Certificate Title:  Geospatial Information Science: GIS & Cartography Certificate

Certificate Name and Number:  Geospatial Information Science: GIS & Cartography – CTGISC

Department(s)/Unit(s):  Geography

Delivery Mode:  Online

Terms of Entry:  Fall, Spring, Summer

Enrollment Eligibility: Non-degree status

Certificate Overview:  

The ability to think spatially, interpret maps, and creatively use geospatial technologies is a fundamental skill expected in a wide variety of careers today. Maps and mapping technologies also underlie a significant proportion of everyday decision-making. Acquiring such skills requires formal training in many topics related to the interdisciplinary field of Geospatial Information Science (GIScience). This online graduate certificate is designed for recent college graduates and working professionals without prior background in GIS or Cartography. On completion of this certificate, students will be able to independently complete typical mapping and geospatial analysis tasks arising regularly in a wide variety of disciplines and professions. The expected time to complete this certificate is three semesters.

Certificate Coordinator

Dr. Gaurav Sinha
Associate Professor
Department of Geography
Clippinger Labs 105A, Athens OH 45701
Ph: 740-593-0304
Email:  sinhag@ohio.edu

Certificate Learning Outcomes:

Upon certificate completion, students will be able to:

• define and discuss the major theoretical issues of and emerging trends affecting the computational representation, visualization, and analysis of geographic information.
• correctly identify problems and decision-making situations that require the use of geospatial data and GIS technology.
• demonstrate practical knowledge of GIS software for mapping, database management, and geospatial analysis.
• demonstrate high quality graphic and map design abilities.
• demonstrate knowledge of when and how to use web-mapping technologies (e.g., Javascript, ArcGIS Online, MapBox) for creating and sharing interactive web-maps.

Opportunities upon Completion:  According to the GIS Certification Institute (https://www.gisci.org), the number of professionals engaged in the geospatial industry will exceed 675,000 after 2020. GIS and mapping jobs are now so diverse that they are available at various levels of proficiency across thousands of different industries, government agencies, and academic institutions. After certificate completion, professionals may be able to advance in their current jobs or apply for new jobs by leveraging their newly acquired GIS based mapping and geospatial data analysis skills.

Link to Program: https://www.ohio.edu/cas/geography/graduate/gis-cartography-certificate

Completion Requirements:  Students must complete three graduate level courses (12 credits) as listed below and must earn a minimum grade of C in every course. Additionally, as required by the graduate college, the minimum overall GPA requirement for earning this certificate is 3.0. Additional questions about the certificate can be directed to the Certificate Coordinator.  

Required Courses

• GEOG 5730 - Principles of GIS
• GEOG 5600 - Cartography I
• GEOG 5610 - Cartography II

Financial Aid Eligibility Information:  Students enrolled in this certificate are not eligible for federal financial aid.

Admission Requirements:  The certificate is open to anyone who has earned a bachelor’s degree, is not currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at Ohio University, and meets the minimum requirements of admission to university graduate programs.

International Students:  This certificate program does not permit full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 cannot be issued based on admission to this program.