Cert
Cert
Geographic Information Science,
Geographic Information Science technology is having a tremendous impact on our world due to its capabilities for approaching complex problems of a multidisciplinary nature.
Description
The graduate-level GIS certificate program addresses the needs of students and professional communities that require GIS education, training, and technology transfer. The program focus includes the issues of formal GIS education (basic knowledge and theory), provides students with hands-on training and exposure to technology (GIS technical training), provides students with problem-solving skills, and addresses the needs of professionals.
This certificate is for graduate students and professionals with a bachelor's degree and the desire for this additional certification. Prospective students must demonstrate that they have sufficient background in geography, basic statistics and "mapping sciences" to be able to succeed in graduate-level courses in GIScience. This proficiency should include knowledge of map reading, thematic mapping and air photo interpretation at least equivalent to what is provided in GEOG 217 or NRES 312. Proficiency can be demonstrated by completion of previous courses (as evident on transcripts), professional experience, letters of recommendation, or by passing a qualifying examination. If determined necessary by the student's certificate advisory committee, a prospective student may be required to complete GEOG 217, GEOG 312, GEOG 317 or other courses before full admittance to the certificate program.
Applying for Admission
Standard requirements for all graduate programs
- Application for Admission with $50 non-refundable application fee.
- Transcripts (unofficial): Uploaded as part of application form.
If International: Uploads must include all college- or university-level transcripts or mark sheets (records of courses and marks earned), with certificates, diplomas, and degrees plus certified English translations.
After admission: Official documents are required from all students who are admitted and enroll. Photocopies of certified records are not acceptable. International students enrolled in other U.S. institutions may have certified copies of all foreign records sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies by their current school’s registrar office.
- If applicant’s native language is not English, verification of English proficiency
is required.
When sending TOEFL scores, our institution code is 6877 and a department code is not needed.
- If applicant is not a US citizen and expects an F or J visa: financial information.
- Applicants must also fulfill any additional requirements the department specifies at the time of application.
Additional requirements specific to this program
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Resume or CV
Certificate programs are not considered degree programs, so international students should be aware that admission to this program is ineligible for immigration forms for an F-1 student visa.
Admission Application Deadlines
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Department
Graduate Chair
Campus Address
Program Faculty
Rebecca Buller (bio)
American West, Cultural Geography, Environmental Justice, Experiencing Place, Experiential Education, Geographic Education, Great Plains, Great Plains’ Women’s History and Populations, Historical Geography, Historical Geography of the Great Plains, Human Trafficking/Social Justice, Iceland, Outdoor Education and Leadership, Place Attachment, Qualitative Methods, Recreation and Tourism, Rural Geography, Sense of Place, Visual Methodologies
Emira Ibrahimpasic (bio)
Development, Economic Anthropology, Women’s Economic Empowerment, Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability, Identity, Islam, Women in Islam, Post-socialist Reconstruction and Transition, Women in Leadership, History/Culture/Religion of Former Yugoslavia
Julia Reilly (bio)
International Relations, Comparative Politics, Human Rights & Humanitarian Affairs
Zhenghong Tang (bio)
Environmental Planning and Policy, Local Land Use Planning in Environmental Management, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptations, GIS Applications in Planning
Brian Wardlow (bio)
School of Natural Resources, Land Use and Cover, Drought, Biogeography, Climate-Vegetation Interactions, Remote Sensing, GIS
UNL Graduate Chairs and staff please complete the program update form to provide edits. Updates to graduate program pages are made on an annual basis in conjunction with the Graduate Application for Admission.