to the MAS-GIT information page

Comments about the program from our students:

--Kory Iman (Chief Cartographer/GIS Administrator, Mountainland Association, UT, 2016 Fall Graduate)

I feel that all the classes offered in the MAS GIT program were extremely valuable in my professional development.  Each one provided a different aspect and knowledge related to geospatial technologies that can be directly translated into the workforce.
 

Overall my experience in the master’s GIT program has been excellent.  This program is geared towards     the working GIS professional to gain more GIT knowledge and skills.  This program provides the right balance to making working full time and earning a master’s degree possible.  All the professors provided opportunities to learn, to grow, to be challenged, and excel academically. My DSU experience will stay with me always and I am so honored to be part of the GIT master’s program. 

--Aaron Francois (GIS Technician, Waggoner Engineering, Inc., MS, 2016 Fall Graduate)

Most the classes were beneficial to my professional development.  Remote sensing and digital image processing introduced new software and techniques that may be leveraged to advance my career.  I have enjoyed the experience in the MAS-GIT program. The variety of classes offered and materials covered were beneficial to my overall growth as a GIT professional. 

 --Christopher Smith (Program Manager, GIT Center, MS, 2016 Fall Graduate)

The Remote Sensing courses provide great advancement to help in my current job. The online experience was fantastic for a professional out in the workforce.

 --Christopher Phillips (Geospatial Analyst, MS, 2016 Fall Graduate)

I really enjoyed the remote sensing, information extraction, and image processing classes. These classes provided a lot great information. The program itself is well planned. The majority of remote sensing and geospatial core knowledge is taught in the classes. Various lab activities aid in reinforcing lecture goals. 

 --Chrisa Mansell (GIT Technician Smith & Weiland Surveyors and Engineers, MS, 2016 Fall Graduate)

I felt that all of the classes provided knowledge and skills that will be beneficial to my professional development.  With this being the first time I’ve really been exposed to GIS, everything I learned in all of the classes was very valuable. I had a great experience in the program. At times, I felt a little behind but I was quickly given help when I didn’t understand some of the work. It means a lot to have professors willing to help, especially when I didn’t have any prior experience with GIS. 

--Blake Davis (Project Scientist/GIS Analyst II, Alliance Consultants in Beckley, WV, 2015 Fall Graduate)

All of the class was enjoyable and challenging. I truly enjoy a challenge and Dr. Zhang challenged me throughout the program. Because she fosters this kind of environment, I learned more than I would have if I was given a manual and taught to point and click. She designs her courses so that the basic information is provided and also shows us where to find answers when we have questions. I have attended three different universities and from my experience, knowing where to find answers is half the battle in the real world. She fosters this environment and prepares us for going out into the real world to perform these tasks. In addition, she teaches us how to teach ourselves when we leave the university setting.

I feel that Dr. Zhang delivers an excellent background and prepares us to learn on our own. This is an important skill to teach students because when they leave the university setting, the "support network" is drastically decreased and it is important to know where the essential resources are to survive employment in the real world. I feel that a strong base is provided and we are taught how to find information to answer the "devil in the details" of all tasks.

--Adrien Roth (GIS Analyst,  Vantage Energy, Denver, CO, 2014 Fall Graduate)

I'm happy with the MAS-GIT program; I came in with a bit of GIT experience, but I have still learned a lot in just a few weeks time in the first semester.

--Richard Calkins (GIS Manager, City of Fort Myers Florida, FL, 2014 Fall Graduate)

All the classes in the MAS-GIT program were helpful and relevant. The plethora of data available with satellite remote sensing is unique and not something I had encountered in my previous study or work. I found it very insightful and can now consider its applications in my work related projects. I appreciate the approach to the capstone project being as much about project and time management as it is about the material, it helped make me feel like I was progressing towards the end.

The MAS-GIT program through Delta State University is excellent in both content, comprehensiveness, and value. The program is rooted in core GIT theory which is required knowledge to advance into management or administration of GIS. Remote sensing and photogrammetry is something not all undergraduate programs cover so it is nice to see this option. As GIS/T migrates more to web based technologies, it is great that the program migrate the course offerings to that arena as well. 

 --Jason Corbitt (Physical Science Technician, USDA-ARS, MS, 2014 Fall Graduate)

 It was a great experience studying in the program.  The program was very intense at times, but I‘m confident that I have an excellent foundation to enter the geospatial field whether government, private industry, or academic research.  Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing had the most impact at my current place of employment. I think the list of courses offered suffice for anyone pursuing a degree in GIS. The courses were great. All the professors were knowledgeable and always willing to assist.  Each course touches on every aspect of geospatial information science.  I hope that Delta State ensures the program will continue for future students.  I really appreciate the concern that Dr. Zhang has for "us" the students.  For me, when I see that the professors have genuine interest in our well-being and want to hear our voices and opinions,  it speaks volumes about the program. Thanks!!!

--Jared Delora (Geospatial Analyst, Utah Mountainland Association of Govemments, UT, 2014 Fall Graduate)

I’m definitely glad I did the program. Everything started from a beginner level and increased in difficulty at a reasonable pace. I didn’t know anything about GIS or remote sensing when I started, but I gained a lot of knowledge and interest with the program. I believe the degree will be very beneficial in helping me move in a new direction and advance my career. All of the classes were beneficial. I really enjoyed the remote sensing classes. I think adding some CAD or Python classes would be good. Everything I am applying for wants one or the other.

--Thomas Wilson (GIS Coordinator, Comal County, TX, 2014 Fall Graduate)

Overall, my experience was wonderful and I would definitely recommend the program to other people looking to further their learning in the GIT field.

At first I was apprehensive about participating in an online Master's program, having had bad experiences with online classes during my undergrad.  However, online technology has progressed quite a bit since then.  The communication between student and instructor was fantastic, and the way that the program was structured made it easy to do online learning.  Having a central location to get the recorded lectures and lab information, along with the ability to communicate freely with other students, made all the difference.

One of the things that helped me out the most is the amount of writing that we had to do.  Although I'm not a big fan of writing, I understand how it will help me tremendously going forward.  I've also gained a better understanding of Remote Sensing and see how the same techniques can be used within GIS.  In reality, there is not really a line at which GIS ends and Remote Sensing begins.  Unfortunately, the two sciences were not taught in this manner during my undergrad.  In this master program, taking GIS and Remote Sensing classes simultaneously, and relating the two, enabled me to gain a better understanding of both.

--Claire Brown  (Image Analyst, United States Air Force, MS, 2014 Fall Graduate)

I had a good experience with the program. The classes that benefitted me the most were the Remote Sensing, GIS 1, GIS 2 classes. The teachers were very helpful, accommodating, and understanding when it came to assignments and timelines.

 --Jeffrey Ellis (Geo-Engineer, US Army Corps of Engineer, MS, 2013 Fall Graduate) 

My overall experience in the MAS-GIT program was a very knowledgeable experience which took hard work and dedication. All classes that I took provided beneficial knowledge and skills for my professional development.