Online GIS Certificate

Program Overview

The University of West Florida's online Certificate in Geographic Information Science provides a comprehensive foundation in GIS technologies, with hands-on experience and expert faculty guidance. The program offers flexibility, industry-standard software access, and individualized support, preparing students for entry-level or advanced positions in the growing GIS field. Students can choose from various electives to specialize in areas such as archaeology, programming, or special topics.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• The University of West Florida's online Certificate in Geographic Information Science combines a comprehensive foundation in the geosciences with hands-on experience in GIS technologies.
• It provides the flexibility needed to advance your career in this fast-paced, growing field.
• Expert faculty with extensive GIS experience ensure that coursework goes beyond simple how-to guides to equip students with the skills needed to improve their current work or begin entry-level positions in GIS.
• Course content is constantly developed and updated to meet the needs of the industry and stay up-to-date with the latest versions of all software.
• Expectations are reviewed upfront for transparency and consistency in course load and required technology.
• Students have access to industry-standard geospatial software remotely, eliminating the need to buy and install expensive programs.
• Each course follows a similar course design or format for focused content and practice.
• Despite being entirely online, the program offers individualized attention via virtual meetings with instructors, personal advising appointments, and connections to necessary resources such as technical assistance and tutoring.
• Instructors and graduate teaching assistants are invested in student success.
• Internship opportunities are facilitated through connections with partners and advisory board members.
• A UWF GIS undergraduate certificate opens doors in the field of GIS, whether for career entry or advancement.
• Students obtaining an undergraduate certificate in GIS can work in various positions, including GIS Technicians, GIS Coordinators, and more.
• Undergraduate-level courses can be applied to the GIS foundational requirement for the Geographic Information Science Administration, M.S.
program.

Outline:

Required Courses (24 credit hours)

GIS 4043+L - Geographic Information Systems (plus lab)

• This course teaches fundamental concepts and techniques of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Covers basic concepts such as map projections, spatial data models, relational databases, spatial analysis, and visualization of spatially distributed data and phenomena.
• Students gain an understanding of elementary GIS theory, working knowledge of ArcGIS, and the ability to develop GIS-based solutions to geographic modeling and analysis tasks.
• For most exercises, students will use real-world GIS data to overcome typical problems encountered by GIS practitioners.
• The last three weeks of the course focus on developing, executing, and presenting a final GIS project.

GIS 4006+L - Computer Cartography (plus lab)

• The course focuses on the fundamentals of cartography, spatial statistics, thematic mapping techniques, and web-based mapping.
• Students gain an interdisciplinary understanding of cartographic representation and visualization with hands-on applications using cutting-edge GIS and graphic design software to create purpose-tailored maps.
• Upon successful completion of this course, students can interpret and appropriately communicate spatial data; develop a personalized cartographic style; create a professional GIS portfolio for current/potential employers; and most importantly, develop a keen appreciation for maps and spatial awareness.

GIS 4035+L - Photo Interpretation and Remote Sensing (plus lab)

• Applied skills emphasizing the fundamentals of aerial photograph interpretation and basics of multiband spectral reconnaissance of the environment-multispectral photography, infrared, microwave scanning, and multifrequency radar systems.
• Applications include their uses in studying cultural and biophysical phenomena.

GIS 4102 - GIS Programming

• In today's technology-driven world, students learn to use programming techniques to create applications that perform fundamental spatial analysis and automation tasks, such as geoprocessing, editing, database management, projecting data, and map creation.
• The course primarily focuses on using the Python programming language within Esri's desktop GIS environment.

Choose from the following (3 credit hours)

GIS 4048 - Applications in Geographic Information Systems

• The Applications in GIS course strives to provide a balance between the "how-to" of using ArcGIS 10 and the "why" of GIS by explaining the roles GIS technology plays in analyzing local, regional, and international problems.
• The course builds upon topics covered in Introduction to GIS (GIS 4043).
• Major components of the course include computer representation of geographic information, construction of GIS databases, spatial analysis with GIS, application areas of GIS, and management issues concerning GIS.
• Examples include the study of geohazards, natural disasters, urban planning, homeland security/law enforcement, and marketing or location decisions.

GIS 4260 - GIS Applications for Archaeology

• This course serves as an introduction to archaeological applications of GIS technology, data management, and analysis.
• Students learn to compile, transform, analyze, and present sources of archaeological and historical data, and utilize this information in GIS for cultural resources interpretation, management, and predictive modeling.
• Additionally, this course is designed to reinforce best practices for collecting spatially-related data on anthropological archaeology projects.

Choose from the following (3 credit hours)

GIS 4930 - Special Topics in Geographic Information Science

• The Special Topics in GIS course examines scientific methods used to derive useful information from spatial data in real-world situations.
• Students visit various problems faced by GIS managers and analysts.
• Students can expect to conduct research, plan projects, import and process various types of data in a GIS, analyze and explore data based on commonly accepted methods, and report conclusions and present results in various formats.

GIS 4938 - Special Topics in GIS for Archaeology

• This course serves as an advanced approach to archaeological applications of GIS technology, data management, and analysis.
• Students learn to compile, transform, analyze, and present sources of archaeological and historical data, and utilize this information in GIS for cultural resources interpretation, management, and predictive modeling.
• Additionally, this course is designed to reinforce best practices for collecting spatially-related data on anthropological archaeology projects.

Choose from the following (3 credit hours)

GIS 4905 - Directed Study

• May be repeated indefinitely for credit.

GIS 4944 - GIS Internship

Teaching:

• Expert faculty with extensive GIS experience provide instruction.
• Students receive individualized attention via virtual meetings with instructors, personal advising appointments, and connections to necessary resources.
• Instructors and graduate teaching assistants are invested in student success.

Careers:

• Geographers: Study the geographic history of Earth and human impacts on the planet.
Use technology to measure the Earth's surface, create maps, collect data, write reports, and present findings.
• Cartographers and Photogrammetrists: Collect, measure, and interpret geographic information using GIS technology to create and update maps and charts.
• Surveying and Mapping Technicians: Gather and organize data about the Earth's surface using GIS technologies and create maps and charts used in many industries.
• GIS Analysts: Concentrate on solving problems with geography and can be classified as geographers.
Focus on creating new software or designing databases and can be classified as computer applications software engineers or database administrators.