Undergraduate
Certificate Programs
Geographic Information Science
Certificate in Geographic Information Science
During the last two decades, rapid growth has occurred in the field of geographic information. Stimulated by advances in technology, both in the collection, storage and analysis of data, a new discipline has emerged: geographic information science. Geographic information science involves research both on and with spatial technologies, including geographic information systems, remote sensing, and the global positioning system. At the core of geographic information science is the integration of these technologies and their application to problems of spatial analysis. The fundamental theory and foundational principles of geographic information science are based in geography. However, virtually all fields (engineering, medicine, science, management, business, social sciences, and humanities) are now embracing the techniques in both theoretical and applied research problems.
Students completing the GIS certificate will achieve the following:
- Describe the subject's disciplinary scope and central questions
- Apply geographic theories and concepts
- Engage in geo-spatial inquiry
- Create maps and graphics appropriate to audience, purpose, context
- Critically analyze the source and content of geo-spatial data
- Demonstrate ability to collect, process, and investigate geo-spatial data sets
- Apply principles of ethical collection and handling to geo-spatial data
- Use geographic knowledge to appreciate the diversity of people and places, ranging from local to global
- Contribute to local and regional geographic knowledge base
- Apply skills and knowledge needed to collaborate with others
Admission to the Certificate program in Geographic Information Science (GEOG) requires the following:
- completion of 55 credit hours towards an IU Indianapolis degree or of transferrable work,
- a cumulative 2.5 GPA,
- successful completion of MATH-M 118: Finite Mathematics or above
Students who have not enrolled at IU Indianapolis may be considered for this certificate if they meet the above criteria and apply for Undergraduate Admission to IU Indianapolis and specify the Undergraduate Geographic Information Science Certificate as their objective. Students who have already completed an undergraduate degree can apply for the undergraduate certificate or apply to the IU Graduate School for admission to the graduate certificate program (see the department for course details).
The Certificate program in Geographic Information Science (GEOG) requires satisfactory completion of the following:
- completion of a total of 21 credit hours, with a minimum grade of C in each course,
- to declare the certificate, complete the School of Liberal Arts online declaration form here.
Required courses (15 credits):
- GEOG-G 336: Introduction to Remote Sensing (3 cr.)
- GEOG-G 337: Computer Cartography and Graphics (3 cr.)
- GEOG-G 338: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3 cr.)
- GEOG-G 436: Advanced Remote Sensing: Digital Image Processing (3 cr.)
- GEOG-G 438: Advanced Geographic Information Systems (3 cr.)
Electives in Geographic Information Science (GIS) or complementary field (6 credits):
In addition to the required courses listed above, students must take six credit hours of electives at the 300 level or above that will enhance their background in GIS-related issues or apply their expertise to a specific area. Such areas include, but are not limited to:
- Computer Aided Design
- Surveying
- Computer Science and Technology
- Graphics and Visualization
- Applications of GIS
Contact an advisor to discuss course options.
