Undergraduate Certificate in GIS

Students looking for an undergraduate certificate come from a variety of area such as agronomy, biological sciences, economics, engineering, geography, landscape architecture, and sociology.  Each one of these areas have direct benefit from GIS.  This certificate is for those students want to have an adequate foundation in geospatial tools.  The certificate is designed to help students prepare for an entry-level position working with GIS.

The following courses are required for the Undergraduate Certificate in GIS:

Ref No.	Course Name	Hrs
GEOG 302	Cartography & Thematic Mapping	3
GEOG 508	Geographic Information Systems I	3
GEOG 702	Computer Mapping & GeoVisualization	3
GEOG 705	Remote Sensing of the Environment	3
GEOG 708	Geographic Information Systems II	3
	One additional course dealing with a basic or applied aspect of geospatial technology or spatial analysis.	3
	Total Credit Hours:	18

Graduate Certificate in GIScience

The Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science (GIScience) is designed to provide graduate students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the rapidly expanding field of GIScience or apply GIScience concepts in their own field of study.

The Graduate Certificate in GIScience may be awarded as a “stand-alone” certificate or in conjunction with the completion of graduate degree requirements in one of the academic units at Kansas State University.

Three components comprise the program curriculum:

• A set of prerequisites to gain entry into the program
• A core geospatial courses focusing on geographic information systems (GIS) and satellite remote sensing
• A set of elective courses that allow for the exploration of advanced themes in GIScience and/or the application of GIScience in geography or related disciplines

Certification Requirements:

A maximum of 6 transfer credit hours may be used to meet program requirements.  Students must earn a minimum GPA of 3.33 in the Geospatial Core to qualify for the Graduate Certificate in GIScience.  The graduate faculty for the program will periodically review the certificate requirements and have the authority to pass modifications to the approved list of courses.

Prerequisites

• Competency in cartography, thematic mapping, or geodesy (e.g., GEOG 302)
• Competency in basic statistics (e.g., STAT 320, STAT 330, STAT 350)
• Competency in object-oriented computer programming (e.g., Introduction to Visual Basic)

Geospatial Core (9 credit hours)

• GEOG 508 Geographic Information Systems I (3 cr)
• GEOG 705 Remote Sensing of the Environment (3 cr)
• GEOG 708 Geographic Information Systems II (3 cr)

Elective Courses – Select Two (minimum of 6 credit hours)

• AGRON 655 Site-Specific Agriculture (3 cr)
• BAE 690 Non-Point Pollution Engineering (3 cr)
• CE 585 Civil Engineering Project – must have GIScience focus (3 cr)
• CIS 501 Software Architecture and Design (3 cr)
• CIS 560 Database System Concepts (3 cr)
• CIS 635 Introduction to Computer-based Knowledge Systems (3 cr)
• CIS 636 Introduction to Computer Graphics (3 cr)
• DAS/DEN/GENAG 582 Natural Resources/Environmental Sciences Project – must have GIScience focus (3 cr)
• GEOG 610 Geography Internship – must have GIScience focus (2-3 cr)
• GEOG 700 Quantitative Analysis in Geography (3 cr)
• GEOG 702 Computer Mapping and Geographic Visualization (3 cr)
• GEOG 711 Topics in Remote Sensing (3 cr)
• GEOL 560 Field Methods (3 cr)
• LAR 758 Land Resource Information Systems (3 cr)

For more information check out – http://www.k-state.edu/geography/academics/gis.html

Note: The information within this article has been thoroughly researched but should be verified with the college.  Publication of this article was not initiated by the college but is the sole work of GIS Pathway.

The program is designed to provide students from a variety of disciplines both the theoretical and practical competencies to be able to develop and manage Geographic Information projects.   Students should also be able to interpret and implement GIS as a decision support system.

