Upgrade Your Geospatial Toolkit With MTU's Online GIS Certificate.
Geographic information science (GI Science) combines geography, computer science, and spatial analysis to make sense of location-based data. From monitoring environmental change to planning infrastructure, this multidisciplinary field transforms geospatial information into insights that inform decisions and solve complex problems. Michigan Tech's Online Advanced GIS for Natural Resources Certificate builds your expertise in spatial data analysis, geodatabases, and workflow automation.
Important Note: Unless they already have foundational skills, students should pursue this certificate only after completing Foundations in GI Science for Natural Resources.
Who is This Certificate For?
This certificate is designed for professionals and students with foundational GIS knowledge who want to develop more advanced geospatial skills. It is especially relevant to those working in natural resource management, forestry, conservation, and environmental fields who use geospatial data to support analysis, planning, and decision-making.
What You'll Study
Using industry-standard tools such as ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and Python, you'll develop the skills to design, manage, and communicate sophisticated geospatial projects across a range of professional settings. You'll take three required courses.
Why Michigan Tech?
Customize Your Educational Path.
Take one course to accelerate in your current career or earn the entire certificate.
You can also stack this certificate with the two others to earn an online Master of Geographic Information Science.
Learn from A Subject Matter Expert.
This certificate has been developed and is taught by Dr. Parth Bhatt, Assistant Teaching / Research Professor, who has rich experience with using GIS and remote sensing techniques to both analyze and solve problems in natural resource management, invasive species mapping, and forest health. This online program has also evolved from the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, which has long worked in and conducted GIS research.
Where You'll Apply Your Skills
In general, GIS 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 GIS professionals continue to grow.
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
- Wetlands Mapping Specialist
- Wildlife Biologist
Get Started on Your Online Advanced GIS for Natural Resources Certificate.
Take the next steps on your online educational journey at Michigan Tech. When you're ready, reach out or start our fast, free graduate application.