& Student Handbook - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

148 Master Degree Programs
RA694
Graduate Project II (2 cr.)
Prerequisites: RA693
As the second two of four “project” credits, this course will continue to build
upon research established in RA693. This course will promote progress
toward successful completion of the master's degree in Geographic
Information Science (MSGIS). The purpose of this course is to implement
the tasks of the graduate proposal, write the final research manuscript,
and present research findings through a defense/public presentation.
Research tasks may include, but are not limited to: refining and/or
automating data, developing appropriate analyses of data, and/or
statistical analyses used in confirming hypotheses or beliefs. Research
findings will be written in a professional journal-style project manuscript
that conforms to the RA Handbook. The learner will also defend/present
their findings and project understanding through a public presentation. It is
expected that learners are fully committed to their research topic. Learners
must have successfully completed course requirements of RA693.
Learners are encouraged NOT to register for this course if there are
uncertainties of their project proposal, timelines, and/or if a major change
in project scope is envisioned.
RA695
Graduate Project (4 cr.)
This course may be taken in place of RA693 and RA694.
This is the capstone course of the Master of Science in Geographic
Information Science. Learners are required to complete an investigation
appropriate to their interest and one that requires them to collect and
interpret data. Furthermore, as a product of this study, learners are
expected to write a ‘journal style’ final paper and deliver a professional
presentation on the project. The paper is published on the departmental
website (www.gis.smumn.edu) and in the department’s annual issue of
“Papers in Resource Analysis.”
Disciplinary Courses
RA545
Sustainable Resource Management (2 cr.)
In this course, students are introduced to the concepts of resource
management and conservation. Emphasis is placed on developing the
student’s appreciation of resource sustainability issues as they apply to
human and ecological communities, with the goal of creating a
framework for long-term resource preservation/utilization.
RA549
Fundamentals of Business (1 cr.)
This course introduces students to the key concepts of management,
accounting, finance and marketing. By learning the basic principles of
business, students will be more successful employees in the private and
public sector.
RA574
Entrepreneurship and Small Business (3 cr.)
This course examines management practices unique to the smallbusiness
environment and provides a first look at modern
entrepreneurship. Examples of topics covered include developing new
ideas for business development, formulating and financing, managing
growth and developing a business plan.
RA577
Market Research (3 cr.)
This course is designed to provide an understanding of marketing
research. Emphasis is placed on marketing research as a managerial
tool with a decision-making orientation. The principles of marketing
research are presented in a pragmatic ‘how to do it’ fashion.
RA586
Field Methods (3 cr.)
This course will offer a working experience in the purpose and tools of
qualitative field methods. The course will cover rapport, methods of
observation, field notes, data coding and analysis, ethnography, focus
groups and interviews, as well as an introduction to quasiexperimentation.
RA587
Planning, Budgeting and Control (3 cr.)
This course examines the organization, techniques and politics of (a)
administrative planning, (b) budget preparation and legislative process,
and (c) control systems in public organizations.
RA591
Macro Planning and Evaluation (4 cr.)
Learning objectives for this course include application of sound
quantitative and qualitative research methods in the assessment of
community functioning, in the development and evaluation of human
service programs, and in decision-making regarding the allocation of
resources in response to social problems.
RA601
Community Growth (3 cr.)
This course focuses on the use of remote sensing and GIS technologies
to facilitate urban planning and infrastructure development for community
growth. It introduces to students various aspects of urban growth, such
as the effect of urbanization on local and regional environments, and the
impact of urbanization on the biophysical characteristics that influence
human health. Other important issues, such as urban growth and
economic development, public health and safety, traffic and
transportation infrastructure, and quality of life are also explored.
RA630
Terrorism (4 cr.)
Terrorism is devoted to the survey, study and analysis of terrorism, both
domestic and international. The course will examine the history,
development and impact of major terrorist groups. Also, the public policy
implications of terrorist events, such as 9/11 and the Oklahoma City
bombing, and the policy responses of security agencies and
governments at home and abroad are covered.
RA645
Project Management (3 cr.)
This course will present concepts related to the
management/supervisory skills necessary to effectively and proficiently
implement multi-sized projects and/or programs. Project Management
will not require any prerequisites, although some coursework or
experience in GIS, government, or business will be helpful. Course
elements will include, but are not limited to: management, administration,
strategic planning/controlling/executing, scheduling, budgeting, GIS
project integration, analyzing WBS, report writing/presentation, project
infrastructures, and risk management.