The Geographic Information Science Certificate program combines cutting edge technology with faculty expertise to prepare students for further education or professional growth in the field.
Geographic Information Science
Faculty ContactProfessor Stephen Lavin
316 Hardin Hall
Lincoln NE 68588-0973
402-472-3580
Description
What it is
Geographic Information Science technology is having a tremendous impact on our world due to its capabilities for approaching complex problems of a multidisciplinary nature. The graduate level GIS certificate program addresses the needs of students and professional communities that require GIS education, training, and technology transfer. The program focus includes the issues of formal GIS education (basic knowledge and theory), provides students with hands-on training and exposure to technology (GIS technical training), provides students with problem-solving skills, and addresses the needs of professionals.Who it's for
Graduate students and professionals with a bachelor's degree and the desire for this additional certification. Possible professions in this field include:- Cartographic designer
- Computer programmer
- Database administrator
- Project manager
- System administrator
Delivery
This certificate is also available on the UNO campus. For more information regarding transferring credits from UNO towards this certificate program please contact Dr. Lavin.How to apply
Required by Office of Graduate Studies- Application for Graduate Admission for a graduate certificate objective
- $50 non-refundable application processing fee
- One set of official transcripts showing conferral of a bachelor's or higher degree
- A two-page statement describing the applicant's professional goals and preparation for the certificate program
- Two letters of reference
- Optional: Applicants may submit information on projects or professional experience to demonstrate that they are prepared for the program.
Rolling admission; contact the department for more information.
Courses
Sample Timeline
Fall Semester StartFall - GEOG 812, GEOG 818
Spring - GEOG 820, GEOG 822
Fall - GEOG 898
Spring - GEOG 819
Students are required to complete at least on course each in cartography, elementary statistics, and computer science prior to beginning the certificate program.
A total of 22 graduate level semester hours and a comprehensive examination are required for completion of the Certificate in GIS.
Unless otherwise noted, all courses below are 4 credit hours.
Core Courses
GEOG 812 - Introduction to GIS
Cross listed as NRES 812
Introduction to the conceptual foundations and applications of computer-based geographic information systems (GIS). GIS database development, spatial data analysis, spatial modeling, GIS implementation and administration. Lab exercises provide practical experience with GIS software.GEOG 818 - Introduction to Remote Sensing
Cross listed as NRES 818.
Prerequisite: 9 hrs earth science or natural resource sciences including GEOG 150 and 152 or GEOG 155.
Introduction to remote sensing of the earth from aerial and satellite platforms. Aerial photography, multi-spectral scanning, thermal imaging and microwave remote sensing techniques. Physical foundations of remote sensing using electromagnetic energy, energy-matter interactions, and techniques employed in data acquisition and methods of image analysis. Weekly laboratory provides practical experience in visual and digital interpretation of aerial photography, satellite imagery, and thermal and radar imagery. Emphasis on applications in geographic, agricultural, environmental and natural resources analyses.Prerequisite: 9 hrs earth science or natural resource sciences including GEOG 150 and 152 or GEOG 155.
GEOG 427 - Introduction to the Global Positioning System (2 cr)
GEOG 898 - Advanced Special Problems in GIS (1-3 cr)
Prerequisite: Varies, see course description or registration guide.
Reading course or special projects.Student must complete a project approved by the student's advisor and for professional awareness; students must attend at least two meetings of the Nebraska GIS Council and one professional meeting during the time they are enrolled in the certificate program (e.g., Nebraska GIS/LIS Symposium, MidAmerica GIS Symposium, ESRI annual conference, ASPRS, URISA, UCGIS).
Elective Courses
GEOG 817 – Cartography II - Electronic Atlas Design and Production (3 cr)Computer-map design and production for the purpose of assembling and environmental electronic atlas, using advanced computer hardware and software. Extensive discussions and demonstrations on content, design, and methods used in computer mapping.
GEOG 819 - Applications of Remote Sensing in Agriculture and Natural Resources
Cross listed as AGRO, GEOL 819, NRES 820
Prerequisite: GEOG/NRES 818; or permission.
Introduction to the practical uses of remote electromagnetic sensing in dealing with agricultural and water-resources issues.Prerequisite: GEOG/NRES 818; or permission.
GEOG 820 - Remote Sensing III (Digital Image Processing)
Prerequisite: GEOG 818 and 819; or equivalent or permission.
Introduction to the fundamental principles and methods of digital image processing of remotely sensed data. Biophysical basis of remote sensing and the various sensor systems typically used for terrestrial monitoring. Algorithms discussed for the preprocessing, enhancement, classification and mapping of digital data for agricultural, urban, geological, environmental, and natural resource management problems.GEOG 822 - Advanced Techniques in GIS
Prerequisite: GEOG 812 or equivalent or permission.
Vector and quadtree data structures, use of relational database management systems, topologically structured databases, query languages, digital terrain modeling, advanced data analysis methods and research issues in GIS. Extensive practical experience with the ARC/INFO GIS software.GEOG 844 - Geo-demographic and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (3 cr)
Geo-demographic and geographic information systems (GIS) analysis, interpretation, and mapping of geographical patterns of population size, population composition, and population change. Theoretical and applied investigation of geo-demographic issues involving marketing research, public facilities planning, public health provision, small-area population change forecasting. GIS use of TIGER and small-area Census data.
GEOG 922 - Seminar in GIS (1-3 cr)
Third in a sequence of courses on Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Advanced topics in computer oriented geographical data analyses. Current problems facing the designers and users of GIS. Demonstrations of modern computer hardware and/or software used in GIS done.
CIVE 898 – GIS in Water Resources
CRPL 830 – Planning with GIS (3 cr)
Theory and practice of geographic information systems use in planning. Selection and use of computer software and data for problem solving and decision making in community and regional planning. Specific planning-related applications of geographic information systems, spreadsheet modeling, and data base management.
CRPL 898 - GIS Applications in Environmental Design
STAT 831 – Spatial Statistics (3 cr)
Statistical methods for modeling and analyzing correlated data, with emphasis on spatial correlation. Descriptive statistics, time series, correlograms, semivariograms, kriging and designing experiments in the presence of spatial correlation.
