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GIS Certificate

Create the big picture in geographic information systems with digital models.

GIS is part of the global cyberinfrastructure concerned with the acquisition, storage, manipulation and analysis of spatial data and processes. With the GIS certificate, you'll explore and analyze data ranging from business markets and transportation networks to physical and chemical processes in the environment.

Program type:
Certificate - Graduate
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
1 year
Credit hours:
9

Why earn a GIS certificate?

Application Deadline
Summer:
May 1
Fall:
July 1

The online program has been temporarily suspended and is not accepting new applications at this time. It will resume later after some curricular and structural changes. 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) answers the “what” and “where”. Whereas, Geographic Information Science (GISc or GIScience) is concerned with the “how”. GISc encompasses all aspects of GIS such as remote sensing, surveying, mathematics, programming and geography. But, GISc takes GIS a step further by conceptualizing how to store spatial information and analyze data.

UND's graduate certificate program in GIS aims at providing non-traditional students and field professionals with updated GIS knowledge and skills for further enhancement of their GIS career. Students will develop a solid theoretical foundation in GISc and the technical skills that make them qualified to work in:

  • Education
  • Government
  • Private industry

The GIS Certificate is open to current degree-seeking graduate students at UND (outside Geography) as well as open to working professionals in the regions who can take all or some courses on the UND Grand Forks campus to complete their program of study.  

UND's GIS Certificate

  • Understand foundational theory and principles of cartography and geographic information systems.

  • Develop a critical eye when designing and interpreting maps.

  • Appropriately model landscape features and to analyze spatial relationships among them.

  • Conduct applied research projects using geospatial technology tools.

  • Apply the credits earned in this certificate program to a master's in Geography.

What can I do with a GIS certificate?

GISc students commonly have undergraduate degrees in a wide range of areas, including:

  • Anthropology
  • Atmospheric sciences
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Computer science
  • Criminal justice
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • History
  • Physical or social science education
  • Space studies

A Geographical Information Sciences certificate gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Geographic Information Systems
  • ArcGIS (GIS Software)
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Environmental Science
  • ArcMap

GIS Certificate Jobs

Geographical Information Sciences alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Bureau of Land Management
  • United States Department of the Air Force
  • 150th Fighter Wing
  • AT&T, Inc.
  • Acciona Energy North America Corporation

GIS Certificate Courses

GEOG 471. Cartography and Visualization. 2 Credits.

This course examines the art, science, and technology of cartography and visualization. It familiarizes students with basic cartographic principles and with GIS, both of which are applicable to a wide range of professional fields and academic disciplines. Students learn how maps are designed and used to accurately represent and effectively communicate spatial phenomena and relationships. The course also includes a discussion of selection of proper thematic mapping techniques. Corequisite: GEOG 471L. F.

GEOG 574. Advanced Techniques in Geographic Information Systems. 3 Credits.

An advanced course designed to extend GIS knowledge and experience and to prepare students to become effective GIS analysts. The course follows a hands-on, problem-solving approach that integrates the interests and analytical needs to participating students. Prerequisite: GEOG 474 or an equivalent approved by the department.

GEOG 475. Digital Image Processing. 3 Credits.

A course focused on the concepts and principles involved in the use of digital remotely sensed data as they are applied to environmental monitoring and natural resource management. Emphasis is placed on algorithm development and 'hands-on' application of digital techniques to select imagery. Prerequisite: GEOG 374 and 374L. S, odd years.

GEOG 474. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). 2 Credits.

An introductory course that examines the digital representation, manipulation, and analysis of geographic data, with emphasis on the analytical capabilities that GIS brings to bear on the solution of geographic problems. Corequisite: GEOG 474L. F,S.

GEOG 591. Directed Study in Geographical Problems. 1-4 Credits.

Directed advanced research in a specialized field of geographic study. May be repeated up to a total of 9 credits. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Repeatable to 9.00 credits. F,S,SS.

Explore More Options

Connect with faculty you'll work with at UND or discover similar graduate certificates.

Department Contact
Enru Wang
Graduate Program Director
P 701.777.4590
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