Students from a variety of majors who have enrolled in this program include:

• Geography
• Geology
• Biology
• Planning
• Marketing and management
• Political science
• History
• Coastal studies

This certificate program requires a minimum of 15 s.h. and is composed of the following courses:

Core Courses:

• Fundamentals of GIS
• Fundamentals of GIS
• Geographic Information
• Systems I
• Introduction to GPS

Plus One Additional Course:

• GIS Applications Programming
• Advanced Cartographic Design & Production
• Remote Sensing II
• Geographic Information
• Systems II
• Introduction to GIS in Planning

The Center for Geographic Information Science facility is composed of 25 PC workstations.  These workstations provided a variety of mapping software including:

• Applied Imagery’s Quick Terrain Modeler
• ArcGIS Desktop 9.3
• ArcInfo Workstation 9.3
• ERDAS Imagine 9.1
• FRAGSTATS 3.3
• Interactive Visualization Systems’ (IVS 3D) Fledermaus & Dmagic
• Visual Nature Studio 2 w/ Scene Express

Scholarships

The two main scholarships that are advertised are the ASPRS NC Chapter Scholarship and the NCGITA Scholarship.  Students can apply for thse scholarships through the individual organization and are awarded at thier discresion.

You can find additional information about the GIS Certificate Program at http://www.ecu.edu/cs-cas/geog/GISCertificate.cfm

Note: The information within this article has been thoroughly researched but should be verified with the college.  Publication of this article was not initiated by the college but is the sole work of GIS Pathway.

The main ESRI locations that are hiring are Redlands, CA; Washington, DC; Charlotte, NC and St. Louis, Mo.  The Redlands office has the greatest opportunity for jobs, but the others are quickly expanding.  In all ESRI has a main office with 10 regional offices.

Hot Jobs at ESRI include:

• Software Products
• Professional Services
• Technical Support

ESRI has put together an excellent careers website where you can create a profile.  Under this profile you can fill out an application, submit a cover letter and resume, and apply for jobs.  There is also a dedicated site for college graduates to learn more about moving from “a college campus to an ESRI campus”.  You can find more information on the ESRI Grad web page.

Maybe you are not looking for a job at ESRI, or maybe you are not near one of their locations; Jason suggested looking up an ESRI Business Partner where many opportunities reside.  You can find a business partner here.

Catch the entire interview from VerySpatial – http://veryspatial.com/2009/05/a-veryspatial-podcast-episode-199/

Social Networking

This has got to be one of the most important career moves that can be made.  Networking will allow you to interact with others who are like minded and even if they seem to not have any value now, you will find you might be coming back to them later.  The main topic doesn’t need to be job related, but find a connection through your industry or even just some special interest you may have.  Having a constant connection will other will be very beneficial if you find a need for a career change.  Here are a few good social networking site, you may find others that are more specific to your industry.

• Twitter – A micro-blog that allows to you share what you are doing while being updated with what your friends are doing.  A lot of companies have their own Twitter account and are looking for future employees.
• Facebook – A social network that allows you to have friends, be part of smaller networks, add pictures, send messages, etc.  It has a main component similar to Twitter which you can tell other what you are doing.
• LinkedIn – A social network that is more career focused.  The profile area is more like a resume with experience, education, associations, awards, etc.  This network is a little more strict with how you can connect with others.  You must verify how you are connected (ex.: coworker, friend, group member, etc.).  LinkedIn also allows you to look at those who are connected to your connections and you can request that your friends introduce you to their friends.

Forums

Forums are a great place to interact with others.  If you have questions, there are a number of users who are ready and willing to provide an answer.  Maybe you have the experience to contribute, then this is a great way to build a positive reputation with your peers.  Here a few good ones for those interested in GIS:

• The GIS Forum
• CaroTalk
• GIS Cafe Forum
• GIS Corner Forum

Career Profiles

Most large companies have a career area where you can create an account.  If you have some ideas of where you might want to work then I would suggest that you create a career account with that company.  Creating such an account will allow you to keep up with available jobs and maybe have to opportunity to be paired with one that fit your liking.  If you currently have a job then you are under no obligation to have an interview.  This just create a was for their Human Resources department to see you has a possible candidate for open positions.  Keeping the irons in the fire will make things easier when times get tough.  ESRI has a great career website where you can set up a Career Account and also check out the ESRI career blog.

