国产传媒

Certificate

Geographic Information Systems Certificate

Degree type:
Certificate
Mode of study:
Online
Connect with Admission

国产传媒’s new and fully online GIS Certificate provides a quick, convenient, and affordable path for obtaining the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in GIS.

In today’s digital age, billions of pieces of data are linked to geographical locations every day. As a research tool, software using this data has enabled numerous industries to locate, understand, predict, and analyze current data and ongoing trends. As technology expands, so too does the demand for people who know how to use and apply it.

The 国产传媒 GIS Certificate program consists of six courses (18 units) designed to be completed in three consecutive semesters. The courses follow the U.S. Department of Labor Geospatial Technology Competency Model, which reflects current industry standards. Upon completion of the GIS Certificate, you will possess the skills necessary to pursue a wide variety of GIS-related careers. Additionally, completing a GIS Certificate will help boost confidence, increase the likelihood of receiving a job offer, and can even result in faster promotion.

students working on a laptop looking at a map

What is GIS?

Certificate program

Geographic Information Systems are computer-based applications for creating, managing, visualizing, analyzing, and mapping all types of data by integrating location information. Rooted in the science of geography, GIS allows users to map and analyze data to better understand patterns and relationships to improve decision making and assist with problem solving. Organizations in every field throughout the world are relying on this spatial intelligence on a regular basis.

GIS industries and careers

Careers involving GIS are found in every sector and industry, and the demand has never been higher. Organizations use GIS to make maps to communicate, perform analysis, and solve complex problems around the world. The U.S. Department of Labor lists Geospatial Technology as one of the three emerging industries with the highest demand for workers and potential growth in the coming decades.

Worldwide, thousands of agencies rely on GIS for planning, operations, and analysis. Professionals with GIS skills qualify for countless occupations in a wide variety of fields. Typical industries who employ GIS degree graduates include government, engineering, utilities (electrical & telecommunications), academics, environment and natural resources, military intelligence/emergency and public safety, agriculture and soils, transportation/navigation, surveying/construction, mining and oil, health and epidemiology and archaeology and history.

The following list represents an example of careers commonly pursued by individuals with GIS training:

  • GIS Technician, Analyst, or Developer
  • Law Enforcement
  • Cartographer
  • Health Geographer
  • City/Urban Planner
  • Crime Analyst
  • Conservationist
  • Climate Scientist
  • Business Analyst
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Remote Sensing Analyst
  • Surveyor
  • Forester
  • Epidemiologist (Health Geographer)

Curriculum

Term Course 1 Course 2
Fall Semester 1 GIS 110 GSC 159
Spring Semester 1 GIS 120 GIS 150
Fall Semester 2 GIS 130 GIS 172

Course descriptions

Introduction to fundamental concepts of geographical information science. Students will be introduced to technical and contextual knowledge for basic spatial analysis, including data gathering, analysis, and display through digital methods. Lab exercises will demonstrate these principles through hands-on experience with the dominant GIS software, ArcGIS Desktop.

Intermediate course on theories and application of geographical information science. Course will cover fundamental concepts of database management, coordinate system management, spatial analysis, and data creation. Labs exercises will provide an introduction to spatial data structures and raster-based applications using ArcGIS Desktop.

Course will cover advanced topics in geographic information systems. Students will investigate advanced concepts in geographic database design, spatial data analysis, web-based mapping, customized applications, advanced extensions in ArcGIS Desktop.

This course explores how imagery is used in GIS to examine, analyze and classify environmental phenomena using aerial, satellite, LIDAR, and Landsat imagery. Students will also explore how these forms of remote sensing can be used to investigate changes in environmental and human populations over time.

This course builds upon a geospatial foundation to examine different cartographic styles. Focus will be on map drafting, symbolization, and compilation using police data from Los Angeles and the nation. Students will learn small and large-scale topography and learn to interpret the data visually. Final project will entail students creating a series of crime maps that examine a specific area or type of crime.

This course provides an introduction to GIS database structure, design and implementation. Students will use GIS software and database management tools to create and work with their own geodatabases. The course also covers concepts such as metadata, database integrity, naming conventions and data exportation.

Meet the faculty

Partick Kahn

Director of GIS Programs
I was hired as a full-time faculty member in the Department of Sociology at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Fall 2016, when I also become director of the GIS programs, which included the geospatial criminology major and GIS minor, two programs still in their infancy at the time. After developing the new GIS Certificate, I am now responsible for three GIS-related academic programs.

Learn more about Patrick

Stephanie Aguilar

Stephanie Aguilar graduated from Mount Saint Mary's University with a degree in Criminology and a minor in Sociology and Geographic Information System. After graduation from Mount Saint Mary's University, Stephanie Aguilar pursued higher education at Cal State University Long Beach. At CSULB, Stephanie obtained her master's degree in Geographic Information System. In 2021, Stephanie began working as an adoption case manager and teacher assistant at Mount Saint Mary's University. Starting in 2023, Stephanie became an adjunct professor at Mount Saint Mary's University.