Program Overview

Geographic Information Science - Graduate Certificate

Overview

The Geographic Information Science graduate certificate prepares graduates to work in the geospatial technology industry, as well as in allied industries that rely on employees who are highly trained in this technology. Prospective employers are private and public sector entities that need to manage large systems and big geospatial data, map and analyze health data, and map and analyze environmental conditions and resources. Examples of such employers are local, state and federal government agencies; business that focus on logistics, marketing and engineering; and non-profit agencies in health services and environmental management.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in geography or a related field
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

Program Requirements

Certificate Requirements

• GEOG 59071: Fundamentals of Geographic Information Science I (3 credits)
• GEOG 59081: Fundamentals of Geographic Information Science II (3 credits)
• GEOG 69164: Cartographic Design (3 credits)
• Certificate Electives (choose from the following): (6 credits)
  • CS 61002: Algorithms and Programming I
  • GEOG 69004: Quantitative Methods in Geography
  • GEOG 59072: Geographic Information Science and Health
  • GEOG 59075: Geographic Information Science: Applications for Social Problems
  • GEOG 59076: Spatial Programming
  • GEOG 59078: Geographic Information Science and Environmental Hazards
  • GEOG 69004: Quantitative Methods in Geography
  • GEOG 69007: Spatiotemporal Analytics
  • GEOG 69073: Geographic Information Science: Global Health
  • GEOG 69074: Geographic Information Science: Spatial Analysis for Health Geography
  • GEOG 69079: Environmental Geographic Information Science
  • GEOG 69082: CyberGIS
  • GEOG 69083: Geodatabases
  • GEOG 69231: Environmental Remote Sensing

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum Certificate GPA: 3.000
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.000

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Apply standard mapping technique and spatial analysis procedures to geographic and environmental data.
2. Describe the various forms and methods of geospatial data dissemination.
3. Analyze and interpret the common statistics methods used in geographic research and applications.
4. Execute techniques for processing, managing, visualizing and analyzing environmental data using GIS tools.
5. Design and develop geodatabases by integrating essential GIS concepts and technical skills.
6. Evaluate principles of map design and apply best practices for cartographic construction.
7. Explain foundational concepts and techniques for environmental remote sensing.