Geographic Information Science (Certificate)
The certificate in geographic information science (GISci) provides a program for students and professionals pursuing careers in geographic information systems (GIS) and related spatial technologies (remote sensing, global positioning systems, cartography, and spatial data handling and analysis). Awarded upon completion of the requirements, the certificate is an affidavit of academic proficiency and is administered by the Department of Political Science and Geography.
Geographic Information Science (Certificate)
Description
What is Geographic Information Science at ODU like?
The certificate in geographic information science (GISci) provides a program for students and professionals pursuing careers in geographic information systems (GIS) and related spatial technologies (remote sensing, global positioning systems, cartography, and spatial data handling and analysis). Awarded upon completion of the requirements, the certificate is an affidavit of academic proficiency and is administered by the Department of Political Science and Geography.
Program Highlights
What makes Geographic Information Science at ODU unique?
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The GISCience certificate complements many undergraduate majors and provides a foundation in the theory and hands-on skills using GIS and its associated technology.
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The program goes beyond desktop GIS software and data to include satellite and other remotely sensed imagery, manipulating data for online analysis and sharing or collecting using field or mobile web applications. Students earning the GISci Certificate are able to work across diverse computing platforms and to analyze spatial Big Data.
Delivery Mode(s):
On-Campus
Degree Earned:
Undergraduate Certificate
Department:
Careers
What are some careers in this field?
Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Geographic Information Systems Technicians
$91,080
MEDIAN SALARY
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
$67,390
MEDIAN SALARY
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.
Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
$91,080
MEDIAN SALARY
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
$74,110
MEDIAN SALARY
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.
Employers
Graduates from this major have gone to work at
Esri, Tetratech, several cities and counties in Virginia and some other states, VDOT, and federal civil service, and private sectors, e.g., Dominion Energy and Booz Allen Hamilton
Courses
What are some courses offered in Geographic Information Science at ODU?
GEOG 300:
Maps and Geographic Information
An investigation of different representations of the Earth: physical and cognitive maps, atlases, spatial databases, aerial photographs, and remote sensing imagery, with an emphasis on the use of geographic tools for communicating and analyzing information. Prerequisites: GEOG 100S or GEOG 101S.
GEOG 402:
Geographic Information Systems
A study of the conceptual basis of GIS as a tool for manipulating spatial information. The course focuses on how geographic information can be input and organized within the framework of a GIS. Students will work on a computer-based GIS to gain a greater understanding of spatial database structures and analytical operations. Prerequisites: Junior standing or permission of instructor.
GEOG 432:
Advanced GIS
The study of a series of advanced topics in the field of geographic information systems/science. Focus is placed on the development of projects/models and a survey of several advanced techniques. Students will work on a computer based GIS to implement topics from lectures. Prerequisites: GEOG 402.
Requirements
What are the requirements to apply for Geographic Information Science at ODU?
Students entering the Undergraduate Certificate program in Geographic Information Science should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Undergraduate Admission)
Cost
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Virginia Resident
Per Credit:
$ 374
Non-Resident
Per Credit:
$ 1,039
Active Duty Military Rate
Per Credit:
$ 250
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Per Credit:
$ 407
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid
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.
Next Steps
I like this program. What are the next steps?
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Contact
Need help applying?
Meet Your Enrollment Team
Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.
GIS Certificate Program Coordinator
Name:
Jennifer Whytlaw
Location:
7035 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS, NORFOLK, VA, 23529
Email:
Office:
757-683-3857
Undergraduate Admissions
Location:
1004 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3685
Fax:
757-683-3255
Email:
admissions@odu.edu
International Admissions
Location:
2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3701
Fax:
757-683-3651
Email:
intladm@odu.edu
Transfer
I like this program and want to transfer. What are my next steps?
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful transition, engagement, and academic achievement of transfer students. The services and programs offered to you as a Monarch are endless so take advantage of every opportunity. Even before you set foot on campus, we encourage you to Explore, Experience, and Engage! Visit our Transfer Students page for more information.
Related Programs
What other options does ODU have?
How would you like to complete your program?
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