Checklist for Students Admitted to the MS SDS Program
Technical requirements
Make sure that you have access to a computer, Internet connection, and peripherals that meet or exceed the minimum system requirements (Technical Requirements).
Transferring nondegree credits into the degree program
If you earned nondegree credits (maybe as part of one of our certificate programs) prior to getting accepted to the MS SDS Program, you will likely receive an email that says you need to fill out a form to transfer your non-degree credits to the MS SDS Program. You do not need to fill out that form. Our office will take care of that for you.
Academic advising
Entry interview: The Assistant Program Manager for Online Geospatial Education, Beth King, will meet with you by telephone to discuss your background and goals, to identify the course in which you should enroll first, and to discuss the scholarly paper or thesis requirements and expectations.
Student handbook
Read through the student handbook and get familiar with the program policies and program requirements.
Resources
Take a look at all the items in the Resources section of the Program Office. There you will find links to the Capstone Project Library, a Capstone Project presentations list, the Student Database, and other helpful information.
Professional ethics training
Penn State's Graduate School requires that every graduate student complete formal training in professional ethics during their first year of study. MS SDS students may fulfill this requirement in one of two ways:
- Register for and successfully complete the 3-credit class GEOG 581: Spatial Data Science Ethics, or
- Successfully complete the non-credit Responsible Scholarship and Professional Practice workshop. "RSPP" workshops are offered three times each year, in May, August, and November. (see RSPP Workshop) The two-week online workshop requires at least five hours of individual reading and group case study analysis and discussion. Students will not be charged any extra tuition or fees to participate in RSPP. However, students will have only one chance to complete the free workshop; those who fail to successfully complete assigned workshop activities will be required to register for and complete the three-credit GEOG 581 course.
The Advising Team will help you decide which option is best for you.
Course registration
Select a course. Courses are ten weeks in length and are offered five terms a year (starting in January, February, May, August, and October) through Penn State’s World Campus. Each course requires a minimum of 10-12 hours of student activity per week. The GIS Course Calendar lists course dates and a schedule of course offerings.
Transfer credits
These procedures are detailed in the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Questions?
See the program Frequently Asked Questions page or contact the program at info@gis.psu.edu.