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 with our graduate certificate in GIS with the stellar reputation of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and our flexible fully online pathway. Our program can be completed in two, three, or four semesters – choose the timeline that works best for you!
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!
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.
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CURRICULUM
The GIS Professional Graduate Certificate 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. After completing the program you will be able to:
- Conduct sound and effective geospatial analysis
- Discuss vector and object data models and domains and elements of geographic information
- Explain georeferencing systems and cartographic principles
- Manage database modeling and manage database systems
- Consider GIS infrastructure and coordinate work groups
Courses:
All courses are taught in an asynchronous, online format. View 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.
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.
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 Application
- 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 both UW-Stevens Point and 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.
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.
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