Geographic Information Systems (Graduate Certificate)
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.
Geographic Information Systems (Graduate Certificate)
Description
What is Geographic Information Systems at ODU like?
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
What makes Geographic Information Systems at ODU unique?
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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
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.
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.
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.
Employers
Graduates from this major have gone to work at
NASA, cities and counties across Virginia and some other states, National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, ESRI, and private sectors like environmental engineering and consulting firms
Courses
What are some courses offered in Geographic Information Systems at ODU?
GEOG 502:
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.
GEOG 504:
Digital Techniques for Remote Sensing
Study of the theory and application of remote sensing, emphasizing environmental applications and aerial and satellite imagery. Covers the fundamentals of multispectral digital image processing, including sensors pre-processing, enhancement, classification, accuracy assessment, and GIS data integration.
GEOG 590:
Applied Cartography/GIS
Practical experience in applying the principles of cartography and geographical information systems to the design and construction of maps and other graphics.
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
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:
$ 571
Non-Resident
Per Credit:
$ 1,394
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Per Credit:
$ 595
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
Graduate Admissions
Location:
1000 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3685
Fax:
757-683-6512
Email:
gradadmit@odu.edu
International Admissions
Location:
2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3701
Fax:
757-683-3651
Email:
intladm@odu.edu
Related Programs
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