Geospatial Information Science Graduate Certificate

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Contact: Mike Hinke (Co-coordinator)
Telephone: 303-556-4172
E-mail: michael.hinke@ucdenver.edu

Contact: Austin Troy (Co-coordinator)
Telephone: 303-315-1006
Email: austin.troy@ucdenver.edu

Geospatial Information Science (GIS), known to some as “computer mapping,” addresses the storage, management, analysis, synthesis, and display of spatial data and information. In the College of Architecture and Planning we use GIS to analyze and understand space, to answer the place-based questions posed by our stakeholders and our clients, and to create the planning- and research-oriented maps that are critical to communicating with stakeholders. Our work with GIS in the college is built on the many advances in Geospatial Information Science over the last 40 years.

This certificate program is intended for motivated people with a strong interest in the application of GIS to the design and planning professions. It is targeted both at students currently enrolled in a University of Colorado degree program who wish to add a credential to their degree, and working professionals who do not wish to enroll as degree students, but who wish to pursue a certificate to improve job skills.

Students who earn this Certificate through the College of Architecture and Planning at the University of Colorado Denver will exit the program with the following:

An understanding of GIS theory and concepts
Technical mastery of general GIS methods using ArcGIS, as well as familiarity with remote sensing
Familiarity with common public geospatial data sources, as well as metadata standards
Knowledge of data interoperability, including how to move data and maps from one software platform to another; examples of software include Adobe Creative Suite, 3D Studio Max, SketchUp, RhinoTerrain, ArcMap, Quick Terrain Modeler, and Quantum GIS
Specialized skills in geospatial technologies and methods related to the design and planning professions, including rendering and visualizations, infrastructure and transportation network analysis, cadastral mapping, site selection and analysis, geodesign, and many others

GIS is a rapidly growing field and an increasingly important job skill. GIS skills are showing up as requirements for architects, landscape architects and planners. Our GIS Certificate holders are currently working as: environmental planners, transportation planners, city planners, urban designers, landscape architects, software developers, and other related positions.

A minimum of a 3.0 GPA in all GIS related course work is required to earn the GIS Certificate.

Course Requirements: 18 semester hours

Part 1: Introductory GIS class (3 semester hours)

URPL 6250 - GIS Analysis
LDAR 5540 - Introduction to GIS
URPL 6800 - Special Topics: Urban and Regional Planning - Introduction to GIS

Part 2: Advanced GIS methods class (3 semester hours)

URPL 6260 - Advanced Geo-Spatial Methods

Part 3 (3 semester hours)

For Planning and Design Track: Remote Sensing

GEOG 5060 - Remote Sensing I: Introduction to Environmental Remote Sensing
GEOG 5070 - Remote Sensing II: Advanced Remote Sensing
-OR-
- Boulder: GEOG 4093 - Remote Sensing of the Environment

For Landscape Architecture Track: Computer aided design

Part 4: Specialized advanced classes (9 semester hours)

GEOG 5081 - Cartography and Computer Mapping
GEOG 5090 - Environmental Modeling with Geographic Information Systems
GEOG 5085 - GIS Applications for the Urban Environment
GEOG 5230 - Hazard Mitigation and Vulnerability Assessment
GEOG 5095 - Deploying GIS Functionality on the Web
CVEN 5382 - GIS Spatial Database Development
CVEN 5385 - GIS Relational Database Systems
CVEN 5800 - Special Topics - Geomatics for GIS
LDAR 6686 - Special Topics: Landscape Architecture - Advanced Topics in GIS
Any course from the Part 3 list (either track) not already used to fulfill the Part 3 requirement
Up to 3 semester hours from a studio course where intensive GIS is used. This must be done by submitting a petition to the coordinators describing the GIS activities undertaken.
Up to 3 semester hours for an internship using GIS in a planning or design context, also by petition. Please see the coordinators before starting the process of looking for an internship.
Other relevant courses by permission

Part 5: Portfolio

A digital portfolio of GIS-related work completed for work undertaken in classes in the College of Architecture and Planning is required as part of the completion of the GIS Certificate.
Requirements for the portfolio will be made available to students when they sign up for the GIS Certificate.

Note: Students pursuing the GIS Certificate in the College of Architecture and Planning are expected to use GIS data and software in their design and planning related classes.

Students who have completed all of the requirements for the GIS Certificate must submit their GIS Certificate form at the start of the semester that they plan to graduate.

Eligibility and Application

The certificate program is open to all. Applicants already enrolled in a University of Colorado degree program need only submit an internal application to the CAP GIS certificate program. Applicants who are not currently enrolled in a degree program must apply to CU Denver as non-degree seeking students and also submit an application to the CAP GIS certificate program. More details on the process are available from the coordinator.