Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science
Program Overview
The Saint Mary's University GIS Certificate Program (18 credits of resource analysis) provides learners with broad exposure to principles and applications of GIS. A learner who has earned the GIS Certificate will be well-versed in GIS theory and will have knowledge and practical exposure to the following:
- Hardware and software used in GIS
- Planning and construction of spatial databases
- GIS analyses
- Representation of data in both mapped and tabular form
Both the Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science and the Master of Science in Geographic Information Science are offered at the University’s campuses in Winona and the Twin Cities.
Program Structure
The person desiring a thorough background in GIS theory and use, but not seeking a degree, may choose to take the GIS Certificate Program. This consists of any 18 credits of technology courses. These courses can be taken as regular graduate credit, undergraduate credit and/or on a pass/no credit basis. If taken as regular graduate credit, these courses can be taken concurrently with the master’s degree or applied to a graduate degree at a later date. If taken as pass/no credit courses, they may not be applied to a graduate degree, but will count towards a certificate. Credits earned from Credit for Previous Experience and Learning may not be applied towards a GIS certificate. The GIS Certificate is customized for each individual participant. Learners, along with their Faculty Advisor, select courses from the Required GIS Courses and Elective GIS Courses to augment the skill-set of the student.
Program Delivery
Education is a key component of the GIS professional certification programs that have been evolving from the GIS Certfication Institute and Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA). Both of these professional certifications allow application of credits with an accredited institution to satisfy a significant portion of the points needed to meet certification requirements. Requirements for the Certificate have been designed to parallel skills needed by GIS professionals.
To receive the Certificate in GIS, a learner must:
- complete 18 credit hours of GIS coursework with a passing grade
- have an earned Bachelor's degree
2010 Program Costs
Tuition is $465 per credit. The tuition covers course fees and technology fees, but not textbooks or room and board. Tuition and fee amounts are reviewed annually, and as such are subject to change.
GIS Certificate Course Work:
The following courses (29 credits) are eligible for inclusion in the resource analysis GIS Certificate program. The learner in consultation with his advisor is free to choose the courses that best meet his/her need.
RA554 GIS Analysis (3 credits)
RA556 Spatial Data Methodology (2 credits)
RA559 Introduction to Imagery (3 credits)
RA560 Arcview (1 credit)
RA563 Advanced Modeling and Analysis (2 credits
RA570 Advanced GIS (3 credits)
RA508 Internet Mapping Services (3 credits)
RA632 Programming Languages (3 credits)
RA506 GIS Customization (3 credits)
RA660 Introduction to ArcGIS (1 credit)
RA642 Databases/SQL (2 credits)
RA506 GIS Customization (3 cr)This course focuses on customization of a GIS through programming and scripting languages including VBA (Visual Basic for Applications), Avenue, and JavaScript. Emphasis of the course is on customization of the ArcGIS software including modifications of the user interface, and building custom applications through use of the ESRI COM object library. Secondary emphasis is on programming with the Arcview 3 programming language. The objective here is to assist learners in understanding and working with Avenue code such that they might develop success in rewriting Arcview 3 custom application to the ArcGIS environment.
RA508 Internet Mapping Services (3 cr)This course introduces students to effective use of the internet as a medium to publish map data. It examines the basic implementation details associated with serving spatial data over the internet. Students are introduced to internet mapping software as well as the particulars of designing and operating an effective map publishing/customization environment.
RA519 Statistical Analysis (3 cr)This course introduces basic and fundamental statistics with emphasis on the more sophisticated tests and analysis common to biologists and other researchers. Substantial attention is given to analysis of variance and experimental design.
RA554 GIS Analysis (3 cr)This course introduces the concepts of spatial analysis. Emphasis is directed to developing proficiency with database development, using ArcGIS ArcInfo, ArcGIS ArcEditor an ArcGIS ArcScan. Additional importance is placed on foundational theory and concepts, and on understanding and utilizing standard operation procedures (SOP) as well as understanding and generating supplemental "metadata" to accompany database development. Data models covered in the course include the ‘Coverage', ‘Shapefile', and ‘Geodatabase'.
RA556 Spatial Data Methodology (2 cr)This is a field and laboratory course which introduces methods basic to the collection of data in a manner suitable for spatial analysis. Topics will include basic plane table, total station and topographic surveying, use of global positioning systems (GPS), and preparation of data for conversion to a digital format.
RA559 Introduction to Imagery (3 cr)This course introduces the use of imagery to resource analysis. It covers working with aerial photographs, interpreting photos, optical rectification and zoom transfer. It also examines major satellites in use, acquiring available imagery and working with those images. Imagery analysis work is done with ENVI software.
RA560 Arcview (1 cr)This course introduces students to the functionality and applications of the Arcview desktop GIS system. Included are how to access data from ArcInfo for use, conduct queries, and analysis of data, prepare simple and complex graphical analyses and presentations integrating maps. Additionally students complete a demographic data analysis using Arcview.
RA563 Advanced Modeling and Analysis (2 cr)This course builds on fundamental and advanced GIS concepts that promote problem-solving, modeling, and critical thinking. The course explores and maximizes the functionality of ArcGIS and ArcView through solving spatial and analytical challenges. The course addresses real world problems in business, natural resources, emergency management/homeland security, and other areas. Problem-solving approaches for advanced challenges using ESRI and user developed scripts, extensions, and other analytical enhancement tools are studied.
RA570 Advanced GIS (3 cr)This course builds upon RA554 and emphasizes spatial analysis, modeling and advanced presentation techniques. Substantial effort is directed towards developing proficiency with raster cell analysis as well as integration of analyses utilizing both vector and raster elements simultaneously. Advanced presentation techniques involving 3-D modeling, analytical view shading and more are included. Emphasis is on the ArcGIS 8.x ArcMap environment.
RA632 Programming Languages (3 cr)This course covers the foundation programming skills in applications programming with Visual Basic in this course uding Microsoft VB.Net and the Python programming language. Java programming will also be briefly explored. Exapmbles of topics covered include from controls and their properties, altering and enhancing properties at run time, variables, decision-making, looping and data and control programming and conncecting Visual Basic application to Microsoft Access databases
RA642 Database – Access and SQL (2 cr)This course introduces to the core functionalities of the personal DBMS encapsulated in Microsoft Access as well as the enterprise database management system exemplified by SQL interface communications. Additionally, students learn basic tenants of database development, table creation and the concepts of database ‘normalization'. SQL query development with ESRI ArcSDE is also imbedded in the course.
RA660 Introduction to ArcGIS (1 cr)This course is intended to introduce students to the basics of working with ESRI's ArcGIS. Elements of study will include working with graphical spatial data, tabular data, image data in the geodatabase format and creating simple and somewhat more sophisticated layouts. Additional effort will be directed at learning/reviewing basic GIS principles and concepts as well as understanding the varying elements of the suite of Environmental Systems Research Institute's mapping software family.
Program Staff
Geographic Information Science - GIS Analyst/Instructor, Assistant MSGIS Program Director