MS in Graphic Information Technology Projects
Culminating Experience Options
The MS GIT requires a minimum of thirty (30) credit hours in related coursework selected at the direction of a committee chair. This coursework culminates with one of the following: Applied Project, Portfolio, or Thesis.
Portfolio vs. Applied Project vs. Thesis
Portfolio option (30 Credit Hours)
The Portfolio is a professional document and is used to demonstrate a high level of mastery of the principles and practices of Graphic Information Technology topics through a compilation of work completed during the graduate program. In addition to 30 credit hours of coursework, the completion and submission of the portfolio is required in the final semester. The portfolio is a professional document written in APA style that will be reviewed and evaluated both for technical content and the quality of writing and presentation. The graduate advising office can provide you with the instructions for the portfolio.
Requirements for the Portfolio Option
- Core 6 hours (GIT500 and GIT537)
- 15 hours in technical area of emphasis (GIT Coursework)
- 9 hours in supporting areas (related to the technical area of emphasis, including one management course)
- Portfolio (Graduate advising office will provide details.)
Applied Project option (30 Credit Hours)
The Applied Project requires the student to systematically find a problem, investigate it, conduct research and apply the findings. Upon completion, the project will be presented to the faculty advisors. Before selecting the Applied Project option, the graduate student must talk with their Committee Chair. When working on an applied project, staying on schedule and keeping in touch with the graduate faculty advisors is essential.
Requirements for the Applied Project Option:
- Core 6 hours (GIT500 and GIT537)
- 15 hours in technical area of emphasis (GIT Coursework)
- 6 hours in supporting areas (related to the technical area of emphasis, including one management course)
- 3 hours of Applied Project (GIT593)
Thesis option (30 Credit Hours)
The Thesis is similar to the Applied Project, but requires a specific presentation outcome: a traditional 5-chapter research paper and final presentation. Before selecting the Thesis option, the graduate student must talk with his/her chairperson. When working on a thesis, staying on schedule and keeping in touch with the graduate faculty advisors is essential. The thesis defense must take place by the Graduate College defense deadlines and meet the published date for the semester in which the student wants to graduate. Graduate College – Thesis Defense
Requirements for the Thesis Option:
- Core 6 hours (GIT500 and GIT537)
- 12 hours in technical area of emphasis (GIT Coursework)
- 6 hours in supporting areas (related to the technical area of emphasis, including one management course)
- 6 hours of Thesis (GIT599)
Writing Guidelines
It is expected that graduate students write at a graduate level, observing appropriate and correct academic writing styles in all courses, including the applied project, thesis, and portfolio.
ASU offers writing help through the Graduate Writing Centers for on-campus and online students. Visit the ASU Graduate Writing Center for more information.
Most applied project and thesis papers for the M.S. GIT program are written using the American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines. More information about this style of writing is available at Purdue’s Online Writing Lab (OWL).