College of Letters and Science
GIS Professional Certificate Program
Graduate Certificate
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER WITH A GIS PROFESSIONAL GRADUATE CERTIFICATE
4 Courses. 12 Credits. 100% Online! Reach your professional goals and further your readiness to sit for the GISP exam with our GIS Professional Graduate Certificate. The demand for GIS skills is increasing as a growing contingent of industries leans heavily on data modeling and geospatial analysis. This graduate certificate program is designed to build your competencies and advance your career in GIS. Our affordable and flexible program is offered fully online and can be completed in two, three, or four semesters – choose the timeline that works best for you!
Why Study the GIS Professional Graduate Certificate at UW-Stevens Point?
The GIS Professional Graduate Certificate program will prepare you for a dynamic field with vast opportunities. From guiding solutions for public health and safety needs to climate preparedness planning, your skills will help you address organizational tasks and societal problems. You will develop data techniques and understand how to analyze and apply technologies build effective solutions. You’ll work on real-world projects, gaining hands-on experience with the latest GIS technologies and tools. We also prepare students to succeed in the GISP Certification Exam!
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:
- GIS specialists
- Cartographers
- Photogrammetrists
- GIS technicians
- Software developers
- Surveying and mapping technicians
- Project management specialists
Flexible Learning Options
We understand the importance of balancing education with other commitments. Our program offers flexible learning options, including 100% online courses, to fit your schedule. Although online, you will be connected. The GIS Professional Graduate Certificate gives ample opportunities for networking, helping you build valuable connections in the GIS community. Program courses are taught in an online, asynchronous format so that you can learn on a schedule that works for you.
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CURRICULUM
The program curriculum includes four 3-credit courses for a total of 12 credits of geospatial techniques courses. Program graduates will meet various Tier 4 and Tier 5 Geospatial Competencies, furthering their readiness to sit for the GISP Exam. Program graduates will be able to:
- Develop digital geospatial data that represent real-world phenomena and address organizational tasks and societal needs.
- Communicate geographic information using geospatial tools, data and cartographic techniques.
- Analyze aerial imagery using digital image processing and photogrammetric techniques.
- Analyze geospatial conditions, patterns, trends, and relationships.
- Apply geospatial technologies to address societal problems.
Courses:
The certificate consists of four classes (12 credits total). All courses are full semester (16-week) courses and are taught in an asynchronous, online format. View the course catalog for more information.
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. Prerequisite: GEOG 541
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. Prerequisite: GEOG 541
HOW TO APPLY
The GIS Professional Graduate Certificate program requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Students with lower GPA’s with professional GIS work experience and/or a letter of recommendation will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Step 1. Submit University Application
- Select “No” when asked you are seeking a degree
- Select “Graduate” when asked whether you plan to take undergraduate or graduate courses
- Select “UW-Stevens Point” campus and then “GIS Professional Graduate Certificate“
Step 2. Submit GIS Professional Graduate Certificate Program Questionnaire
- You will need to include unofficial transcripts for all post-secondary institutions you have attended
Step 3. Enroll in Classes
- Once you are officially accepted into the GIS Professional Graduate Certificate program, you are ready to enroll in classes. We will work with you to ensure you enroll in the correct courses and complete your certificate on time.
“GIS is ideal for someone who is detail oriented and has strong organizational skills. If you keep an open mind, the data will often counter what your expectations may be. I wanted to work on ways to better manage storm water discharge and flooding.”
Michael O’Donnell
— Geospatial Sciences (BS)
Pricing information for the GIS Professional Graduate Certificate is coming soon.
The GIS Professional Graduate Certificate program can be completed in two semesters for students able to commit to 6-credit hours per semester. Options for three or four semesters are also available.
Investments in technology and the surging need for GIS solutions, particularly in the transportation sector, are fueling growth in GIS of 11.6 percent from 2020-2030.
Advancement in technologies like cameras/sensors, imaging, and drone capabilities will further the development of GIS careers. The green economy is also driving growth with inherent GIS links to sustainable development, renewable energy, and optimizing environmental conservation (mapscaping.com, 2022).
Over the past few years, GIS adoption has significantly risen in disaster management, including floods, wildfires, carbon mitigation and climate change.
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
Lisa Siewert
College of Letters and Science, Department of Geography and Geology