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Embedded Certificate in Geographic Information Science (GIS)

The Embedded Certificate in Geographic Information Science (GIS) is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to apply geographic information technologies and GIS principles to obtain, analyze, visualize, and interpret spatial data. This certificate program is offered by the Department of Geography at the University of Calgary.

Program Overview

The Embedded Certificate in GIS is an 18-unit program that can be completed in conjunction with a bachelor's degree. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in GIS principles, remote sensing, and geospatial modeling. Students will learn to apply geographic information technologies to solve real-world problems and develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Program Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Embedded Certificate in GIS, students must:

• be in good academic standing and enrolled in a bachelor's degree program at the University of Calgary
• have completed a total of 60 units of undergraduate coursework before starting the certificate program
• have completed Geography 380: Geospatial Communication with a grade of C- or higher

To earn the Embedded Certificate in Geographic Information Science, students will successfully complete 18 units of coursework, including:

Core Courses

• Geography 480
• Geography 482 or Geomatics Engineering 351
• Geography 484 or Geomatics Engineering 435
• Geography 485

Elective Courses

Complete 6 units from the following:

• Geography 567 or Computer Science 219 or Computer Science 233
• Geography 582
• Geography 584
• Geography 585 or Geomatics Engineering 563 or Statistics 431 or Ecology 425
• Geography 586 or Geomatics Engineering 551
• Geography 587
• Geography 588

Program Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Recognize the fundamental properties of spatial features and geographic phenomena. Identify appropriate geographic representations.
2. Exercise critical spatial thinking when confronted with spatial problems. Determine the influence of location, direction, distance, and adjacency.
3. Develop a breadth of knowledge about geospatial software applications. Visualize, analyze, and interpret geographic data.
4. Show basic skill using industry-standard geospatial software. Learn technologies like GIS, remote sensing, spatial/statistical modeling, digital cartography, and geovisualization.
5. Think critically about the impacts of geospatial technologies on individuals and society. Including the ethical use and management of spatial data and geospatial analytics.
6. Develop and design effective digital mapping products. Communicate powerful spatial information in maps and graphics.

Experiential Learning and Portfolio Development

All courses in this embedded certificate program integrate hands-on experience, including:

• computer lab exercises with industry-standard software
• student-led term project work
• practical experience working with real-world spatial data or data acquisition instruments (e.g., GPS or survey instruments)

Students will also have the option to integrate what they've learned and accomplished into a digital portfolio, including:

• software proficiencies
• online course certifications
• geographic datasets
• software tools
• geospatial projects
• web-based mapping products

This digital portfolio will showcase students' wide-ranging achievements, prove their in-depth knowledge of GIS, and demonstrate their mastery of technological tools and ability to solve problems using geospatial analytics.