Geographic Information Systems Certificate (Undergraduate)

Geographic Information Systems Courses You May Take

Fundamentals of GIS: This course is designed to provide students with an applied understanding of the concepts and theory behind GIS including spatial data structures, data sources and transfer methods, projections and coordinate systems, georeferencing, geocoding, geodatabase design and management, how to start a GIS project, as well as fundamentals of spatial analysis techniques such as overlay, extraction and interpolation. Concepts presented in lecture will be put into practice through tutorials using the GIS software product ArcGIS 10.x (ESRI, Inc.). The culmination of the course is the presentation of your research project employing the methods learned.

Advanced GIS: This course is designed to advance a student's knowledge in the rapidly developing field of Geographic Information Science and Systems (GIS). This course is built on the techniques learned in the Fundamentals of GIS course (GEOL 3311) by exposing the student to more advanced methods in developing and utilizing GIS data. Students will gain skills and knowledge of design, planning and error within GIS data management, analytical decision-making techniques and advanced spatial and statistical analysis. Python Script and Model Builder, web mapping and collector, digital image processing and analysis in ArcGIS, and working with LiDAR datasets. Students will gain deep understanding of the potential value of GIS through lectures, exercises of the latest versions of ArcGIS software and research in a broad range of applications.

Fundamentals of Remote Sensing: Remote sensing is a rapidly-evolving science and technology with numerous contributions to the Earth, environmental and ocean sciences, such as monitoring of natural hazards including droughts, floods, landslides, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and forest fires. This course introduces students to the principles of remote sensing with its wide applications in the Earth and environmental sciences. Fundamental knowledge is offered on the physics of remote sensing, photogrammetry, remote sensing data acquisition, remote sensing data types (multispectral, hyperspectral, RADAR and LiDAR), and numerous applications. The course will also cover digital image processing and analysis techniques using ENVI software.

Special Topic Earth Science (Geospatial Studies): An individual library, laboratory, or field project. To receive credit, an acceptable report is required. May be repeated for credit.

Special Topic Earth Science (Remote Sensing for Environmental Analysis): An individual library, laboratory, or field project. To receive credit, an acceptable report is required. May be repeated for credit.

Career Paths for Geographic Information Systems

The geospatial market is growing at an annual rate of nearly 35%, with commercial ventures increasing at a rate of 100% each year. You will be able to work in high-demand fields such as environmental science, urban planning, natural resources, public health, logistics and engineering.

Primary Careers