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.
Related Certificates
Geospatial Analysis
Policy & Administration
Geomatics Certificate (undergrad)
Program Requirements
The MS Geomatics concentration in the Forest Resources and Conservation degree requires a total of 30 credits, with 15 chosen from available Geomatics courses (“SUR” prefix) at the graduate level. Students may choose remaining credits from other SFRC courses or any graduate course offered by UF, with the approval of your advisor. Electives should typically be related to natural resources, environmental engineering, urban planning, soil and water sciences, and related subjects.
As noted above, any SUR graduate courses may be used to fulfill the 15 major credits required for this degree, but students may choose to take more SUR credits as desired.
During the degree, students may register for a maximum of 6 credits of SUR 6905 for credit towards an independent study as agreed upon by the faculty advisor and/or proxy advisor.
Final Examination
The School of Forest Resources and Conservation (SFRC) is required to give a final examination to students as part of their MS graduation requirements. The examination format (e.g. written or oral), length, breadth, location, and subject matter will be determined by the Major Advisor plus an additional SFRC faculty member in concert with the student. The content will be centered on subject matter drawn from the student’s coursework. A second SFRC faculty member, to be identified by the Advisor and student working together, will be required to participate in the student’s examination. The examination should be taken during the last semester of enrollment, but no later than one month prior to the end of the term.
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.