GIS Certificate
See also:
- GIS Certificate APPLICATION
- GIScience Degrees at WWU
- GIS Minor
- GIS & Remote Sensing course offerings at WWU
The College of the Environment Spatial Institute offers a GIS Minor, a GIS Certificate, and a major in Environmental Studies with a GIS emphasis. Admission to these programs is by APPLICATION only. Some upper division GIS courses are restricted to GIS Certificate students and GIS majors only. Contact Dr. Aquila Flower for more information.
The GIS Certificate is open to undergraduates, graduates, and post-baccalaureate students not currently enrolled in another degree. Students in any major are welcome to apply.
Applicants should complete ENVS-320 (or be currently enrolled) prior to applying.
Geographic Information Science CERTIFICATE
Required courses* (with a grade of B- or better):
- GIS CORE Courses (19 credits):
- ENVS-320 GIS I: Introduction to GIScience (4)
- ENVS-418 GIS II: Cartography and Geovisualization (5)
- ENVS-420 GIS III: Analysis and Modeling (5)
- ENVS-421 GIS IV: Advanced GIS Applications (5)
- GIS ELECTIVES from the following list (3 credits):
- ENVS-422 Advanced Spatial Analysis (4)
- ENVS-423 GIS Processing and Analysis (3)
- ESCI-442 Introduction to Remote Sensing (5)
- ENVS-499Q Topics in GIS Seminars/Workshops
- ENVS-499O Professional Geographer
- ENVS-495 Teaching Practicum
- ENVS-498 Internship, Thesis, or Project
- QUANTITATIVE METHODS (one class, 4-5 credits):
- ENVS-322 Analysis of Spatial Data (4)
- ESCI-340 Biostatistical Analysis (5)
- ANTH-335 Quantitative Methods in Anthropology (5)
- Math-240 Intro to Statistics (4)
- BIOL-340 Biometrics (5)
- Soc-304 Statistics for Sociology (5)
The Geographic Information Science Certificate provides students with in-depth training in Geographic Information Science theory and techniques. Through an intensive series of courses in GIS, statistics, and remote sensing and the completion of original research projects, students will gain advanced skills in the development, management, analysis, and visualization of spatial data. The certificate prepares students for careers as geospatial analysts and GIS technicians, and is a valuable complement to many majors. Note that students completing the GIS Certificate can also apply for and receive the GIS Minor.
To apply for the GIS Certificate see: APPLICATION.
Admission to the GIS Certificate program is competitive and space may be limited.
Applications are due by May 1st.
Contact Dr. Aquila Flower for more information.
Priority enrollment for ENVS-420 (GIS III: Analysis and Modeling) and beyond (ENVS-421, ENVS-422, etc.), is given to students who have been accepted into the GIS Certificate program. Once GIS Certificate students have enrolled any additional seats will be open to GIS Minors and/or general registration.
GIS Certificate students may also receive the GIS Minor and classes can be double-counted for both degrees (but must declare as such).
Class Schedules for the GIS Minor and the GIS Certificate
Students considering the GIS Certificate should note that many of the classes are only offered once per year. Given that almost all of these classes are also sequential, completing the minor or certificate requires at least two years. Spreading these courses over three years is recommended if at all possible (e.g., taking ENVS-320 during the Sophomore year). Likewise, taking as many as possible during the Junior year is also recommended (e.g., completing most or ALL of the 400-level courses). Be aware that all of the 400-level courses are work intensive (so taking 5 of them in the same year will leave very little time for any other pursuits). Completing most of the courses before your Senior year will allow you to apply your GIS knowledge to research projects in your other 400-level classes and will make you qualified to apply for GIS-focused internships during or prior to your Senior year.