The graduate certificate in geographic information science provides knowledge and tools for students and professionals pursuing careers in geographic information systems (GIS) and related spatial technologies. The certificate is an affadavit of academic proficiency in GIS and related areas such as remote sensing, global positioning systems, cartography, and spatial data analysis. This certificate is designed for graduate students and professionals employed in geographic information science fields. The certificate is available to postgraduate professionals who meet the requirements. Students with comparable professional experience may be able to show competence in selected courses through evaluation.
Program Highlights
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The GIS Graduate Certificate complements many undergraduate backgrounds and current graduate studies in providing a robust competency in theory and hands-on skills using GIS.
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The program extends GIS software and data to include handling remotely sensed imagery, manipulating data for online analysis and sharing or collecting using field or mobile web applications.
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
Research or develop geospatial technologies. May produce databases, perform applications programming, or coordinate projects. May specialize in areas such as agriculture, mining, health care, retail trade, urban planning, or military intelligence.
Web Developers
Design, create, and modify Web sites. Analyze user needs to implement Web site content, graphics, performance, and capacity. May integrate Web sites with other computer applications. May convert written, graphic, audio, and video components to compatible Web formats by using software designed to facilitate the creation of Web and multimedia content.
Geographic Information Systems Technicians
Assist scientists, technologists, or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data. Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems.
Alumni Careers
Requirements
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Cost of Attendance
We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance.
Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
Internships
Many students work professionally in careers and pursue the graduate certificate part-time or alongside another graduate degree program. Some students work as research assistants for professors or as paid interns with local government, NASA, or private industry.
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