Geographic Information Systems Certificate, Undergraduate
This certificate program is open to all majors and post-degree students.
The Certificate in Geographic Information Systems offers students an intensive, interdisciplinary course of study in the field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. Candidates must take four required courses and choose three additional courses from a list of options. All students study a core of computer mapping and spatial analysis basics and then focus on their own application area (e.g. wildlife biology, wetlands, programming, cartographic design). An internship or similar participation in a ‘real world’ GIS project is a required component of the certificate program.
Grade Requirements: a grade ≥B must be earned in each course for it to count toward the Certificate.
| Required Introductory Course–choose at least one of the following | ||
| GEOS 321 | GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS I: SPATIAL ANALYSIS FOR SOCIAL SCIENCES | 5 |
| or GEOS 323 | GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS I: SPATIAL ANALYSIS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES | |
| Required | ||
| GEOS 428 | GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS II | 5 |
| GEOS 429 | GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS III | 5 |
| GEOS 493 | GIS PORTFOLIO | 2 |
| Electives–choose three of the following | 13-15 | |
| REMOTE SENSING WITH SATELLITE IMAGERY | ||
| REMOTE SENSING WITH LIDAR | ||
| REMOTE SENSING WITH DRONES | ||
| DIGITAL GEOARCHAEOLOGY | ||
| CRITICAL GIS | ||
| DESKTOP MAPPING | ||
| ADVANCED SPATIAL ANALYSIS | ||
| DIGITAL CULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT | ||
| GIS PROGRAMMING | ||
| Total Credits | 30-32 | |
Admission
In order to qualify for admission to the GIS Certificate Program, full-time EWU students must hold a GPA ≥3.0 and be entering or past their junior year, or obtain special permission from the certificate program advisor. Post-degree continuing education students who did not graduate from their previous school with a GPA ≥3.0 will be admitted on a probationary basis.
Students who earn a Geographic Information Systems Certificate from EWU should be able to:
- demonstrate mastery of foundational concepts of geographic information science;
- demonstrate mastery of foundational concepts of social context of geographic information;
- have the ability to communicate geographic information through well-designed maps;
- have the ability to critically evaluate quality and accuracy of spatial data;
- have the ability to work in teams;
- show demonstrated proficiency with GIS software.