Practical Exams
The practical exam is designed to assess whether a student has accomplished the MS program goals:
- Mastery of substantive knowledge
- Proficiency in geotechniques
- Development of analytical and communication skills
The exam will last exactly one week during which time students are expected to better define their research question, collect appropriate data to answer their question, analyze the data, and write up the results. Final reports should be no longer than 20 pages, double spaced. More detailed information about the practical exam can be found in the Guide to Graduate Studies. Below is a selection of practical exam questions and answers.
2013
Marlin Gruver. Analysis of Urban Tree Ordinances through a Tree Ordinance Audit System. Question Answer
Scott Harris. Current Land Use Patterns and Urban and Agricultural Land Use Change from 1989 to 2011 in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania and Surrounding Municipalities. Question Answer
Kevin Eaton. Incorporating the Adaptive Model of Human Thermal Comfort into HVAC Protocols and Efficiency at Shippensburg University: A Case Study. Question Answer
2012
Michael Stefanic. Mapping Ghost Forest Development on Assateague Island; Eastern Shore, Virginia. Question Answer
Keri Simmons. A Hydrologic Study of the Middle Spring Creek near Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. Question Answer
Rick Kaiser. A Hydrologic Study of Shippensburg University Campus: Preparations for a New Irrigation Well. Question Answer
Neal Kerrigan. Assessing the Proper Theory in Relation to Using Chosen Methodology of Geophysical Surveys at Three Sites. Question Answer
Trent Otis. Evaluating the Influence of Population and Job Growth on Urban Change within Four Counties in Maryland. Question Answer
Matthew Krapf. Evaluation GIS for Municipality Management. Question Answer
Hannah Kubach. Wine Grape Suitability and Quality in a Changing Climate: An Assessment of Adams County, Pennsylvania (1950-2099). Question Answer
Brandon Duxbury. Planning for the Olympics: A Transportation SWOT Analysis of Vancouver. Question Answer
Christina Bohensky. An Evaluation of the Demographic and Economic Components of Moving Fulton Forward: A Joint Comprehensive Plan. Question Answer
Laurie Young. Climate and Hydrology of Big Spring Creek, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Question Answer
2011
Scott Evans. Current Trends among Imigrant Populations in the U.S. Question Answer
Jacob Ward. Critical Habitat for the Delmarva Peninsula Fox Squirrel. Question Answer
Michael Maret. Priority Funding Area Effectiveness with Prince George's County, Maryland. Question Answer
Mark Jackson. Using the Stream Visual Assessment Protocol for Middle Spring Creek. Question Answer
Mark Mishler. Link between Surface Runoff and Groundwater Discharge. Question Answer
2010
Eric Atkins. Landscape changes around Gunpowder State park. Question Answer
William Pompeii. Assessment of the urban heat island for the borough of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. Question Answer
Karen Stretton. Evaluation of land use change in the Little Conestoga Watershed, 1984 to 2006. Question Answer
2009
Albert Beck. An analysis of Shippensburg University’s COOP and automated weather station datasets. Question Answer
Scott Donohue. A local case study of area-wide conservation mapping. Question Answer
Jeremiah Greenland. Simulated gasoline release. Question Answer
Kathleen Kelliher. The spatial pattern and diffusion of land trusts in the United States. Question Answer
Russel Robertson. Comparing the success and/or failure of two urban renewal efforts in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Question Answer
Saidet Saldutti. Spatial trends of groundwater quality in Cumberland County, PA. Question Answer
Kathleen Seiler. The evolving missions of land trusts. Question Answer
Katherine Shuren. An analysis of climate trends along the Appalachian Trail and its potential effects on thru-hiking. Question Answer
2008
Noah D'Antonio. A Preliminary assessment of ten watersheds intersecting Albemarle County, Virginia. Question Answer
Megersa Deyessa. A geospatial anaylsis of Kmart and Sears. Question Answer
Danielle Doyle. A thermal analysis of a small apartment. Question Answer
Melissa Mimna. Modeling the effects of increasing impervious surface allowances on stormwater runoff: Shippensburg Borough, Pennsylvania. Question Answer