Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalogue 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalogue Archived Catalogue

Geographic Information Science, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate


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Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Narcisa Pricope

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. This program prepares students with a core foundation in spatial thinking and geospatial data analysis. The goal of this program is to provide a solid foundation in Geospatial 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 extensive selection of 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. UNCW is accredited with the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) to offer a certificate in Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT). The GEOINT Certificate is housed in the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences (EOS). To be eligible for the GEOINT Certificate, graduate students must complete the GIS Certificate program and a capstone experience. The capstone experience can be fulfilled by completing a geospatial thesis or portfolio project, geospatial internship or Directed Independent Study (DIS). Students who aspire to a career in geospatial science will be well-served by acquiring this external certificate. Upon successful completion of the GEOINT Certificate at UNCW, students have the option of taking a professional GEOINT Certification exam and thus earning an additional professional certification if successful. For additional information about the program or to enroll in the GEOINT Certificate at UNCW, please contact Program Director, Dr. Narcisa Pricope (pricopen@uncw.edu) or Deputy Director, Dr. Eman Ghoneim (ghoneime@uncw.edu).

Admission Requirements


Applicants seeking admission to the graduate Geographic Information Science certificate program must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally 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
  2. Official transcripts of all prior university or college coursework (undergraduate and graduate);
  3. Three recommendations by individuals in professionally relevant fields;
  4. A personal statement describing reasons for pursuing the Geographic Information Science certificate; and
  5. Application and supplemental documents must be received by the published deadline.

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 a regionally accredited university will be considered for transfer into the certificate program by the admissions committee.

Certificate Requirements (18 credit hours)


The program requires 18 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 9 core, or Geographic Information Science theory, credit hours and 9 elective, or applied, credit hours.

Required core courses (9 credit hours)


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