Geographic Information Science, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Program Overview
Saint Louis University's post-baccalaureate certificate in GIS focuses on current issues like environmental quality and climate change, preparing students for the rapidly growing field with an annual growth rate of nearly 35%. The 15-credit program offers required courses in GIS, geospatial data management, remote sensing, and digital image processing, along with elective options in topics such as programming and machine learning.
Program Outline
Outline:
The GIS certificate is a 15-credit program that students can pursue on a full- or part-time basis, usually completing the certificate in less than two years.
Required Courses:
- GIS 5010 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3 credits)
- GIS 5030 Geospatial Data Management (3 credits)
- GIS 5040 Introduction to Remote Sensing (3 credits)
- GIS 5050 Digital Image Processing (3 credits)
Elective Courses (Select one of the following):
- GIS 5061 Photogrammetry (3 credits)
- GIS 5080 Digital Cartography and Geovisualization (3 credits)
- GIS 5090 Introduction to Programming for GIS and Remote Sensing (3 credits)
- GIS 5091 Advanced Programming for GIS and Remote Sensing (3 credits)
- GIS 5092 Machine Learning for GIS and Remote Sensing (3 credits)
- GIS 5100 Microwave Remote Sensing: SAR Principles, Data Processing and Applications (3 credits)
- GIS 5110 Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (3 credits)
- GIS 5140 Satellite Geodesy (3 credits)
- GIS 5970 Research Topics (3 credits)
- BIOL 5190 Geographic Information Systems in Biology (3 credits)
Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) Certificate Program:
In partnership with the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF), students in this program may simultaneously pursue the USGIF's Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) Certificate.
GEOINT Certificate Program Course List:
- GIS 5010 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3 credits)
- GIS 5030 Geospatial Data Management (3 credits)
- GIS 5040 Introduction to Remote Sensing (3 credits)
- GIS 5970 Research Topics (3 credits)
- GIS Electives (Approved Electives) (3 credits)
Teaching:
Theory and lectures are supplemented with hands-on projects involving risk assessment and mitigation, environmental modeling, resource exploration, sustainable development, natural resource management and transportation, subterranean mapping and forest fire management.
Careers:
Graduates have a very good employment outlook. Employment in this field is growing at an annual rate of almost 35%, with the commercial subsection of the market expanding by 100% each year, according to the Geospatial Information and Technology Association. Recent graduates from this program have been employed by various environmental, remote sensing and GIS companies, including Bayer, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Other:
The SLU program offers its students:
- Focus on advanced remote sensing, GIS and geospatial methods
- Use of the latest image processing techniques
- Coverage of diverse applications in various disciplines
- Training with industry-leading hardware and software systems (ArcGIS, ENVI+IDL, SARscape) and open-source platforms (e.g., QGIS, Boundless Desktop)
- Late afternoon or evening classes that accommodate working professionals
- Instructors with advanced degrees who work and conduct research in the field
- State-of-the-art research labs equipped with modern computing, commercial and open-source software tools, various remote sensing sensors and manned and unmanned aircraft
Continuation Standards:
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.
Saint Louis University
Overview:
Saint Louis University (SLU) is a Jesuit Catholic university with a rich history spanning over 200 years. It is known for its commitment to academic excellence, student-centered approach, and research-driven environment. SLU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including arts and sciences, business, education, health sciences, law, medicine, nursing, and more.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
SLU provides a vibrant and supportive campus community with a strong emphasis on student involvement. Students can participate in a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities, including athletics, service learning, and cultural events. The university also offers resources for student well-being, such as counseling services and wellness programs.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
SLU is recognized for its high-quality academic programs and dedicated faculty.Experiential Learning:
The university emphasizes hands-on learning through internships, research opportunities, and study abroad programs.Supportive Community:
SLU fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment where students can connect with peers, faculty, and staff.Billiken Promise:
This program offers admitted undergraduate students a range of benefits, including virtual internships, guaranteed study abroad opportunities, and flexible scholarships.Academic Programs:
SLU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate:
94 bachelor's degree programsGraduate:
88 master's degree programsProfessional:
Programs in law, medicine, and other fieldsThe university is particularly known for its strengths in the following areas:
Health Sciences:
Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, and other related fieldsBusiness:
Finance, Marketing, Management, and EntrepreneurshipLaw:
Legal studies and practiceArts and Sciences:
Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural SciencesOther:
SLU has a beautiful residential campus located in Midtown St. Louis, Missouri. The university also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, offering study abroad opportunities for students.
