The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Foundations certificate is a 6-credit online graduate program where students integrate geography and data to better understand and address a wide range of problems in government, healthcare, urban planning, environmental conservation, infrastructure, law enforcement, insurance, and other industries. Completion of the certificate positions graduates to sit for the Esri Fundamentals Foundation certification exam.
Program Coordinator: Dr. Darcy Boellstorff
Admissions Requirements
• Online application
• Resume
• Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work
• Personal statement
• One appropriate letter of recommendation from an academic or a professional
The GIS Foundations Certificate consists of two 3-credit courses which can be completed in 8 months. Each course has a series of special topics modules and requires students to develop a main deliverable project. Graduates will acquire knowledge of the newest GIS software and best practices for utilizing it in their area of work.
Students must complete the following courses:
GEOG 505- GIS Principles
This fully online course will develop students' understanding and skills in GIS using modern approaches including online mapping, app development, and cloud computing. The first part of the course will cover the basics of geographic data, its acquisition and management to set the groundwork for the student-led creation of information from geographic data in a final term project.
GEOG 506- GIS Fundamentals
This fully online course will present more information about geographic data in professional practice and the role of GIS in society. Students will build on their GIS knowledge while applying methods of data analytics and modeling. A final project will encompass the construction of a real-time data collection and visualization application.
Certificate Courses - 6 credits
***For the most up-to-date information regarding course descriptions, please visit our University Catalog.
