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Geographic Information Science

Graduate Certificate Summary

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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 Contact
Professor Stephen Lavin
810 Oldfather Hall
Lincoln NE 68588-0368
slavin432@yahoo.com
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

If you are already admitted to a degree program, see your advisor to set up a plan of study for the certificate program.

Otherwise, you will first need to be admitted as a non-degree student.

Required by Office of Graduate Studies
  • Application for Graduate Admission as a non-degree student
  • $45 non-refundable application processing fee
  • One set of official transcripts showing conferral of a bachelor's or higher degree
Required by Geography
  • Admission to a graduate level degree program or as a non-degree student
  • Plan of study approved by the Geographic Information Science Certificate coordinator
Application Deadline
None if non-degree


Courses

Sample Timeline

Fall Semester Start
Fall - 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 is 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 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 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.

Elective Courses

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.

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 898 - Advanced Special Problems in GIS (1 - 3 cr)
Prerequisite: Varies, see course description or registration guide. Reading course or special projects.