Apr 25, 2024  
2018-2019 Graduate Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Geospatial Information Science Graduate Certificate


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs

Contact: Michael Hinke (Co-coordinator)
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,” is used to store, manage, analyze, synthesize, and display 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 our 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-seeking 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 includes Adobe Creative Suite, 3D Studio Max, SketchUp, RhinoTerrain, ArcMap, 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 and software developers.  

A minimum of a 3.0 GPA in all GIS related course work is required to earn the GIS Certificate, and for certificate credit a B- or better is required in all GIS certificate courses.

Course Requirements


The GIS Certificate is designed to supplement students’ course work in their field of study. Degree seeking students in the College of Architecture and Planning wishing to pursue the GIS Certificate are expected to take 12 additional semester hours of course work to complete the certificate.


Achieving the GIS certificate in your degree program requires you to follow the appropriate advising sheet.

    Master of Landscape Architecture - GIS Advising Sheet
    Master of Urban and Regional Planning - GIS Advising Sheet

 

Part 1: Introductory GIS class (3 semester hours)


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


Part 3: One of the following (3 semester hours)


Part 4: Specialized advanced classes (9 semester hours)


Part 5: Portfolio


Students pursuing the GIS Certificate are strongly encouraged to assemble a digital portfolio of GIS-related work undertaken in classes in the College of Architecture and Planning.
    
The Certificate Coordinators and the Academic Advisors have materials to help students prepare their portfolios. Students are encouraged to work with the GIS faculty to cater their portfolio to their intended careers.

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.

 

Graduation


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.

Hours: 18 semester hours


Eligibility, Application, and Tuition and Fee Information


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 coordinators.

Apply as a non-degree-seeking student in the Admissions area of the university website.

Find tuition and fee information in the Bursar’s Office area of the university website.

Students interested in pursuing the GIS Certificate may start the conversation with their academic advisors, or one of the GIS coordinators. Michael Hinke serves as the director of the interdisciplinary GIS teaching lab on campus (the Facility for Advanced Spatial Technology), and he is happy to talk to students who need more information about classes taught in Geography and Civil Engineering.

 

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs