
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.
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. |
Apply
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 |
- 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.
- 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.
Meet the online certified instructors.
Students have the flexibility to review class recordings later.
Teaching Statement
Dr. Chatterjee teaches mine planning and design, geostatistics and data analysis, advanced geomechanics, and resource and reserve estimation.
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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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Teaching Statement
Dr. Xi teaches advanced geoinformatics, introduction to GIS, and Python programming in geosciences.
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