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Geographic Information Science, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Practical Application of GIS Techniques
  • 29%

    Projected Growth in the Field of Cartography & Photogrammetry 2014-2024 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

  • 35%

    Annual Growth Rate in the Geospatial Technology Industry (U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration)

  • 11%

    Annual Growth Rate for the Global GIS Market 2015-20
Geographic Information Science, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program Overview

National Accreditation

UNCW is accredited with the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) to offer a certificate in Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT).

The GEOINT certificate is housed in the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences (EOS). To be eligible for the GEOINT certificate, graduate students must complete the GIS certificate program and a capstone experience.

Knowledge and Technical Skill

Geographic Information Science (GISci or GIScience) is the academic theory behind the development, use, and application of geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, data visualization, global positioning systems, spatial analysis, and quantitative methods.

This graduate certificate in GIScience will provide you with a solid foundation in GIScience and enable the students to explore application areas that utilize this technology.

The curriculum is a mixture of core courses that teach:

  • the fundamental theory and application of geospatial technology and electives that cover the vast range of this burgeoning technology in disciplines such as computer programming;
  • field methods including GPS technology and spatial analysis; environmental and ecological applications; geological applications in oceanography, coastal and upland environments;
  • and quantitative analysis and database management.
The program provides a mixture of theory and practical knowledge. The GIS certificate is designed to serve:
  • students who wish to acquire technical expertise to support knowledge gained in other graduate programs and
  • returning students who wish to acquire expertise to further their current and/or future job requirements.
At the end of the program, all students will employ a balanced combination of theory of spatial concepts and practical application of GIScience techniques to spatial problems in their own field of study.

Gain Hands-On Experience

Students have the opportunity to participate in international field studies in the Caribbean, Portugal, Northern and Southern Africa, and Belize.

Drone over an island
“ I can't begin to describe how far ahead the drone program at UNCW is compared to the other schools some of these applicants are applying from. You guys 100% are the gold standard for the type of drone work that most/all industries are looking for. ”
Steele Olsen '19 Operations Manager at Firmatek LLC

Sample Courses in GIS:

Table shows sample courses for this program
GGY 520 Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems
GGY 522 Remote Sensing in Environmental Analysis
GGY 524 Advanced Geographic Information Systems
GGY 526 Environmental Geographic Information Systems
GGY 528 Advanced Remote Sensing
GGY 529 Aerial Drone Applications in Geosciences
See The Full Curriculum

Admission Deadlines & Requirements

Information: Geographic Information Science - Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Apply Now

  • Complete applications are reviewed for admission by the program as they are received.
  • All application and supporting documents must be received by the published deadline.

Coordinator

Location/Delivery Method

  • Main Campus

Deadlines (11:59 p.m. EST)

  • Spring 2024:
    • November 1, 2023
  • Summer I 2024:
    • April 15, 2024
  • Summer II 2024:
    • May 15, 2024
  • Fall 2024:
    • July 1, 2024

Transcripts

  • One official transcript is required from each U.S. post-secondary institution attended. Refer to the Getting Started page for international transcript instructions.

Test Scores

  • None Required

Recommendations

  • 3 recommendations by individuals in professionally relevant fields

Additional Requirements

  1. Upload Supplemental Documents After Submission
  2. Essay: Statement of Interest/Personal Statement
    Essay
  3. Financial Aid:  Non-federal loans are available for this program.  Admitted students may apply through the UNCW Scholarship Application to be considered for additional scholarships.  Please consult your Financial Aid Counselor for further details.
  4. Visa Sponsorship:  This program does not qualify for visa sponsorship.
program completion feature
program completion feature

Learn To

Gain a mixture of theory and practical knowledge

Acquire technical expertise to support knowledge gained in other graduate programs

Acquire expertise to further their current and/or future job requirements

Employ a balanced combination of theory of spatial concepts and practical application of GIScience techniques to spatial problems in your field of study

Alumni work in:

Interpret maps, manages GIS databases, and provides insight into digital land data. (Source)

Collect, measure, and interpret geographic information to create and update maps and charts for regional planning, education, and other purposes. (Source)

Update boundary lines and prepare sites for construction so that legal disputes are prevented. (Source)

Train and utilize specialized skills to conduct air reconnaissance, surveillance, targeting missions, and analyze aerial photographs. (Source)

Meet with public officials, developers, and the public regarding development plans and land use. (Source)

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