Geodetic Science Program
The Division of Geodetic Science, School of Earth Sciences, offers graduate degrees in the following specialized tracks: geodesy, mapping/geographic information science, mathematical geodesy, and geodesy & geodynamics.
Each student selects a program of study in consultation with an academic adviser.
There are three pre-approved M.S. tracks available: Geodesy, Mapping and Geographical Information Science, and Geodesy & Geodynamics. Each of these tracks has a thesis option (plan A) and a non-thesis option (plan B). There is a set of core courses as well as a set of elective courses. In order to develop a broad perspective of geodetic science, a student in each track is encouraged to take cross speciality courses in topics of the other tracks.
A student with the proper background usually needs one to one and a half years to complete the M.S. requirements; perhaps somewhat longer for the thesis option. Students returning to academic work after a long absence may need more time. Because most courses are offered only once a year, it is important to start studies at the beginning of an Autumn Semester, or to take some general catch-up courses (e.g., Math 254 or Math 568) in the preceding Summer Session. A working knowledge of computer programming in a high-level language is strongly advised, as well as a solid mathematical background, particularly in matrix algebra. Note that the geodesy/geodynamic track, oriented more toward geodetic applications in the Earth Science, offers more flexibility in terms of curriculum and time to completion of the M.S. degree.
There are three recognized Ph.D. tracks available: Geodesy, Mathematical Geodesy, and Mapping/Geographic Information Science. Within each track, there is a set of core courses as well as a set of elective courses.
A student with the proper background typically needs three years beyond the M.S. degree in Geodetic Science to complete the Ph.D. requirements. Students wishing direct entry into the Ph.D. program with an equivalent M.S. degree from another program may need to take some M.S.-level Geodetic Science courses in order to fulfill prerequisites for the Ph.D. courses.
Program Brochure
[pdf] - Some links on this page are to Adobe .pdf files requiring the use of Adobe Reader. If you need these files in a more accessible format, please contact ckshum@osu.edu.