Geographic Information Science, Certificate

Geographic information systems (GIS) and the digital spatial data that they contain inform major decisions on how natural resources are managed, how smart cities are built, how communities respond to natural disasters, and how the spread of disease is detected. These same systems and data guide such everyday tasks as deciding one's driving route, finding family and friends using a phone, or figuring out when the bus arrives. Geographic information science (GIScience) has emerged as a field of study focused on fundamental questions about how to acquire, store, manage, analyze, and visualize geographic information using computers.

The Certificate in Geographic Information Science is designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to work with geographic information and prepare individuals to work in this growing profession. The certificate coursework helps build a knowledgeable geospatial workforce that understands how to use GIScience properly and applies this understanding to improve transportation systems, improve water quality, or make companies more productive.