Geography, Geographic Information Science (GIS) and Geospatial Techniques Certificate

The Department of Anthropology, Geospatial and Earth Sciences

offers an 18-credit Certificate in Geographic Information Science and Geospatial Techniques. This program provides foundational knowledge in geographic information science and hands-on experience with geospatial technologies, including GIS, remote sensing, GPS, and spatial databases.

Designed for individuals who already hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, the certificate program helps professionals enhance their GIS skills and expand their career opportunities in a growing job market. Students who later choose to pursue a graduate degree in the department may apply the maximum number of certificate credits allowed by the IUP School of Graduate Studies and Research toward a Master of Science degree.

Upon completion, students will gain an understanding of:

• Map projections and geographic coordinate systems;
• GIS hardware and software;
• Spatial data models and structures;
• Spatial database development and planning;
• Methods for spatial data analysis; and
• Visualization of spatial and non-spatial data through maps and related techniques.