Geographic Information Science Certificate (16 credits)
Advisor: Rafael Moreno
The intention of this certificate is to provide undergraduates at UC Denver 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 and geology majors as well as non-majors.
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
Curriculum
To obtain the certificate, students must complete four core requirements, one elective, and a one-hour independent study, totaling 16 hours. Although the four core courses may be taken in any order, it is advisable to begin with 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 coursework, 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.
Core Requirements:
GEOG 3080-3. Introduction to Cartography and Computer Mapping.
GEOG 4060/5060-3. GEOL 4060/5060-3. Remote Sensing I: Introduction to Environmental Remote Sensing.
GEOG 4080/5080-3. Geographic Information Systems.
GEOL 4770/5770-3. Applied Statistics for the Natural Sciences. OR Equivalent Course Approved by the GISci Certificate Coordinator
Lab Requirement (to be taken at the end of the program):
GEOG 4840. GEOL 4840-1. Independent Study with a geographic technology professor (Moreno, Thomas, Wyckoff, or instructor approved by GISci coordinator). The independent project must also demonstrate a proficiency in GIS in the student’s area of interest. (1 credit hour) OR CE 5386-3. GIS Laboratory. (3 credit hours)
One Elective from the Following Courses:
GEOG 4070/5070-3. GEOL 4070/5070-3. Remote Sensing II: Advanced Remote Sensing.
GEOG 4085/5085-3. GIS Applications.
GEOG 4090/5090. Environmental Modeling with GIS.
GEOG 4095/5095. Deploying GIS Functionality on the Web.
GEOG 4235/5235-3. GIS Applications in the Health Sciences.
C E 5382-3. GIS Spatial Database Development.
C E 5385-3. GIS Relational Database Systems.
OR an elective approved by the GISci Certificate Coordinator.
Entrance Requirements
Eligibility
Spatial techniques are tools with broad application. Consequently, UC Denver undergraduate students in any discipline will be admitted to the program. Those who already hold a bachelor's degree from UC Denver or other universities will also be admitted.
Application Process
Current UC Denver Students
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.
Former UC Denver Students or Graduates of Other Universities
To obtain the certificate, you will need to apply to the university as a non-degree seeking student. Once accepted, you will be able to enroll in all of the appropriate classes. The following is a link to that information: http://www.cudenver.edu/Admissions/Non-Degree+Admissions/default.htm. Information on current tuition rates can be found at http://www.cudenver.edu/Admissions/Costs+and+Financing/default.htm If you have any specific questions about either of these issues, you would need to contact the registrar's office directly, since they are the ones who process the information.
You must also complete the Application for GISci Certificate, which can be obtained from Dr. Rafael Moreno, the GISci Certificate Coordinator. This requires a copy of former transcripts indicating an undergraduate degree has been previously granted, or an unofficial transcript from UC Denver showing that you are a current undergraduate student. This must be completed PRIOR to finishing the certificate. Click here to for the .pdf application.
Performance Requirements
In order to obtain the Certificate, students must have a 3.0 GPA average in all approved geographic technology courses. 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.
