Graduate School
South Dakota State University
Box 2201
Brookings, SD 57007
E mail the Graduate School

For information on the Remote Sensing Geography Specialization area:

Dr. Roger Sandness, Professor & Head
Geography Department
230 Scobey Hall, Box 0504
Brookings, SD 57007
(605) 688-4840
roger.sandness@sdstate.edu

For information on the Remote Sensing Engineering Specialization area:

Dr. Dennis Helder, Professor & Head
Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
201 Harding Hall, Box 2220
Brookings, SD 57007
(605) 688-4526
dennis.helder@sdstate.edu

For information on the SDSU-EROS Data Center GISc Center of Excellence:

Dr. Matthew Hansen, Co-Director
Geographic Information Science Center of Excellence (GIScCE)
1021 Medary Ave., Wecota Hall Box 506B
Brookings, SD 57007
(605) 688-6848
matthew.hansen@sdstate.edu