HELP 2012-2013 University Catalog Geographic Information Sciences Graduate Certificate Print-Friendly Page

Banner Code:  SC-CERG-GISC

This graduate certificate prepares students for employment in federal, state, and local government positions that require GIS skills. Graduates have typically been employed in major mapping programs of the Department of the Interior and in the related land management agencies at the federal and state level. The certificate has been found suitable for the needs of business and industry, including those corporations that serve as contractors to governments in the United States and overseas.

This professional certificate program charges students at a differential (premium) tuition rate. This rate applies to all students who enroll in this certificate program, regardless of in-state or out-of-state status. The differential tuition will be used to fund continuing improvements in the departmental computational facilities used to support the certificate program.

The graduate certificate in Geographic Information Sciences may be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis.

This program of study is offered by the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science in the College of Science.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should submit an application for graduate studies and must meet all requirements for graduate study at Mason. All applicants should have a working knowledge of, or prior education or training in, computer technology. Knowledge of GIS, remote sensing technology, and cartography are preferred. Students from any discipline are welcome to apply, but students with a background in one of the physical sciences (atmospheric science, hydrology, or geology), geography, environmental science, or engineering are particularly well-suited to undertake this program.

Students with no knowledge of geospatial technology are required to take the following course prior to admission to the program: