As part of the Department of Geography at Michigan State University, the Basic Science and Remote Sensing Initiative offers many options for graduate students. Our research utilizes Remote Sensing and GIS but the department has other research activities as well.
The Department of Geography offers MA,
MS, and PhD graduate degrees with concentrations
in cartography/GIS/remote sensing, physical geography, regional development,
and economic geography and regional science. Through its Urban Planning
Program, the department also offers the Master's in Urban and Regional
Planning degree. The Landscape Architecture Program is also a component
of the Department of Geography; it offers an undergraduate degree. When
viewed in its totality, the Department of Geography at MSU provides a unique
environment for graduate work. The combination of course offerings and
faculty expertise present innovative and stimulating opportunities for
graduate students.
Cartography/GIS/Remote Sensing
Offerings in cartography, geographic information systems, and remote sensing are designed to meet a wide range of student needs. Courses address both theoretical and practical aspects of the field including map design, automated map production, computer graphics, spatial data handling, and analysis of airborn and satellite remote sensing. Faculty are actively engaged in both theoretical and applied research.
Economic Geography and Regional Science
The
concentration in economic geography and regional science emphasizes the
study of the underlying theories of location and spatial interaction of
human activities in their economic, social, and policy contexts. This program
stresses the analysis of spatial systems related to economic, urban, and
transportation geography, location analysis, and regional science. Study
and research in this cluster generally involve the use of mathematical
models and quantitative techniques.
Regional Development
The program in regional development emphasizes the study of regional, national, and international dimensions of development and change in regions or countries in which faculty have particular expertise and experience. Specific foci of concern include resource analysis, regional planning, rural development, people-environment interaction, and spatial organization. Study and research within this cluster generally falls within the people-environment framework. Regional emphases include Africa, Latin America, and East Asia.
Physical Geography
Advanced
offerings in physical geography focus on synoptic and mesoscale climatology,
soil, eolian, and glacial geomorphology, North American plant geography,
and Pleistocene and Holocene landforms, especially in the Great Lakes region.
Within geomorphology, emphasis is on reconstruction of paleoenvironments.
The availability of diverse course offerings in the agricultural, physical,
and natural sciences at MSU provides a valuable opportunity for the development
and enrichment of student programs.
Additional Information:
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