u/Creepy-Loquat4999

Hello,

I'm reaching out to see if anyone has guidance on a path to take to pursue a PhD in GIS when I don't have the usual academic prerequisites.

I work in a lab as a software developer performing engineering work with a team that regularly does GIS-related research. Doing more research in geomatics has piqued my interest, but there seem to be academic credential requirements before I'm really allowed to pursue research areas of interest. Therefore, I'm considering pursuing a PhD.

I have several years of experience working on projects with researchers in geomatics. But academically I have a different background. I have a strong background in software development, both academically and through work experience, but I never took any classes in Geography or GIS. These seem to be prerequisite for a lot of PhD programs I've looked at in this field.

I'm exploring pursuing a masters as a stepping stone and would prefer a program that is part-time or online so that I can continue doing the work I'm already doing. I'm under the impression that a program with a thesis is preferred for applying to a future PhD program. As I look though, it appears that most programs that match this criteria have a capstone program but do not offer a thesis route.

Is this a deal breaker if I eventually want to pursue a PhD? Are there well-reputed online / part-time programs that would still open doors to pursue a PhD in the future?

Hello,

I'm reaching out to see if anyone has guidance on a path to take to pursue a PhD in GIS when I don't have the usual academic prerequisites.

I work in a lab as a software developer performing engineering work with a team that regularly does GIS-related research. Doing more research in geomatics has piqued my interest, but there seem to be academic credential requirements before I'm really allowed to pursue research areas of interest. Therefore, I'm considering pursuing a PhD.

I have several years of experience working on projects with researchers in geomatics. But academically I have a different background. I have a strong background in software development, both academically and through work experience, but I never took any classes in Geography or GIS. These seem to be prerequisite for a lot of PhD programs I've looked at in this field.

I'm exploring pursuing a masters as a stepping stone and would prefer a program that is part-time or online so that I can continue doing the work I'm already doing. I'm under the impression that a program with a thesis is preferred for applying to a future PhD program. As I look though, it appears that most programs that match this criteria have a capstone program but do not offer a thesis route.

Is this a deal breaker if I eventually want to pursue a PhD? Are there well-reputed online / part-time programs that would still open doors to pursue a PhD in the future?