Mar 28, 2024  
2011-2012 Graduate Catalogue 
    
2011-2012 Graduate Catalogue Archived Catalogue

Geographic Information Science Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, N.D.


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Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Joanne Halls

Geographic Information Science 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. The goal of this program is to provide a solid foundation in Geographic Information Science and to explore application areas that utilize this technology. The curriculum is a combination of core courses that teach the fundamental theory of geospatial technology and electives that cover the vast range of this burgeoning technology in disciplines such as computer science, management information systems, various field methods techniques, applications in natural sciences (e.g. environmental science, geology, and oceanography) and quantitative analysis. The graduate certificate in Geographic Information Science provides a mixture of theory and practical expertise. The Geographic Information Science certificate is designed to serve: 1) students who wish to acquire technical expertise to support knowledge gained in other graduate programs and 2) returning students who wish to acquire knowledge and expertise to further their current and/or future job requirements. At the end of the program, students will employ a balanced combination of theory of spatial concepts and practical application of Geographic Information Science techniques to spatial problems in their own field of study.

Admission Requirements


Applicants seeking admission to the graduate Geographic Information Science certificate program must hold a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in this country, or its equivalent in a foreign institution based on a four-year program, and have a strong overall academic record with a “B” average or better.

To apply for admission to the graduate Geographic Information Science certificate program you must submit the following:

  1. An application for admission to the graduate school; (http://www.uncw.edu/grad_info/prospectivestudents.htm)
  2. Official transcripts of all prior university or college coursework (undergraduate and graduate);
  3. Three recommendations by individuals in professionally relevant fields; and
  4. A personal statement describing reasons for pursuing the Geographic Information Science certificate.

Individuals who fall below one of these criteria may be admitted if other factors indicate potential for success. Individuals with identified deficiencies may be accepted provisionally with a specific plan for the remediation of these deficiencies. Such remediation may include a requirement of additional hours beyond those normally required for the degree. 

Additional graduate courses that contain a substantial amount of geospatial technology, including transfer courses, may be applied to the program as approved by the Program Coordinator. Up to 6 hours of appropriate graduate coursework completed with a “B” or better at an accredited university will be considered for transfer into the certificate program by the admissions committee.

Certificate Requirements


The program requires 19 credit hours. Given that the goal for the certificate program is to provide students with a balanced theoretical and applied education in Geographic Information Science, the curriculum consists of 10 core, or Geographic Information Science theory, credits and 9 elective, or applied, credits.

Required core courses (10 credits)


Electives (9 credits) with a minimum of 3 credits from each category


Category 1: Computing Techniques


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