Online Foundations in Geographic Information Science for Natural Resources Certificate

Build the Fundamental GIS Skills Behind Resource Decisions.

Geographic Information Science (GI Science) studies how we collect, analyze, and interpret information about places on Earth. It draws on geography, computer science, and statistics to work with maps, satellite imagery, GPS, and other location-based data—helping us understand where something is happening, why it’s happening there, and how places are connected.

For example, a city planner choosing a hospital site might combine population data with road networks, traffic patterns, and emergency-call locations, then use GIS models to test which locations improve access and response times. In natural resource management, GI Science supports tasks like forest inventories by integrating remote sensing (satellite imagery or LiDAR), GPS, and field surveys to map forest composition, structure, and health, such as species, age, canopy cover, and distribution, all by using GIS software.

Intrigued by the possibilities of GIS? Michigan Tech offers a practical, 9-credit Online Certificate in the Foundations of GIS for Natural Resources. Complete the certificate on its own or stack it with others and earn an online Master of Geographic Science (MGIS) degree.

Who is This Certificate For?

This certificate is designed for natural resource, forestry, conservation, and environmental professionals who want to build a practical foundation in GIS. It may also suit learners looking to add mapping, spatial analysis, and geospatial data skills before pursuing more advanced GIS study.

GIS in the Real World: James Miller's Story

Meet James Miller, a wildlife habitat biologist with the Michigan DNR, who strengthened his GIS skills through Michigan Tech’s Foundations in Geographic Information Science for Natural Resources certificate.

In this student spotlight, James shares what it was like balancing an online program with full-time work, how the coursework translated directly into better mapping and analysis on the job, and why he’s continuing on to the Advanced GIS certificate. He also talks about how he’s applied new tools and workflows to support field work and decision-making. He turned GIS from “something I’ve always been interested in” into a skill set his team can rely on.

If you’re curious what GIS training can look like in the real world—and what it can unlock professionally—his story is worth the read.

What You'll Study

This certificate brings GIS, cartography, and GPS field techniques into a natural-resources setting. Offered through Michigan Tech’s forestry and environmental-science community, it is also an entry point to a sequence of online certificates that can contribute to the MGIS degree. You will take three fundamental courses.

Required Courses

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

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 5554 - GPS Field Techniques

This course will provide hands-on experience with various types of GPS units and different applications of the technology. These applications include planning, data collection, data processing, and data management. Emphasis will be on practical applications of Global Positioning System technology.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of For Res & Env Sci; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
Pre-Requisite(s): FW 3540 or FW 5550

Where You'll Apply Your Skills

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.

And, as the field continues to evolve, professionals with GIS experience will likely find additional opportunities in emerging areas and industries that leverage location-based data for decision-making and innovation.

A GIS expert on the site of a disaster, pointing upwards while talking. — Those with GIS expertise are often called upon to make decisions in Disaster Management.

Possible Career Paths

Conservation Scientist
Environmental Consultant/Planner
Forester
GIS Analyst/Technician
GIS Project Manager
Natural Resource Manager
Wildlife Biologist
Remote Sensing Specialist

The Online GIS Program: More Details

Want to learn more about this certificate and the others that make up Michigan Tech's Online GIS Program? Then watch the recording below. This video is 39 minutes long, so if you're pressed for time, use the key below to go to the section that contains the information you need.

Introductions: 0-5:44
Why Study GIS at MTU? + Dr. Parth Bhatt's Credentials: 5:44 -11:50
Online GIS Program: (Overview): 11:51 - 20:19
A Peak Inside the Program: 20:20 - 29:14
Important Next Steps (Application, the Admissions Process, Contacts): 29:15 - 32:28
Questions: 32:29 - 38:57

Preview image for Michigan Tech's Online GIS Programs video

Get Started On Your Online Foundations in GIS Certificate.

Take the next steps on your online educational journey at Michigan Tech. When you're ready, reach out. Or start our free, easy application process.