Geographic Information Science and Technology (Professional Certificate)
Award: Professional Certificate
Program of Study: Geographic Information Science and Technology
Program Code: 1770
About This Program . . .
The Physical and Environmental Sciences (PES) Department at Colorado Mesa University offers a certificate in Geographic Information Science and Technology. The courses are open to all students interested in broadening their knowledge and enhancing job-related skills in a rapidly expanding market of computer-based technology. The multidisciplinary nature of the geographic information science and technology allows students from a wide variety of fields to participate in this exciting program.
Geographic Information Science and Technology includes Geographic Information Systems, Global Positioning Systems, and Remote Sensing. A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer-based tool for mapping and analyzing geospatial data. GIS technology is a special case of information systems where the database consists of features, activities, or events that are definable in space as points, lines, or areas. GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite system that allows users to collect precise geographic data for use in mapping. Remote sensing refers to any technique whereby information about objects and the environment is obtained from a distance such as aircraft or satellites. The remote sensing often permits us to greatly expand our spectral view of the earth and “see” the world much more clearly than we can with the unaided eye.
Demand is strong for people who are trained in Geographic Information Science and Technology. This certificate will assist students in securing jobs in this rapidly growing field. GIS/GPS can be used for cartography, business, biology, geology, environmental science, history, archeology, and criminal justice.
For more information on what you can do with this major, visit Career Services’ What to Do with a Major? resource.
Each section below contains details about the requirements for this program. Select a header to expand the information/requirements for that particular section of the program's requirements.
To print or save an overview of this program's information, including the program description, learning outcomes, requirements, suggested course sequencing (if applicable), and advising and graduation information, scroll to the bottom of the left-hand navigation menu and select "Print Options." This will give you the options to either "Send Page to Printer" or "Download PDF of This Page." The "Download PDF of This Page" option prepares a much more concise presentation of all program information. The PDF is also printable and may be preferable due to its brevity.
Institutional Certificate Requirements
The following institutional requirements apply to all CMU Professional Certificates. Specific programs may have different requirements that must be met in addition to institutional requirements.
- Consists of 5-59 semester hours.
- Primarily 300-400 level courses.
- At least fifty percent of the credit hours must be taken at CMU.
- 2.00 cumulative GPA or higher in all CMU coursework.
- A grade lower than “C” in the program of study will not be counted toward meeting the certificate’s requirements.
- A course may only be used to fulfill one requirement for each degree/certificate.
- Pre-collegiate courses (usually numbered below 100) cannot be used for graduation.
- Capstone exit assessment/projects (e.g., Major Field Achievement Test) requirements are identified under Program-Specific Certificate Requirements.
- The Catalog Year determines which program sheet and certificate requirements a student must fulfill in order to graduate. Visit with your advisor or academic department to determine which catalog year and program requirements you should follow.
- See “Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees and Certificates” in the catalog for a complete list of graduation requirements.
Program Specific Certificate Requirements
(16-18 semester hours)
| Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following courses: | 1-3 | |
| Cartography for GIS | ||
| Introduction to Cartography | ||
| GIST 332 & 332L | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Laboratory | 3 |
| GIST 422 & 422L | GIS Data Management and Editing and GIS Data Management and Editing Laboratory | 3 |
| GIST 432 & 432L | Spatial Analysis and Modeling in GIS and Spatial Analysis and Modeling in GIS Laboratory | 3 |
| Select a minimum of six semester hours of the following: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Geomatics | ||
| Beginning Programming | ||
| GIS for Social Scientists and GIS for Social Scientists Lab | ||
| Introduction to Remote Sensing and Introduction to Remote Sensing Laboratory | ||
| Global Positioning Systems for GIS and Global Positioning Systems for GIS Laboratory | ||
XXXX 395 | Independent Study 1 | |
XXXX 495 | Independent Study 1 | |
XXXX 497 | Practicum 1 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 16-18 | |
- 1
Must have a GIS focus and be approved by the GIS program advisor.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Semester Credit Hours | |
| GEOG 131 or GIST 305 | Introduction to Cartography or Cartography for GIS | 1-3 |
| GIST 332 & 332L | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Laboratory 1 | 3 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 4-6 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| GIST 422 & 422L | GIS Data Management and Editing and GIS Data Management and Editing Laboratory | 3 |
| 3 credit hours of any restricted elective | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| GIST 432 & 432L | Spatial Analysis and Modeling in GIS and Spatial Analysis and Modeling in GIS Laboratory | 3 |
| Select 3 credit hours from the following restricted elective | 3 | |
| Introduction to Geomatics | ||
| Beginning Programming | ||
| Introduction to Remote Sensing | ||
| Introduction to Remote Sensing Laboratory | ||
| Global Positioning Systems for GIS | ||
| Global Positioning Systems for GIS Laboratory | ||
| Semester Credit Hours | 6 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 16-18 | |
- 1
Either GEOG 131 or GIST 305 can be prerequisite or co-requisite
Advising Process and DegreeWorks
Documentation on the pages related to this program is intended for informational purposes to help determine what courses and associated requirements are needed to earn a certificate. Some courses are critical to complete in specific semesters while others may be moved around. Meeting with an academic advisor is essential in planning courses and discussing the suggested course sequencing. It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to understand and fulfill the requirements for their intended certificate.
DegreeWorks is an online degree audit tool available in MAVzone. It is the official record used by the Registrar’s Office to evaluate progress towards a certificate and determine eligibility for graduation. Students are responsible for reviewing their DegreeWorks audit on a regular basis and should discuss questions or concerns with their advisor or academic department head. Discrepancies in requirements should be reported to the Registrar’s Office.
Graduation Process
Students must complete the following in the first two months of the semester prior to completing their certificate requirements (for one-semester certificates, complete in the first week of class):
- Review their DegreeWorks audit and create a plan that outlines how unmet requirements will be met in the final semester.
- Meet with their advisor and modify their plan as needed. The advisor must approve the final plan.
- Submit the “Intent to Graduate” form to the Registrar’s Office to officially declare the intended graduation date and commencement ceremony plans.
- Register for all needed courses and complete all requirements for each degree sought.
Submission deadlines and commencement details can be found on the Graduation web page.
If a student's petition for graduation is denied, it will be their responsibility to apply for graduation in a subsequent semester. A student's “Intent to Graduate” does not automatically move to a later graduation date.