GISci Certificate Advisor: Rafael Moreno

Office: North Classroom, 3524

Telephone: 303-352-3762

E-mail: rafael.moreno@ucdenver.edu

The intention of this certificate is to provide undergraduates with a mechanism for demonstrating capabilities in spatial techniques in the social and/or physical sciences. The focus of this certificate is on a broad array of geotechniques, including geographic information systems, remote sensing, cartography and statistics, which give students additional analytical skills to take into the workplace or on to graduate school. This certificate is designed for geography majors as well as nonmajors.

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

• understand basic theoretical underpinnings of spatial analysis
• apply geo-spatial technologies to real-world problems
• have a basic knowledge of how to operate at least three types of software used for spatial analysis

Students must have a 3.0 GPA in all approved geographic technology courses to earn the certificate. The certificate will be awarded when the student graduates with the bachelor’s degree. For those who already have a bachelor’s degree, the certificate will be awarded upon completion of the program.

Application

Students may begin the program in any semester or during the summer by making arrangements with Dr. Rafael Moreno, the GISci certificate coordinator, and completing and signing the Application for GISci Certificate  . This should be done once you have elected to pursue the certificate. Those who are not current students must apply for non-degree admission (go to Information for Undergraduate Students  and click on Nondegree Students link at top of page) before registering for any classes.

Curriculum

To obtain the certificate, students must complete four core courses, one elective, and a 1-hour independent study, totaling 16 hours. Although the four core courses may be taken in any order, it is advisable to begin with GEOG 4081/5081, Introduction to Cartography and Computer Mapping, since this course familiarizes students with many key concepts used in the other classes. 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. All core courses are offered on a yearly basis. Any alterations to the program MUST be approved by the GISci Coordinator.