Advanced Geographic Information Science For Natural Resources Certificate

Programs Offered
- Certificate
Delivery Options
- Online
- On-Campus
- Accelerated
Credits
- 9 credits
Timeline
- One–three semesters

Gain Geospatial Skills in Forestry, Conservation, and Environmental Science

The online and on-campus Advanced Geographic Information Science (GIS) for Natural Resources certificate at Michigan Tech is designed for professionals and students who want to deepen their expertise in geospatial analysis for forestry, natural resource management, conservation, and environmental science. Unlike broader GIS programs, this certificate offers a specialized focus on applying geographic information science to critical environmental and natural resource challenges. Developed in collaboration with GIS industry experts and informed by alumni working as GIS analysts, the program ensures that students gain practical, career-ready skills. Additionally, Michigan Tech’s College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (CFRES) fosters strong partnerships with organizations like the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and private industries, providing unique opportunities for collaboration and funding.

As the demand for spatial data and mapping continues to grow in the era of big data, this certificate equips students with the advanced skills needed to analyze and interpret complex geographic information. Through coursework and applied learning, students gain hands-on experience with industry-leading tools and technologies.

Who is This Certificate For?

The Advanced GIS for Natural Resources certificate at Michigan Tech is designed for both current students and working professionals looking to expand their expertise in geospatial technology. Graduate students can integrate this certificate into their degree program, adding a powerful technological edge that enhances their job market competitiveness. For professionals, this certificate offers a direct path to skill enhancement and career advancement, whether they’re seeking a promotion, transitioning into a GIS-focused role, or staying ahead in an evolving industry.

What You Need to Know

Students in the graduate certificate in advanced geographic information science for natural resources will achieve advanced proficiency in generating, visualizing, processing, analyzing, and managing geospatial data through the application of industry-standard GIS software—including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and others—alongside advanced programming techniques like Python. They will master sophisticated GIS concepts and methodologies, enabling the analysis of large and complex datasets, the automation of routine geospatial workflows, and the effective management of geodatabases. Furthermore, students will cultivate expertise in designing, executing, and communicating comprehensive geospatial projects. These skills will empower them to address real-world challenges, deliver innovative solutions, and excel in professional and industry-level geospatial roles. Students will be able to apply and implement practical skills relevant to the field to real-world projects and research.

Admissions

Students with majors in natural resources management, surveying, geography, or civil and environmental engineering are preferred for enrollment. However, other majors will be considered. See complete admissions requirements.

Accelerated Option

Michigan Tech Bachelor's + 1 Semester = Accelerated Graduate Certificate

Current Michigan Tech undergraduates or recent alumni, get started right away. Our accelerated graduate certificates are a fast, affordable way to add graduate credentials to your bachelor's degree in as little as one semester. Be more marketable in your industry or prepare for your master's degree. Explore accelerated certificate options.

Credits

This graduate certificate requires a minimum of 9 total credits. Students may apply the credits earned for this certificate toward a graduate degree at Michigan Tech.

Contact

Graduate Director

Parth Bhatt

Graduate Assistant

Marjorie Banovetz

Faculty Spotlight

"GIS and Remote Sensing are at the forefront of modern science and technology. It helps visualize, analyze, and decode the answers to what kind of world we want for ourselves."

Parth Bhatt

Assistant Teaching Professor/Researcher
College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science

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.