A graduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a focused academic program designed to provide students with specialized knowledge and skills in spatial analysis and data visualization with a health focused lens. This certificate is ideal for professionals who seek to enhance their expertise in leveraging GIS tools for decision-making and problem-solving. The curriculum integrates basic statistical principles in epidemiology and biostatistics as well as theoretical foundations with practical applications, covering topics such as spatial data collection, geographic data management, visualization, and remote sensing. Participants in the program gain proficiency in using industry-standard GIS software, enabling them to analyze spatial patterns, and interpret complex geospatial data effectively.
The 15-semester credit hour graduate certificate in GIS consists of five 3-SCH courses that can be taken completely online in 8-week terms. The certificate is designed to allow working professionals to gain additional skills in public health and GIS.
Participants who complete the program and earn the certificate will be able to demonstrate the following essential public health competencies:
- Understand geographic information science principles in the context of public health.
- Demonstrate knowledge of methods of the geospatial analysis of public health information.
- Apply appropriate geospatial methods to public health research, practice, and policy.
- Use GIS software and geodatabase design to access, manage, and analyze spatial health data.
Admission Requirements and Application Procedures
The certificate will consist of five existing 3-SCH courses to be offered in 8-week terms. The five courses are listed below: