GIScience Capstone

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GIScience Capstone (GIS5950; 6 hours) is a required course for MSGIS students, typically offered during the Summer semester. I previously directed the GIScience Capstone program from Summer 2008 to Summer 2016, and currently oversee it again in conjunction with my role as FSU MSGIS Program Coodinator (2022-2027). MSGIS students who plan to enroll in this course should carefully review the information provided below. Please note that I also create a canvas site for GIS5950 but acess to course materials there will only be available after offcial enrollment.

• This course is exclusively for students enrolled in the MSGIS Program. Those outside the program who wish to register must obtain permission from the course instructor.
• MSGIS students planning to enroll must have completed at least 20 credit hours of MSGIS coursework, including their current courses. Prerequisite waivers may be considered on a case-by-case basis, primarily depending on an individual’s prior GIS experience and current coursework. Students who lack sufficient coursework and relevant GIS experience will not be permitted to take this course. While we understand this may impact academic progress, we must uphold minimum program standards.
• Credit cannot be granted for internships or research completed prior to registering for the course. In select cases, an internship beginning in the Spring semester may be considered—provided that at least 80% of the work is conducted during the immediate Summer semester.
• Those who have a full-time or part-time job may NOT use their routine assignments to satisfy the course requirements. Students may need to undertake work significantly different from their regular assignments to fulfill course expectations.
• We do not provide internship placement service and you will have to secure an internship position by you own; obtaining an internship position independently is a core component of the course objectives.
• Internships may take place either on the FSU campus or elsewhere in the United States.
• Before registering, please carefully review the course syllabus and ensure that all required documents are submitted by the specific deadlines.

A copy of the course syllabus to be used for Summer 2026 (subject to changes) is posted here. You can also find several other relevant documents below:

• Introductory letter (after obtaining an internship placement, please forward a copy of my letter to your immediate supervisor)
• Example of an internship offer letter outlining the work schedule and duties
• Internship information form in pdf format (you can fill information)
• Example of internship progress report in pdf form
• Example of the final report in PDF format (with the permission of the author)
• Example of letter of evaluation

Contact the Instructor:

Dr. Xiaojun Yang
Professor Directing GIScience Capstone
Department of Geography
Florida State University
Room 321 Bellamy Building
Tallahassee, FL 32306
Fax: 850-644-5913
Email: xyang@fsu.edu

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Last update: Sunday, August 3, 2025 11:12 PM