Geographic Information Science, PhD
GIS, Physical Geography, Remote Sensing, Spatial Statistics, approved for STEM-OPT extension, cyberGIS, earth observation, geographical analysis, geography, geoinformatics, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), spatial-temporal analysis
Are you ready to apply state-of-the-art geospatial analysis methods to social, economic and environmental problems? Join a school filled with innovative faculty within the discipline and leading research centers who are forging this path of discovery.
The Doctor of Philosophy program in geographic information science fosters training of the next generation of scientists and engineers, enabling them to excel in theoretical, computational, analytical and technical knowledge in transdisciplinary geospatial sciences.
Students in this doctoral program have the opportunity to conduct research at the Spatial Analysis Research Center alongside distinguished faculty specializing in remote sensing and earth observation, GIS, geoinformatics, spatial statistics and spatial-temporal analysis. Researchers are investigating a variety of issues, including voting habits, health crises, altering landscapes and more --- all in an effort to better understand this complex and changing world.
The program has sufficient flexibility to allow for individual needs and interests, enabling students to create a plan of study that fits their personal, academic and professional goals.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (12 credit hours) Electives or Research (55 credit hours) Remote Sensing (3 credit hours) Other Requirements (2 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
GCU 585 Geographic Research Design and Proposal Writing (3)
GIS 520 GIScience Issues and Debates (3)
GIS 521 Geographic Information Science Programming (3)
GIS 571 Spatial Statistics for Geography and Planning (3)
GCU 591 or GPH 591 Seminar: Geography Colloquium (2)
GIS 799 Dissertation (12)
Students select electives, remote sensing and other requirements seminar coursework in consultation with their academic advisor.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S.
applicants | International
applicants | English
proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in geography, geology, earth science, computer programming, GIS, environmental science, geomatics or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- three letters of recommendation
- written statement
- professional resume
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Letters of recommendation should be from academic professionals or professional colleagues capable of evaluating the applicant's abilities, accomplishments and professional potential.
The written statement must address the following questions:
- What area of specialization within GIS do you wish to pursue, and why?
- Describe the aspects of your education that will enable you to pursue this area of specialization.
- What additional training do you feel you can obtain at Arizona State University to realize your education and career goals?
In the written statement, applicants also should provide any other information (for example, research experience or information that might be drawn from a resume) that they feel the committee should consider in the application for admission. The written statement should be no longer than two pages. A generic statement, often sent to multiple universities, does not substitute for a statement that addresses the applicant's reasons for applying to this program.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/15 | Final |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Analyze scholarly literature associated with a research question for their doctoral research.
- Create a dissertation proposal that clearly demonstrates significance, innovation, and a scientifically justified approach to address a novel research question.
- Apply appropriate advanced research methodology in geographic information sciences to their doctoral research
Professionals with expertise in geospatial information science research, theory and practice are in high demand across sectors and industries, including in institutions of higher education, consulting firms and government agencies. Skills in geographical data science, mapping and data analysis are valuable to businesses and institutions that rely on data-driven approaches to solve complex problems.
Career examples include:
- computer scientist
- conservation scientist
- geoscientist
- geospatial information scientist or technologist
- geospatial intelligence analyst
- remote sensing scientist or technologist
School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning
|
COOR 5th floor
SGSUP.gradprograms@asu.edu
480-965-8733
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
