Program Overview
Geographic Information Systems Certificate
Overview
The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate is an undergraduate program that provides students with valuable GIS capabilities, representing the intersection of geospatial data management, analysis, research, and visualization and mapping.
Program Details
- Program Type: Certificate
- Format: On Campus
- Estimated Time to Complete: 2-3 semesters
- Credit Hours: 15
Why Earn a Geographic Information Systems Certificate?
Students who complete our certificate have acquired and honed their skills in fundamental GIS concepts, applications, analysis, and programming. The certificate is flexible, allowing students to emphasize or blend GIS programming, geospatial visualization, and analysis.
Geographic Information Systems Certificate Highlights
- Manage and analyze geographic data
- Apply GIS programming in problem-solving
- Encounter a broad range of GIS courses
- Work with internationally renowned faculty
- High investment in students by faculty
- Learn to use state-of-the-art GIS software to produce geographic visualizations
Geographic Information Systems Certificate Courses
- Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3 hrs) Introduces the concepts and applications of computer-based spatial data handling, known as geographic information systems (GIS) technology. Illustrates the essential methods of GIS and its applications in fields including geography, business, administration, planning, and environmental science.
- Advanced Geographic Information Systems (3 hrs) Advanced spatial analysis through the use of specialized software and the design and development of spatial databases and applications. The course includes GIS data models, project planning, raster-based data manipulation and analysis, three-dimensional (3D) analysis, network analysis, and other advanced topics in spatial analysis.
- Introduction to Python Programming (3 hrs) Automation is an important component of data processing, analysis, and visualization. Python is a powerful, general-purpose programming language that is used for automation, scientific analysis, and other data management and visualization tasks. Examines the basics of writing computer programs in Python, input and output operations, logic and data structures, object-oriented programming, and data visualization using graphing libraries.
- Using LiDAR Data in GIS (3 hrs) Provides an overview of light detection and ranging (LiDAR) principles and data processing methods. Develops skills to effectively use LiDAR data in a geographic information system environment with applications in natural and built environments.
- Introduction to Enterprise GIS Applications (3 hrs) Explore cloud computing technologies, how they are used to host, manage, transform, and visualize geospatial data. Implement open-source and commercial software GIS solutions including spatial databases, geographic data mediators, and dashboards.
Related Programs
- Geographic Information Systems and Computer Science Degree
- Geography Degree
Similar Areas of Study
- Data Analytics & Information
- STEM
College and Department
- College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
- Department of Geography and the Environment
Location
- Environmental Education, Science & Technology Building, Room 210
- 1155 Union Circle, Denton, Texas
Program Outline
It is designed to equip students with valuable GIS skills and knowledge, enhancing their career prospects in various fields. The program emphasizes the intersection of geospatial data management, analysis, research, and visualization and mapping.
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Develop students' understanding of fundamental GIS concepts, applications, analysis, and programming.
- Provide a flexible learning experience allowing students to focus on GIS programming, geospatial visualization, and analysis.
- Equip students with the ability to manage and analyze geographic data.
- Enable students to apply GIS programming in problem-solving.
- Offer a broad range of GIS courses.
- Provide access to internationally renowned faculty.
- Foster a high level of faculty investment in students.
- Train students to use state-of-the-art GIS software for producing geographic visualizations.
Teaching:
- The program is taught by internationally renowned faculty.
- Faculty are highly invested in student success.
- The program utilizes state-of-the-art GIS software for practical learning.
Careers:
The program prepares students for careers in various fields, including:
- Geography
- Business
- Administration
- Planning
- Environmental science
Other:
- The certificate is open to students in other programs, non-degree seeking students, and outside professionals seeking to enhance their career prospects.
- The program is offered on campus.
- The estimated time to complete the program is 2-3 semesters.
- The program requires 15 credit hours.
- The program is offered by the Department of Geography and the Environment in the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences.
- The program is related to the Geographic Information Systems and Computer Science Degree and the Geography Degree.
University of North Texas Summary
Overview:
The University of North Texas (UNT) is a public research university located in Denton, Texas. It is a large institution with nearly 47,000 students, making it a top choice for career readiness in Texas. UNT offers a wide range of academic programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees, as well as certificates.
Services Offered:
UNT provides a variety of services to its students, including:
MyUNT:
A portal for accessing student information, grades, and other resources.CANVAS:
An online learning platform for accessing course materials and submitting assignments.Student Email:
An email account for communication with faculty, staff, and other students.UNT Directory:
A directory for finding contact information for faculty, staff, and departments.Libraries:
Access to extensive library resources, including books, journals, and databases.Financial Aid:
A variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.Student Life:
A wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities.Campus Map:
An interactive map of the campus, including buildings, parking lots, and other points of interest.Jobs at UNT:
A job board for students seeking on-campus employment.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UNT offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience with a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved. Students can participate in:
Student organizations:
Over 400 student organizations, including academic, cultural, and social clubs.Athletics:
The Mean Green athletic program, which competes in NCAA Division I.Campus events:
A variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and festivals.Community engagement:
Opportunities to volunteer in the local community.Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
UNT offers a wide range of academic programs, with many ranked among the nation's top 100.Affordability:
UNT provides significant financial aid to students, making it a more affordable option for many.Quality of Life:
Located in Denton, a vibrant college town, UNT offers a safe and enjoyable campus environment.Academic Programs:
UNT offers over 100 academic programs across a variety of disciplines, including:
Arts and Design:
Visual arts, music, theatre, dance, and more.Business and Industry:
Accounting, finance, marketing, management, and more.Communications and Media:
Journalism, public relations, advertising, and more.Data Analytics and Information:
Computer science, information technology, and more.Education:
Elementary education, secondary education, special education, and more.Health and Wellness:
Nursing, health sciences, and more.Humanities and Social Sciences:
History, English, psychology, sociology, and more.Music and Performing Arts:
Music performance, music education, theatre arts, and more.Public Service:
Criminal justice, political science, social work, and more.STEM:
Biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, and more.Other:
- UNT is a designated Tree Campus Higher Education institution by the Arbor Day Foundation.
- UNT has been named one of the safest college campuses in the nation by Alarms.org for four consecutive years.
- UNT is a top college for students graduating with the least debt, according to U.S. News & World Report.
- UNT is a top college for enrolling transfer students, according to U.S. News & World Report.
- UNT has been named one of America's Top Colleges by Forbes for 16 consecutive years.
- UNT is located in Denton, which has been ranked as the 7th best college town in the nation by 247WallSt.com.