New Partnership Creates Clear Path to MSU Degree in Geography, Environment & Spatial Science

April 10, 2019 - Rebecca Jensen

Lansing Community College (LCC) students in the Geospatial Science Program will now be able to seamlessly transfer to Michigan State University to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Students can earn an Associate degree in Applied Science in GIS/Geospatial Technologies from LCC and Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Geographic Information Science (GISci) from MSU’s Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences, which is within the College of Social Science.

Known as a 2 + 2 program, students will spend the first two years studying at LCC, with the option to transfer to MSU to study another two years.

This new opportunity is designed to help students save time and money. Coordination between advisors in both programs allows students to maximize their time at LCC to meet University requirements, along with some requirements for the College of Social Sciences and the GISci major.

“This agreement really streamlines the path for students who want a Bachelor’s in GIScience, but who also want to save money by beginning their postsecondary education at LCC,” said Gary Schnakenberg, Undergraduate Advisor at MSU’s Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences.

“They can be sure that what they take before arriving at MSU will apply to their degree requirements.” Department Chair Alan Arbogast adds, “One of the great things about this agreement is that it reflects a real sense of both institutions working together and making minor changes in order to match our respective programs up, to the benefit of students.”

Geospatial technology and geospatial sciences have become fully embedded in many aspects of contemporary economic life. In much the same way that computers became widespread in the 1980s, geospatial technology has become a necessary tool for analyzing information and understanding results.

Potential Careers in the Geospatial Sciences include environmental management and consulting, business data analytics, transportation and logistics, supply chain and delivery systems, utilities, parks and recreation, economic development, public health, and more.

Find more information on this new opportunity here.