Geographic Information System (GIS) Certificate

The Geographic Information System (GIS) Certificate provides students with a critical foundation in geographical mapping theory, up-to-date technology in spatial analysis, and working knowledge of GIS applications. This certificate program offers students a convenient and affordable pathway to acquiring a recognized credential for GIS competency or to update skills in the rapidly advancing field of GIS. This certificate program is suitable for students who are eligible to take university courses.

Geography PLO:

Demonstrate skills in geospatial analysis and understand the interpretive capacity of geospacial technologies and their place in society.

The following are the expected learning outcomes:

Demonstrate a working knowledge of GIS applications.
Apply in geographical mapping theory to real-world examples.
Use spatial analysis tools to analyze and create information.
Create and implement GIS-based projects.

Admission Criteria and Procedures:

Any students eligible to enroll in undergraduate university courses at CSU Stanislaus may complete the certificate. This includes students classified as undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and/or graduate. It will be open to students enrolled through state-side programs and continuing education programs (e.g. Open University).

12-semester units earned with a grade of C- or better are required to earn the GIS Certificate. To meet the minimum requirement, students need a 3.0 average among their selected courses to have the certification granted.
Courses may double-count for completing major, minor, graduate or other university requirements.
At least three of the courses must be completed within five years of awarding the certificate.
The certificate may not be granted until the student has earned bachelor’s degree.

Requirements

Complete the following course:

GEOG 4750 - Geographic Information Systems 3 unit(s)

Electives

Complete a minimum of (9) units from the following:

GEOG 3700 - Cartography and Visualization 3 unit(s)
GEOG 3751 - Introduction to Computer Applications in Geography 3 unit(s)
GEOG 4730 - Computer Applications in Geog 1-3 unit(s)
GEOG 4770 - Remote Sensing of the Environment 3 unit(s)
GEOG 4772 / ENVR 4772 - Introduction to Unmanned Aerial Systems for Geospatial Applications 1 unit(s)
GEOG 4810 - Quantitative Methods for Spatial Analysis 3 unit(s)
GEOG 4852 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems 3 unit(s)
GEOG 4853 / ENVR 4853 - Environmental and Natural Resources Geographic Information Systems 3 unit(s)
GEOG 4853 - Environmental and Natural Resources Geographic Information Systems 3 unit(s)
GEOG 4855 - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Applications in Urban Analysis 3 unit(s)
GEOG 4857 - Mapping of Precision Agricultural Data Using Geographic Information Systems 3 unit(s)
GEOG 5770 - Applied Remote Sensing 3 unit(s)
GEOG 5810 - Quantitative Methods for Spatial Analysis 3 unit(s)
GEOG 5852 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems 3 unit(s)
GEOG 5855 - Geographic Information Systems Applications in Urban Analysis 3 unit(s)

Financial Aid Note:

Regarding this Certificate in Geographic Information System, please note that Federal and State regulations require that federal and state aid funds are used to pay for courses that apply to a student’s program of study. Courses that are part of the Bachelor of Science in Geography & Environmental Resources degree are considered eligible courses for financial aid purposes.

Courses in the certificate are not considered eligible for financial aid purposes, as taking courses that are not required to complete your degree may result in receiving less or no federal aid. However, Geography & Environemental Resources majors may complete the uits required for the completion of the GIS Certificate as part of their major requirements. Financial Aid and Scholarship Office staff members are available to assist you in understanding your award and aid-recipient rights and responsibilities (www.csustan.edu/financialaid)