Geographic Information Systems (Certificate)
Building on NC State's strengths in technology, computational methods, and geographic information systems (GIS), this program provides professional, graduate-level academic preparation in the advanced application of GIS technologies to a wide spectrum of disciplines, including economics, public health, emergency planning and response, land use planning, environmental resources, etc. The certificate, which is also available to current NC State students enrolled in non-GIS graduate programs, forms the basis for the Master of Geospatial Information Science and Technology.
Please visit our certificate program site for more information.
Learning Outcomes and Degree Requirements
The Geographic Information Systems Graduate Certificate requires 12 credit hours. Six credit hours are core required courses and 6 hours of electives tailored to student interests. The focus is on theory and applications of GIS and fundamental skill building. A final GPA of 3.0 or greater is required at the time of graduation to receive the certificate. Specific course requirements are listed on the program website.
Careers
The demand for geospatial scientists across a wide range of disciplines and employment sectors continues to increase the options for GIS careers. Our students go on to enter positions as GIS technicians and analysts, consultants, and many other disciplinary positions where GIS skills are highly sought. Students currently working in the geospatial field also have found success transitioning to new positions and/or higher salaries within their current organizations upon completion of the certificate.
Additional Information
Up to 12 credit hours of B or better grades from the Certificate can transfer into the MGIST program if/when a student applies and is accepted into that program.
Admissions Requirements
Admission to the certificate program requires a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with at least a 3.0 GPA. Students with less than a 3.0 undergraduate GPA may still be considered for admission based on the remaining criteria or may be recommended to take one of our graduate courses as a non-degree student first. These determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis. All applicants must submit:
- Transcript showing Bachelor's degree conferred
- A clear and concise personal statement/statement of interest
- A resume/CV
Current NC State students in other degree programs may also be eligible to earn the certificate. These students should contact the Center for Geospatial Analytics for more information on how to apply.
Applicant Information
- Delivery Method: On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
- Entrance Exam: None
- Interview Required: None
Application Deadlines
- Fall: April 15 (US); March 1 (Intl)
- Spring: October 15 (US); July 15 (Intl)
Plan Requirements
Code | Title | Hours | Counts towards |
---|---|---|---|
Core Courses | 6 | ||
Fundamentals of Geospatial Information Science and Technology | |||
Spatial Problem Solving | |||
Elective Courses | 6 | ||
Choose 6 credit hours of electives from the "Elective Courses" listed below, at least 3 of which must be GIS prefix courses | |||
Total Hours | 12 |
Elective Courses
Code | Title | Hours | Counts towards |
---|---|---|---|
Geospatial Professionalism | |||
Introduction to Environmental Remote Sensing | |||
Cartographic Design | |||
GIS Applications in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning | |||
Surface Water Hydrology with GIS | |||
Spatial Data Foundations | |||
Geospatial Data Science and Analysis | |||
Web and Mobile GIS Protocols | |||
Special Topics in Geospatial Information Science | |||
Geospatial Modeling | |||
Mapping and Analysis Using UAS | |||
Geospatial Forum | |||
Special Topics in Geospatial Information Science | |||
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Soil Science and Agriculture | |||
Remote Sensing Applications in Soil Science and Agriculture | |||
Precision Agriculture Technology | |||
GIS Applications in Precision Agriculture | |||
GIS Applications in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning | |||
Introduction to Meteorological Remote Sensing | |||
Spatial History | |||
Fundamentals of Statistical Inference I | |||
Fundamentals of Statistical Inference II | |||
Statistical Methods For Researchers I | |||
Statistics for Management and Social Sciences I | |||
Statistics For Management and Social Sciences II | |||
Applied Spatial Statistics | |||
Statistical Programming I | |||
Statistical Programming II | |||
Total Hours | 0 |
- *
Other courses not listed can be approved as an elective upon consultation with an advisor.
Faculty
Director
- Eric Money, Director of Graduate Certificate Programs
Full Professors
- Ross Meentemeyer
- Helena Mitasova
- Stacy Nelson
- Gary Roberson
Associate Professor
- Jeffrey White
Teaching Associate Professors
- Eric Money
- Stacy Supak
- Laura Tateosian
Teaching Professor
- Perver Baran
Emeritus Faculty
- Heather Cheshire
- Hugh Devine
- Siamak Khorram