Program Overview

Geographic Information Science and Technology (Professional Certificate)

The Physical and Environmental Sciences (PES) Department at Colorado Mesa University offers a certificate in Geographic Information Science and Technology. The courses are open to all students interested in broadening their knowledge and enhancing job-related skills in a rapidly expanding market of computer-based technology.

Overview

Geographic Information Science and Technology includes Geographic Information Systems, Global Positioning Systems, and Remote Sensing. A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer-based tool for mapping and analyzing geospatial data. GIS technology is a special case of information systems where the database consists of features, activities, or events that are definable in space as points, lines, or areas. GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite system that allows users to collect precise geographic data for use in mapping. Remote sensing refers to any technique whereby information about objects and the environment is obtained from a distance such as aircraft or satellites.

Requirements

• Consists of 5-59 semester hours.
• Primarily 300-400 level courses.
• At least fifty percent of the credit hours must be taken at CMU.
• 2.00 cumulative GPA or higher in all courses taken to satisfy program requirements.
• A grade lower than "C" in the program of study will not be counted toward meeting the certificate's requirements.
• A course may only be used to fulfill one requirement for each degree/certificate.
• Pre-collegiate courses (usually numbered below 100) cannot be used for graduation.

Program Specific Certificate Requirements

(16-18 semester hours)

• Select one of the following courses:
  • GIST 305: Cartography for GIS
  • GEOG 131: Introduction to Cartography
  • GIST 332 & 332L: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Laboratory
• Select a minimum of six semester hours of the following:
  • CIVE 212: Introduction to Geomatics
  • CSCI 110: Beginning Programming
  • GEOG 341 & 341L: GIS for Social Scientists and GIS for Social Scientists Lab
  • GIST 321 & 321L: Introduction to Remote Sensing and Introduction to Remote Sensing Laboratory
  • GIST 375 & 375L: Global Positioning Systems for GIS and Global Positioning Systems for GIS Laboratory
  • GEOL 470: Drone Explorations on Earth
  • XXXX 395: Independent Study 1
  • XXXX 495: Independent Study 1
  • XXXX 497: Practicum 1

Suggested Course Plan

First Year

• Fall Semester:
  • GEOG 131 or GIST 305: Introduction to Cartography or Cartography for GIS
  • GIST 332 & 332L: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Laboratory
• Spring Semester:
  • GIST 422 & 422L: GIS Data Management and Editing and GIS Data Management and Editing Laboratory
  • 3 credit hours of any restricted elective Second Year
• Fall Semester:
  • GIST 432 & 432L: Spatial Analysis and Modeling in GIS and Spatial Analysis and Modeling in GIS Laboratory
  • Select 3 credit hours from the following restricted elective

Advising Process and DegreeWorks

Documentation on the pages related to this program is intended for informational purposes to help determine what courses and associated requirements are needed to earn a certificate. Meeting with an academic advisor is essential in planning courses and discussing the suggested course sequencing.

Graduation Process

Students must complete the following in the first two months of the semester prior to completing their certificate requirements:

• Review their DegreeWorks audit and create a plan that outlines how unmet requirements will be met in the final semester.
• Meet with their advisor and modify their plan as needed.
• Submit the "Intent to Graduate" form to the Registrar's Office to officially declare the intended graduation date and commencement ceremony plans.
• Register for all needed courses and complete all requirements for each degree sought.