Geomatics refers to the integrated approach of measurement, analysis, and management of the descriptions and locations of geospatial data. These data come from many sources, including earth-orbiting satellites, air and sea-borne sensors and ground-based instruments. It is processed and manipulated with state-of-the-art information technology.
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Online MS Geomatics, Forest Resources and Conservation (non-thesis)
The School of Forest Resources and Conservation prepares Geomatics students to become geospatial technology experts through the online Master of Science degree. The Geomatics faculty is nationally and internationally recognized as authors, presenters, and educators. This faculty has developed a flexible degree program that can accommodate each student’s interests in the broad field of geospatial science. Furthermore, MS graduates are well-positioned in the job market to enhance their careers and take advantage of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projection of 18% job growth in the geospatial workforce through 2018. The program offers instruction and learning opportunities with the convenience and flexibility of online delivery so students can continue to work while going to school.
Geomatics has applications in all disciplines which depend on spatial data including forestry, environmental studies, planning, engineering, navigation, geology, geophysics, and national intelligence. Thus, this field of study is fundamental to all areas of study which use spatially related data such as Surveying, Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry, Cartography, Geographic Information Systems, Property or Cadastral Studies, Global Positioning, and Geospatial Analysis.
Collection and analysis of location based information requires an ever-expanding skill set that is valued by both private industry and public agencies as geospatial information guides many of the strategic decisions made by these organizations. The School of Forest Resources and Conservation (SFRC) now offers an online graduate concentration program in Geomatics that addresses a national need for professionals trained in this geospatial field. Working professionals and full-time graduate students in the Southeastern US are particularly targeted for this degree program. The need for a Geomatics program is increasing as agencies and private companies involved in geospatial activities are striving to retool their work force with solid academic training in Geomatics.
A sound science-based Geomatics foundation is needed for developing and implementing evermore complex geospatial projects. We need to equip our graduate students with geospatial skills and science-based principles that are transportable from one task to another for them to be effective in the future as geospatial analysts, GPS specialists, professional surveyors and mappers, GIS analysts and managers, cartographers, imagery analysts, software developers, geodesists, academic educators, and research scientists.
Because SFRC is offering this program online, busy professionals and students at remote locations will have a unique opportunity to meet their academic goals without the difficulty and expense of interrupting their careers and moving from their current locations. They will benefit from participating in the same Master of Science degree program as on-campus students but from the convenience of their own homes. Distance Geomatics students will have the opportunity to interact with experienced faculty and to build a learning community with fellow students.
Current Tuition Rate
$565 per credit hour
Tuition rates apply to in-state, out-of-state, and international students equally. For students using state employee tuition waivers, or for students who are considered “on-campus,” Distance Learning fees of approximately $28/credit hour may apply.
Elective courses taken outside of the Geomatics program will have tuition rates set by the individual department or program offering the course.