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College of Letters and Science Professional GIS Certificate Certificate

Graduate Certificate

BUILD SOLUTIONS WITH YOUR GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN GIS

4 Courses. 12 Credits. 100% Online! Coursework in the GIS Professional Graduate Certificate is designed to serve working professionals interested in building competencies in Geographic Information Systems at the graduate level. 

Reach your professional goals with our advanced certificate in GIS with the stellar reputation of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and our flexible fully online pathway! Graduates of the GIS Certificate program will deliver results—in telecommunications, infrastructure, software, energy, and education—and be prepared to develop digital geospatial data that represent real-world phenomena and address organizational tasks and societal needs. 

The GIS Graduate Certificate program can be completed in two semesters for students able to commit to 6-credit hours per semester. The program can also be applied towards a GIS graduate degree plan.

Why Study the Professional GIS Graduate Certificate at UW-Stevens Point?

A growing contingent of industries leans heavily on data modeling and geospatial analysis.  The UWSP GIS Certificate curriculum provides a framework to solve a host of fundamental questions about Earth and geospatial conditions, patterns, trends, and relationships. Students will develop data techniques and understand how to analyze and apply technologies to address societal problems. Our 12-credit program is among the most affordable GIS graduate certificates in the Universities of Wisconsin and the among the only online offerings!

geospatial sciences

Career Growth in GIS

Your GIS Graduate Certificate is in demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry is projected to grow 6% in the next ten years, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is projected for software developers, surveying and mapping technicians, managers, and other project management specialists.

Online but Connected

Through our robust online program, we develop meaningful connections among faculty and students. While many classes are asynchronous, others have a required Zoom component that fosters collaborative skills, builds community, and allows you to gain a deeper exploration of concepts.

READY TO APPLY?

Step 1. Apply for graduate study at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

University Application
  • Completed Application
  • Application Fee (Nonrefundable fee of $56)
  • Official Transcript

Required Core – 12 Credits:

Course format is 2 hours of lecture, 2 hours of lab per week. View course catalog.

GEOG 541: Geographic Information Systems I  (3-Credits)
Develop, use and maintain a geographic-based spatial information system (GIS) for resource management. Acquire and assess spatial data. Compare raster and vector data models. Computer-based geographic data handling, analysis, interpretation, and display. Cartographic spatial modeling. 

GEOG 577: Remote Sensing I (3-Credits)
Characteristics of aerial photographs and digital imagery. Use remote sensing materials to conduct resource inventories, land use evaluations, and landform analysis.    

GEOG 742: GIS Database Design and Modeling (3-Credits)
GIS data modeling and database design, creation, maintenance, and integration using desktop GIS and database management software.   

GEOG 743: Advanced Geospatial Techniques (3-Credits)
Advanced geospatial techniques for problem solving. Integration of digital databases to implement and visualize complex cultural and environmental geospatial analytics and models. 

You Will Learn:

Program graduates will meet many of the Tier 4 Geospatial Competencies, furthering their readiness to sit for the GISP Exam. 

  • Principles of map design and communication 
  • Map use and evaluation 
  • Map projections 
  • Aerial imaging and photogrammetry 

 

  • Geometric measures 
  • Earth geometry 
  • Georeferencing systems 
  • Datums 

  • Database design and modeling 
  • Database management systems 
  • Data quality 

  • Domains and elements of geographic information 
  • Data considerations 
  • Tessellation data models 
  • Vector and object data models 
  • Representation transformation 

  • Analytical operations 
  • Analytical methods 
  • Generalization and aggregation 

  • Metadata, standards, and infrastructures 
  • Ethical aspects 
  • Institutional and inter-institutional aspects 
  • Coordinating organizations 

Doug Miskowiak

  • GIS Instructional Administrator
  • GIS Graduate Certificate program director
  • Geography and Geology chair
College of Letters and Science, Department of Geography and Geology
715-346-4789
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Lisa Siewert

  • Senior Lecturer
College of Letters and Science, Department of Geography and Geology
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