GIS Programs

The College of the Environment offers multiple programs in Geographic Information Science.

These programs are a BA in Environmental Studies with a GIS Concentration, Fundamentals GIS Certificate, Advanced GIS Certificate, and a graduate level GIS certificate. The College of the Environment also offers a B.A. in Environmental Studies (Extension) with a GIS Emphasis for Salish Sea Region campuses in Poulsbo and Port Angeles.

Contact Dr. Aquila Flower for more information regarding these programs.

Environmental Studies — Geographic Information Science Concentration, BA

Environmental Studies takes an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to understanding human-environment systems and environmental challenges. Many environmental systems and issues involve spatial patterns that can be analyzed, visualized, and communicated through Geographic Information Science (GIS) techniques. The GIS concentration provides students with in-depth training in GIS theory and techniques.

Geographic Information Science Fundamentals Certificate

The GIS Fundamentals Certificate provides students with an introduction to the fundamentals of mapping, visualizing, managing, and analyzing geospatial datasets.

Advanced Geographic Information Science Certificate

This Advanced GIS Certificate provides students with in-depth training in GIS theory and techniques. Our students gain advanced skills in the creation, development, management, analysis, and visualization of spatial data. We teach our students how to use GIS for a wide range of environmental applications, from modeling climate change impacts to identifying inequitable patterns of exposure to pollutants to prioritizing land for renewable energy installations or conservation easements.

Many classes are offered only once per year and must be taken in sequence, so careful planning with an advisor is required. This certificate is open to all majors, but priority is given to students majoring in an Environmental Studies degree.

Geographic Information Science Certificate (Graduate)

The Graduate GIS Certificate provides students with in-depth training in GIS theory and techniques. Our students gain advanced skills in the creation, development, management, analysis, and visualization of spatial data. Original research projects allow graduate students to practice applying GIS techniques to their thesis topic.

This Certificate is open to students currently enrolled in a MA or MS degree at WWU’s Bellingham campus. Priority for admission is given to students enrolled in the Environmental Studies MA degree.

Environmental Studies (Extension) — Geographic Information Science Emphasis, BA

WWU College of the Environment - Salish Sea Region (CENV-SSR) is a distance-based network of instructional hubs that allows students to learn alongside world-famous researchers located in Poulsbo and Port Angeles, Washington.

This major uses a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to understanding human-environment systems and environmental challenges, modeled on the College of the Environment’s curricula. Academic programming includes courses in the natural sciences, and social sciences. The educational coursework integrates faculty-student collaboration, applied research, experiential learning though internships, and community service.