Geoinformatics—Graduate Certificate | Michigan Tech Online Engineering Certificates

Geoinformatics

Meet the demand for geospatial professionals and big data analytics experts.

Develop knowledge and skills in geospatial data analytics and information science. Explore environmental geoscience, geospatial statistics, modeling and visualization, predictive analytics, and remote sensing applications. Master industry standard tools, such as ArcGIS, Python, and R. This certificate emphasizes data programming and analytics in order to build skills for geoinformatics-related, data scientist, and geoscience engineering jobs. Elevate your career in surveying and geoinformatics engineering, forestry, civil and environmental engineering, social sciences, or business.

3 courses in 3 semesters.

Department	Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences
Admissions requirement	BS degree.
Contact	Luke Bowman

Length	3 courses in 2-3 semesters
Effort	3 hours per credit per week
Each course	3 credits
Total credits	9
Course type	Online or on-campus
Modality	Watch class recordings on demand
Cost	Based on credits and course type
Already enrolled?	Speak with your advisor.

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Progress quickly with a compact curriculum.

Work with the program advisor to select courses that fit your interests and pre-requisite skills.

Take 9 credits of elective courses.

Do not take both FW 5550 and SS 5049. Do not take both FW 5555 and SS 5050.

GE 5280 - Python Programming in Geosciences

This course covers topics from Python programming basics to advanced tools and techniques for data processing and visualization in Geosciences. Students will learn in a hands-on environment with programming occurring interactively during class and assignments designed to strengthen the learning outcome.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-1)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

GE 5515 - Advanced Geoinformatics

This course covers the concepts and theories in geospatial science, GIS analysis techniques (network analysis, cost distance analysis, multi-layer raster data analysis), and remote sensing theories and applications across different spectra. Basic concepts and techniques associated with geostatistics, and analysis of spatial relationships are also introduced using examples in geophysical and environmental research.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior

GE 5870 - Geostatistics & Data Analysis

This course covers the handling of spatial and temporal data for knowledge discovery. Major topics include spatial interpolation, clustering, association analysis, and supervised and unsupervised classification. Students will learn how to use geostatistical and pattern recognition tools for geoscience applications.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-1)
Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years, Spring, in odd years

FW 5553 - Python Programming for GIS

An introduction to Python scripting and basic Python coding within ArcMap. Labs cover tasks found in typical GIS workflows. Students learn how to write and debug Python scripts, models and mapping programs.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): FW 5550 or FW 3540

FW 5550 - Geographic Information Science and Spatial Analysis

Use of geographic information systems (GIS) in resource management. Studies various components of GIS in detail, as well as costs and benefits. Laboratory exercises use ArcGIS software package to solve resource management problems.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 2710 or MA 2720 or MA 3710

SS 5049 - GIS Applications for the Graduate Researcher

Applications of Geographic Information Science and Technologies for research problem identification, analysis, and dissemination. Students learn how to use GIS as a tool to collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data for graduate research. Hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, and problem solving.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior

FW 5555 - Advanced GIS Concepts and Analysis

This course moves beyond the fundamentals of GIS to explore the application of GIS technology to environmental monitoring and resource management issues. Students learn graphic modeling techniques, network analysis, 3D visualization, geodatabase construction and management, and multivariate spatial analysis.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
Pre-Requisite(s): FW 5550

SS 5050 - Advanced GIS Methods and Projects

Advanced application of Geographic Information Systems in social sciences as a tool to collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data. Students gain hands-on experience in data collection, advanced spatial analysis, and scripting.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
Restrictions: Permission of instructor required; Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): SS 5049

SU 5012 - Geospatial Data Mining and Crowdsourcing

This course comprises theory and applications of geospatial data mining. Typical application scenarios are covered. Attention is given to open-source data and systems crowdsourcing, as well as social media. Special focus on imaging and visual analytics.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-1)
Semesters Offered: Spring

The minimum completion time is two semesters.

Here are the semester offerings.

Fall	Spring
GE 5280 FW 5553 FW 5550 FW 5555 SS 5049 SS 5050	GE 5515 GE 5870 SU 5012

Enroll for Online

Check the schedule of online classes to see which of your required or elective courses are available for upcoming semesters.
Consult the academic calendar for fall and spring instruction start dates.
Estimate costs based on tuition and online fees.
Apply to the Graduate School for fall or spring semester.

Enroll for On-campus

Review MTU Flex announcements related to the Graduate School.
Check the schedule of classes to see which of your required or elective courses are available for upcoming semesters.
Consult the academic calendar for fall and spring instruction start dates.
Estimate costs based on tuition.
Apply to the Graduate School for fall or spring semester.

Interested in taking a single, online course? Enroll as a non-degree seeking student.

Upon completion of the Certificate the student should be able to:

Employ core concepts in geoinformatics, including computational components, data processing and visualization features, and statistical functions in applications of geospatial science in earth resource and environmental science settings.
Properly use commercial tools (e.g., ESRI ArcGIS, Python) and/or equivalent user-developed tools in applications of appropriate large-scale data analysis and visualization to earth resource and environmental science related problems.
Effectively communicate the results of data processing and the interpretations of the resulting products.

Michigan Tech was founded in 1885.

The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and widely respected by fast-paced industries, including automotive development, infrastructure, manufacturing, and aerospace. Michigan Tech graduates deliver on rapid innovation and front-line research, leaning into any challenge with confidence.

The College of Engineering fosters excellence in education and research.

We set out as the Michigan Mining School in 1885 to train mining engineers to better operate copper mines. Today, more than 60 percent of Michigan Tech students are enrolled in our 17 undergraduate and 29 graduate engineering programs across nine departments. Our students and curriculum embrace the spirit of hard work and fortitude our founders once had. Our online graduate courses are the same, robust classes taken by our doctorate and masters candidates, taught directly by highly regarded faculty, with outstanding support from staff. We invite working professionals to join these courses, bring their own experience and challenges as part of the discussion. Leverage the national reputation of Michigan Tech to advance your career in tech leadership.

About Michigan Tech

About the College

Engineering Salaries

Meet the online certified instructors.

Students have the flexibility to review class recordings later.

Snehamoy Chatterjee

Associate Professor, Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences

schatte1@mtu.edu

Teaching Statement

Dr. Chatterjee teaches mine planning and design, geostatistics and data analysis, advanced geomechanics, and resource and reserve estimation.

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Mike Hyslop

Teaching Professor

mdhyslop@mtu.edu

Teaching Statement

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Mickey Jarvi

Assistant Teaching Professor

mpjarvi@mtu.edu

Teaching Statement

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Don Lafreniere

Department Chair, Social Sciences

djlafren@mtu.edu

Teaching Statement

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Eugene Levin, CP

Adjunct Associate Professor, Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering

elevin@mtu.edu

Teaching Statement

Dr. Levin's teaching interests include Earth observation systems, geodesy, photogrammetry, geospatial technologies, global positioning systems, remote sensing, cartography, and much more.

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