Program Overview

Geographic Information Science Undergraduate Certificate

The Oregon State Undergraduate GIS Certificate consists of 27 credit hours, with additional prerequisites potentially required based on the student's selected courses and/or prior math coursework. This certificate can be completed as an addition to any degree program, as a standalone certificate by students without a college degree, or as a post-baccalaureate certificate. The program empowers students to utilize geospatial data to analyze environmental and social issues.

Program Overview

Geographic Information Science (GIScience) combines theory and principles underlying geospatial data collection and analysis with modeling, map-making, and the human dimensions of such data collection. Humans have been making maps since the Stone Age, and GIScience helps us understand the world around us and each other in new ways.

Why GIScience at Oregon State?

• World-class faculty who have garnered national and international awards
• Online program provides an economical and flexible choice for distance education students
• Real-world experience through a 10-week internship in a GIScience field
• Oregon State's status as an Esri Development Center, which confers special status as an exemplary GIS program

Curriculum

The Geographic Information Science Curriculum Worksheet outlines the program requirements. The OSU Catalog - Undergraduate provides further details on the program.

Program Requirements

The certificate consists of 27 credit hours. Additional prerequisites may be required based on the student's selected courses and/or prior math coursework.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the certificate, students will be empowered to utilize geospatial data to analyze environmental and social issues.

Faculty

• Core Faculty (Level 1) - GIScience Coordination Committee
• Teaching Faculty (Level 2)
• Adjunct Faculty (Level 3)

The program director is Kuuipo Ann Walsh, who notes that employment opportunities in GISciences have grown substantially over the last 10 years, making certificate holders in-demand.

Careers

Many Oregon State Geographic Information Science certificate students go on to graduate programs in geospatial science, geography, natural resources, and more, while others enter the workforce right away. Recent Oregon State Geographic Information Science certificate students are now employed at:

• NV5 Geospatial Solutions
• Esri
• Oregon Department of Transportation
• Washington Department of Natural Resources
• Polk County Public Works
• Big Sur Land Trust
• Conservation Biology Institute
• GeoComm

Certificate holders will be in demand as spatial analysts in the government, environmental, health, agricultural, construction, and tech sectors, among others.