Geographic Information Science and Technology Certificate Program - Info

This certificate program will provide a solid foundation and a useful credential in the field of geospatial technologies (Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing (RS), and computer mapping (CM)) for undergraduate and non-degree students. GIS are computer systems for integrating and analyzing spatial data. RS uses satellite or airborne sensors to acquire spatial information, particularly for earth observation. Computer mapping has largely replaced traditional cartography for presenting data and analyses in maps. The GIST certificate program will provide students with a background in the science, techniques, and application of these geospatial methods and techniques that will enable them to embark on public and private sector careers or to undertake further studies in geography and other fields.

Who is qualified for this GIST certificate program?

Current matriculated undergraduate students at UMass-Amherst.

How to proceed?

Student should plan to take the required courses over at least three semesters. It will be possible for students to complete the certificate in a single year of focused study, although most students will likely integrate GIST courses into their degree program studies and complete the GIST courses over two or more years. Please contact the program advisor (see email below) for questions. Refer to UMass GIS Hub>Learning GIS>Classes for courses offering and many other resources. Upon completion, contact the program advisor to fill out the clearance form.

Curriculum

The program requires 5 courses (minimum 15 total credits), including 3 foundation courses and 2 advanced-level elective course. If you have taken Geog593/NRC585 Intro GIS first, you are encouraged to skip GEO352 Computer Mapping and take one extra advanced course.

1 . Three required foundation courses (~11 total credits)

• Foundation in Cartography/Mapping

  • GEOGRAPH 352 Computer Mapping (Spring & Fall, 3cr)

• Foundation in GIS

  • GEOGRAPH or NRC 585 Introduction to GIS (Spring & Fall, 4cr)

  • Open to GEOG, NRC, ES majors only in SPIRE. Email the instructor for override if necessary

  • Other GIS courses that can be used to fulfill this requirement are:

    • CEE470/570: Geographic Information Systems for Engineers

    • REGIONPL625: Introduction to GIS for Planning

It you take more than one GIS foundation courses listed above, only ONE can be counted towards the certificate.

• Foundation in RS

  • GEOGRAPH426 Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation (Fall, 4 cr)

2. Two advanced required course (6 total credits)*

Students choose two courses from the following courses:

Program Advisor: Prof. Qian Yu
Office: 267 Morrill Science Center IV South Email: @email

updated February 2025