Stay Up on Technology

Technology is ever changing.  A great way to stay up on technology is through various blogs and podcasts.  There are also some good magazines also published that will keep you up to date.  Here are a few of my favorite sources:

• VerySpatial
• The GIS Forum Community Mashup
• ArcNews

Go Back to College

Going back to college is a great way to help advance your career.  There are a lot of colleges that provide education along the geospatial technology area.  I have compiled an excellent list of these colleges.  Adding a certificate or even a full degree to your resume will sure help boost you marketability.  Continuing your education is a positive factor that will show an employer that you are serious about your career.

Certification

Adding a certification can also be a help to your career.  Although there is debate about the quality of the ones available, I personally don’t think it will hurt you.  Some of the main ones along the geospatial technology area are GISP, ASPRS, and STARS.   Most people already meet the qualifications for certification and there is only a few minor steps to obtaining a certification.

Although focusing on just one of these areas will sure enhance your career, a combination of all of them will begin opening doors beyond your expectation.  I have seen these work for myself and also with others, so I know it can work for you.  Do something positive for your career today, it is never to late to start!

This teaching style may sound very strange and unorthodox, but the evolution of education is providing various techniques to help students learn.  I must first commend Ms. Klinker for thinking outside of the box.  I do not believe that the traditional style of learning through lecture is the best method for this technology.  However, the boot camp method may also not be the best.  You have to remember that each individual student has their own learning style.  Some are able to use a self study workbook approach and learn more than sitting under the lecture of an experienced professor.  Others may prefer the traditional classroom style, while there may be a few who even like to learn by trial and error through experience.  Is there a particular learning style that works best for Geospatial Technology?  I believe that this subject cannot be taught through just lecture.  There must be some type of application.  Having book knowledge is OK, but putting that knowledge to use is even better.

I like that fact that these students were able to take on a project from start to finish.  Application, application, application is important!  Knowing how to perform a task is one thing; being able to apply it is another.  Students can be provided with the tools for Geospatial Technology, but they must also be able to discern when it is best to put them to use.

Does a mixture of learning styles produce the best environment for learning GIS, or is there a particular style that works best?

Here is some dialog from a Petosky News-Review interview article with Sam McLin, associate dean of liberal arts:

“If you have ever played with programs like Google Earth or Onstar in your car, you have experimented with a basic form of GIS,” McLin said. “GIS is much more powerful and used in many fields. Exposing students to this here at NCMC may prepare them for future study in the earth sciences, civil engineering, biology or geography.”

Additionally, McLin said many government agencies, environmental consultants, surveying companies, municipal planning firms and power companies use GIS everyday.

“Any firm, organization, municipality or individual wishing to build, permit, tax or change the use of any land depends on someone using GIS,” she said.

The addition of the program is important to the college because it gives students more options.

“It’s important to the community because it will hopefully allow graduates to get a job, advance their career or start a new career path,” McLin said.

Another benefit? The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported that many jobs that use GIS, such as surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists and surveying and mapping technicians are expected to increase 21 percent from 2006 to 2016.

“The GIS field is one of the few career fields expected to grow in the coming years,” McLin said. “The average salary is really good around the country. There are good paying jobs for a field that seems to be expanding.”

Read the full article

From their website, North Central Michigan College is described as:

…an open-door community college based in Petoskey. Through its University Center partnerships, students can take courses leading to certificates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees from participating universities. North Central’s Institute for Business & Industry Training offers non-credit job skills training tailored to meet individual needs. In addition to its main campus in Petoskey, North Central offers classes, academic advising, testing and other services in Cheboygan, Gaylord and East Jordan.

This program looks like one to watch. I am interested to see how it grows with enrollment as well as course content. I encourage those in the North Central Michigan area to support this program and take a new course or two.

http://www.ncmich.edu/

Adena points out that the individuals that have a PhD in which she has encountered are working in the education field.  And also the professors that she had while pursuing her geography degree, have received their PhD in Geography, not GIS.  Additionally,  she mentions two PhD in GIS programs:

University at Buffalo
PhD Degree in Geography with Specialization in GIS
http://www.geog.buffalo.edu/programs/phd/gis.shtml

The University of Texas at Dallas
Doctor of Philosophy in Geospatial Information Sciences
http://epps.utdallas.edu/gis/phd.html

Joe brought up an excellent question, do you get your degree in GIS the tool or GIS the Science?  He also mentions that he hasn’t seen any job posts that require a PhD in GIS.

Is there a demand for this designation?  Will you make the choice to follow this path?  Listen to this podcast and make the decision for yourself.

Directions Magazine Article

Mp3 Podcast Download

1. Where do I want to go with GIS?
2. What previous education do I have?
3. What is my learning style?

Where do I want to go with GIS?

I am sure most of us are not in the original career that we had planned on being in when we started out. There are some who originally set out for a career in GIS; however, most were in a different industry to begin with. As we each were introduced to GIS in different ways, we have learned that GIS applies to about every industry out there. But no matter where we were, there is a focus set on where we would like to be in five, ten, or fifteen years. Do you want to be the resident expert our just the casual user? The resident expert will take a combination of education and pure experience. Also, are you looking to earn the GIS Professional Certification? The requirements within this certification look for so many hours of education. While we set our own career goals, our jobs also push us to achieve more. Our employer has a certain place where they would like us to be. And as we all want to move up the ladder and make more money; we usually submit to their desires or go somewhere else. So we must determine where we want to go in the future, and through that we can accomplish those goals by seeking the required training.

What previous education do I have?

The training you get is dependent upon your previous education. Are you looking for an addition to your non-GIS education? Earning a GIS certificate can provide you with the knowledge to combine GIS with your current skills. And it looks good on your resume. There are even a number of colleges that provide this certificate online (see colleges). A certificate can usually be earned with only 4-6 classes.

Maybe you are looking for a little more than just a certificate. There is the GIS Diploma option. This can be earned with about 36 credit hours.

Another good option is the Associate in Applied Science Degree. It can be earned in about two years. The courses within this type of program provide a heaver load of GIS classes than the traditional Associates Degree. The Applied Science Degree can provide you with enough skills to put you into a GIS job with no further education. Those who are trying to jump from high school to the workplace find this improves their hiring chances without have to take a full four years of college. This is also true to those who want to switch career but are a little further in life and can’t start completely over with college.

CAUTION: If you choose to work towards an Associate in Applied Science Degree and are thinking about transferring to a four year college, you will find lot of your classes will not transfer. Since the program requires few general education courses with a heavy load of GIS specific courses; the general education courses will usually transfer but most of the GIS course will not. Four Year colleges feel that their GIS courses are not equivalent to that of a two year college. Please check with advisors from both schools before you waste a lot of time and money.

And then there are the Bachelor’s Degree in Geography/GIS and the Master’s Degree in GIS. These pretty much speak for themselves. The Bachelor’s Degree pretty much sets you up for a great career and those who are looking to get into a Master Degree Program are probably not reading this post and already have their plan laid out.

What is your learning style?

Are you the “learn on your own by trial and error” type, do you need some simple instructions that you can follow on your own, or do you need someone in person to show you step by step how do something? Whether you one of these or a combination of all, knowing how you learn best will help you prepare for the proper training.

First of all, I am the “learn by trial and error” type. The way I way I was introduced to GIS was my being set in front of a computer with ArcGIS software and told to have fun. I was told they had registered me for an Intro to GIS class but it was six weeks away. Boy was I overwhelmed at first. I quickly set a few goals and tried to find a way to achieve them. Although it was a steep learning curve, my employer had me on GIS 8 hours a day, five days a week. GIS was all I did. By the time I attended the class, I knew 95% of what they were teaching. The time given to me to “play” with the software was essential.

If you only need some slight motivation to learn, there are a few options. You can take an online class through a college or even ESRI. There are many courses on the ESRI website that are free. The ESRI courses are usually comprised of instructional videos and step by step guides that enable you to complete each step with data provided. Another way for learning is the old-fashion reading a book way. There are many good GIS books that cover a variety of topics on my book page.

For those of you that need step by step instruction, then I would recommend taking an in person instructor led training course. This can be a semester long class at the local college or a three day course provided by a certified instructor. See ESRI for more information on their instructor led classes.

No matter what avenue you take to learn GIS, it is critical that you integrate the things you learn into your work flow. What you do not use, you loose. Using GIS everyday will be the main factor to expanding your knowledge in the world of GIS.