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Geographic Information Science (GISci) Certificate

What Students Learn

GISci is an abbreviation for “Geographic Information Science”.  GISci is the theoretical foundation for all spatially driven technologies, such as GIS, Remote Sensing, and GPS. The GISci Certificate at Miami is focused beyond just Geographic Information Systems to the broader Geographic Information Sciences. Students will not only learn GIS theory and techniques, but also Remote Sensing, GPS, Database theory and practice, and computer programming. All of these topics together help to provide students with a well-rounded GISci education and and understanding of how the different spatial technologies are different but can be used together to answer questions about our natural and built environments.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Recognize a variety of data formats available in GIS/Remote Sensing and select appropriate techniques for data classification, analysis and interpretation.
  2. Design and execute workflows for spatial problem solving.
  3. Effectively communicate the result(s) of GISci analyses and processes to the appropriate audience via written and cartographic means.
students flying a drone

Undergraduate GISci Certificate Admission

The Undergraduate GISci Certificate can be earned as a stand-alone Certificate or as part of broader undergraduate education at Miami. Note that the GISci Certificate can be counted as a Thematic Sequence for students outside of the Department of Geography by completing a Self-Designed Thematic Sequence application with the Office of Liberal Education.

Current Miami Undergraduate Students

Current Miami Undergraduate students in any department wishing to add the GISci Certificate must contact the GISci Certificate Advisor, Robbyn Abbitt, to fill out the necessary paperwork.

Former Miami students and Alumni

Those returning to Miami to earn the Undergraduate GISci Certificate must fill out the Re-enrollment forms at the One Stop. Indicate on the form that you are returning for a Non-Degree program.

Once your student status has been reset, you must contact the GISci Certificate Advisor, Robbyn Abbitt, to fill out the necessary paperwork.

All others

Those coming to Miami for the first time and for only the Undergraduate GISci Certificate must go through the formal Miami admission process for Non-Degree seeking students. This admission is on a rolling basis and can be completed up to the start of a semester. Once you are officially enrolled, you must contact the GISci Certificate Advisor, Robbyn Abbitt, to fill out the necessary paperwork.

Graduate GISci Certificate Admission

The Graduate GISci Certificate can be earned as a stand-alone Certificate or as part of broader graduation education at Miami.

Current Miami Graduate Students

Current Miami Graduate students in any department wishing to enroll in the GISci Certificate must complete the certificate application form to start the process. You will be contacted by the GISci Certificate Advisor after you fill out this application.

 

All others

Those wishing to earn only the Graduate GISci Certificate from Miami must formally apply to the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements for admission to the Graduate School to be enrolled in the GISci Certificate Program. Read about frequently asked questions regarding the Graduate School general application process.

Applicants must indicate they are interested in applying to a "Graduate Certificate Program", and then indicate "Geographic Information Sciences".

There is no application deadline for the Certificate. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants can choose to start in any Fall or Spring semester.

Department of Geography

118B Shideler Hall
250 S. Patterson Ave.
Oxford, OH 45056