Foundations in Geographic Information Science For Natural Resources Certificate

The Foundations in Geographic Information Science for Natural Resources certificate introduces the essential concepts, tools, and techniques of GIS, framed specifically for environmental and natural resource applications. This certificate is ideal for those new to geospatial science or looking to formalize their GIS skills in a natural resource context.

What Will I Learn?

Offered through the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (CFRES), a nationally recognized leader in environmental science, these fully online, stackable certificates combine technical GIS training with a deep natural resource context, giving learners more than just software skills. Through lectures, computer laboratories and field experiences you’ll learn how to analyze and visualize geospatial data in the form of maps with the most widely used GIS software.

Whether you work in forestry, environmental compliance, conservation, water resources, or land/urban planning, these certificates enable you to translate geospatial data into actionable insights for the natural world. You'll emerge with applied skills that immediately enhance your effectiveness in managing landscapes, habitats, watersheds, and human-wildland interfaces.

Plus, being part of CFRES means joining a learning community dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Make your credential not just a career booster, but part of a bigger mission.

Professionals gain strategic foundational skills from the Foundations in Geographic Information Science (GIS) for Natural Resources Certificate:

Learn the principles of making maps, from traditional to advanced visualization techniques, using GIS software and digital data.
Explore use of geographic information systems in resource management.
Study various GIS components, costs and benefits.
Gain hands-on experience with various GPS units.
Learn to apply GPS technology to planning as well as data collection, processing and management.

Why It Matters

This foundational certificate provides more than technical know-how—it’s about understanding spatial relationships in forests, watersheds, and ecosystems. You’ll emerge with practical skills that apply directly to roles in natural resource agencies, conservation organizations, and environmental consulting firms.

Who is this Certificate For?

This certificate is for qualified professionals who want to enhance their skill set and can be a foundation to continue toward a graduate degree. It is also valuable for degree-seeking students looking to develop a concentration that gives them an edge in their career path.

Early-career professionals in natural resource fields
Students preparing for graduate work in GIS
Consultants and planners looking to upskill
Anyone wanting a strong GIS foundation before moving into advanced topics

Courses

FW 4550 - Introduction to Cartography for GIS

Principles of making maps, from traditional to advanced visualization techniques, that convey information which is useful in decision making at many levels. Focus will be on creating maps using GIS software and digital data. A working knowledge of ArcGIS is required.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-1-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
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, Spring
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

This 9-credit program focuses on:

Core GIS principles and spatial data analysis
Map design and cartographic communication
Applied GIS methods for environmental science and land planning

Graduate Program Director:

Parth Bhatt

Graduate Program Assistant:

Marjorie Banovetz

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, although you will need to upload them later.

Graduate School Admissions Process

Applying to the Graduate School is free (no application fees) and fast (no official transcripts, test scores, or letters needed to start). The application process involves three easy steps.

See Admissions Steps

Graduate School Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Graduate School as a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:

have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record.

See additional application requirements, including required materials:

Official Transcripts

Program Specific Requirements

Program Specific

Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
Résumé / Curriculum vitae
GMAT/GRE: Not required
Preferred major: Natural resource, surveying, geography, or civil and environmental engineering preferred, but other majors will be considered.

International Students

TOEFL: Recommended Score of 79 iBT
IELTS: Recommended Overall Band Score of 6.5

Michigan Tech requires a minimum 79 overall TOEFL or 6.5 overall IELTS score.

Admissions Decisions

Made on a rolling basis.

Certificate Admissions

Prospective Students

Prospective students and non-degree seeking students interested in obtaining a graduate certificate must apply to the certificate program using the online application.
Accelerated certificate options exist for current Michigan Tech undergraduate students in good standing and have achieved at least junior-level standing or recent bachelor’s graduates of Michigan Tech (less than two years).
The number of credits earned prior to admission that can be counted are restricted.

Current Graduate Students

Current Michigan Tech graduate students who are in a degree program do not need to formally apply. Current students must still submit the appropriate degree schedule in order to complete the certificate.

International Student Requirements

International Students must apply and be accepted into a degree-granting program in order to earn a graduate certificate. A non-refundable $10 processing fee per application is required.

See International Applicants

Accredited by HLC

Michigan Tech has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1928. Our Graduate School offers over 125 certificates, master's, and PhD programs to provide our students and the world with what tomorrow needs.