Upgrade Your GI Science Toolkit With This Certificate.
Geographic Information Science (GI Science) is an exciting, growing, multidisciplinary field that focuses on the study of geographic information, spatial data, as well as their applications. Combining principles from geography, computer science, mathematics, and various other disciplines, GI Science has the ambitious goal of understanding, analyzing, and modeling the spatial aspects of the world. Or to put it another way, GI Science transforms geospatial data into action, making a meaningful impact on the world.
While pursuing this certificate, you will apply industry-standard GIS software, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and others, alongside advanced programming techniques like Python.
You will master sophisticated GIS concepts and methodologies, which are central to analyzing large and complex datasets, automating routine geospatial workflows, and effectively managing geodatabases. Furthermore, you will cultivate expertise in designing, executing, and communicating comprehensive geospatial projects. These skills will empower you to address real-world challenges, deliver innovative solutions, and excel in professional and industry-level geospatial roles.
In short, open completion of this certificate, you will achieve advanced proficiency in generating, visualizing, processing, analyzing, and managing geospatial data.
Important Note: Unless they already have foundational skills, students should pursue this certificate only after completing Foundations in GI Science for Natural Resources.
What Courses Will Students Take?
This certificate is flexible enough to fit around the demands of your life, your job, and your other responsibilities.
All students will take the same three advanced courses.
Required Courses
Why Learn About the Foundations in Geographic Information Science at Michigan Tech?
Choose Your Educational Path.
Take one course to accelerate in your current career or earn the entire certificate.
You can also stack this certificate with Foundations of GIS to advance towards your Online MS in GI Science.
Learn from Subject Matter Experts.
This certificate and the proposed MGIS Online degree have been developed with the input from GI Science analysts and industry experts. In addition, the online courses have been developed and are taught by Dr. Parth Bhatt, Assistant Teaching / Research Professor. Bhatt has rich experience with using GI Science and remote sensing techniques to both analyze and solve problems in natural resource management, invasive species mapping, and forest health.
Join a Department With a Rich GIS Tradition.
This online program has evolved from the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, which has long worked in and conducted research with GI Science. You'll be joining a college that is known and respected for offering top-tier education for next-generation forestry and natural resource challenges.
Who Uses Advanced Geographic Information Science?
In general, GI Science is a versatile skill set, used by global professionals in a number of workplaces, such as the following: natural resource management, government agencies, environmental and conservation organizations, urban and regional planning, real estate and property management, insurance industry, and the energy sector.
With an increasing societal emphasis on environmental sustainability, forest management, conservation, climate change, precision agriculture, and wildlife conservation, opportunities for GI Science professionals continue to grow.
This program is strategically designed to offer specialized curriculum and project opportunities that align with the challenges of our time.
Possible Career Paths
- Cartographer
- Environmental Consultant/Planner
- Environmental GIS Consultant
- Environmental Project Manager
- Forest GIS Analyst
- GIS Analyst
- GIS Project Manager
- Land Use Planning GIS Specialist
- Natural Resource Manager
- Silviculture Mapping Technician
- Spatial Ecologist
- Wetlands Mapping Specialist
- Wildlife Biologist
Get Ahead With An Advanced GI Science Certificate.
Take the next steps on your online educational journey at Michigan Tech. We are here to answer your questions and to help you succeed in your online program.