About this Program

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Graduate
Degree Earned
Certificate
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Alumni Careers

NASA
National Geospatial Intelligence Agency
ESRI
Private Sector Environmental Engineering Firms
Private Sector Consulting Firms

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Geographic Information Systems at ODU?
Students entering the Certificate program in Geographic Information Systems should meet the minimum university admission requirements Graduate Admission.

Cost

Estimated rates for the 2023-24 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
Cost Per-Credit $599
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $623
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,439

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.

Contact

GIS Certificate Program Coordinator

7035 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS
NORFOLK, 23529