Introduction

Please click here  to see Geography and Environmental Sciences department information.

Certificate Advisor: Matt Cross
Email: matthew.cross@ucdenver.edu

The Geographic Information Science (GISci) Certificate in the Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences is designed to provide CU Denver undergraduates and graduates, as well as non-degree seeking students interested in professional development, with proficiency in the application of spatial thinking, geographic information science, and geo-technologies in the social and physical sciences, spanning the natural, built and human environments and emphasizing human-environment interconnections. The GISci Certificate core establishes a broad foundation in spatial technologies and methodologies, including geographic information systems, remote sensing, cartography, spatial extensions to database management systems, and statistics. From this base, students can delve into various specialization areas depending on their interests.

Upon successful completion of the certificate, students will be able to:

• articulate and apply basic theoretical underpinnings of spatial analytical principles, methodologies, and techniques;
• effectively utilize at least three different types of software used for spatial analysis;
• apply geospatial thinking, geographic information science, and geo-technologies appropriately; and
• analyze diverse real-world problems that have a spatial dimension and develop alternative solutions to them.

These degree requirements are subject to periodic revision by the academic department, and the College reserves the right to make exceptions and substitutions as judged necessary in individual cases. Therefore, the College strongly urges students to consult regularly with their major advisor and CLAS advisor to confirm the best plans of study before finalizing them.

Program Delivery

• This is an on-campus program.

Declaring This Certificate

• CU Denver undergraduate students in any discipline or major may be admitted to the program.
• Of the four core requirements, only the statistics class has prerequisites, including algebra and introductory calculus. Because of the technical nature of the GIS and remote sensing course work, however, some mathematical experience is desirable prior to beginning the program.
• Students may begin the program in any semester or during the summer by making arrangements with the GISci certificate coordinator, and completing and signing the Application for GISci Certificate. This application is required to be formally registered in the GISci Certificate program, and must be completed no later than the semester prior to the scheduled completion of the certificate.

General Requirements

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