ERIC Number: EJ1445852
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 23
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0309-8265
EISSN: EISSN-1466-1845
Ensuring Timely Completion and Successful Thesis Outcomes: A Case Study of an Online GIS Master's Degree Program
Robert O. Vos; Susan H. Kamei
Journal of Geography in Higher Education, v48 n5 p775-797 2024
Master of Science (M.S.) programs, including geography through geographic information science and technology (M.S. GIST), play a key part in training the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workforce. A master's thesis has been a traditional part of geography programs, and across all kinds of disciplines the value of a thesis is well-recognized. However, delivering master's thesis supervision for large cohorts may result in lengthy completion times and poor completion rates. A growing literature focuses on master's thesis supervision across a wide array of disciplines, but no study focuses on the master's thesis for M.S. GIST programs. We offer a mixed-methods case study of a large, online M.S. GIST program showing how problems developed and were resolved over a 13-year period with program-wide structural reforms. Reform elements included increased attention to writing skills in admissions review, addition of writing instruction, earlier student engagement, staff engagement, faculty engagement, and development of thesis courses. Reforms shortened completion times and increased thesis completion rates while sustaining diversity and quality of thesis projects. Although this case study echoes many strategies found in the literature, it emphasizes that replication likely requires linking solutions together through structural reforms across a master's degree program.
Descriptors: Geography Instruction, Masters Programs, Geographic Information Systems, Masters Theses, Supervision, Time to Degree, Distance Education, Educational Change, Problem Solving, Writing Skills, Admission Criteria, Learner Engagement, College Faculty, Diversity, Program Improvement, Teacher Student Relationship
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A