Jan. 8, 2024
Next Start Date
5
Courses Required
$690
Cost Per Credit Hour
15
Total Credit Hours
Online Asynchronous
Learning Formats
The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Spatial Analysis Graduate Certificate, offered jointly by the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design and the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, is the first of its kind in West Virginia. With this academic training, you will learn to analyze and apply GIS and spatial analysis data across multiple disciplines. There is a growing demand for professionals in this area and the program is ideal for working professionals, as well as graduate students who desire advanced training in areas such as predictive modeling, data exploration, programming, spatial hydrology, remote sensing, and geospatial modeling.
With an increasing demand for professionals trained in geospatial technologies, WVU is answering the call with its Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Spatial Analysis Graduate Certificate. Offered jointly through the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design and the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, the program is ideal for graduate students and working professionals who desire advanced training in this high-growth industry. The program incorporates predictive modeling, data exploration, technical issues, programming, spatial hydrology, and remote sensing into the curriculum, making it the first of its kind in West Virginia.
"Being a WVU graduate and a first-generation college student, I’m happy to be back to help you navigate the WVU System. Something WVU Online wants to do is assist you in creating your sense of community and continuity, making sure you have the answers to any and all questions."
Applicants must:
Program Contacts
For questions about the admissions process:
Wendy Daly
Graduate Records Officer
WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
Phone: (304) 293-2291
Email:
wendy.daly@mail.wvu.edu
For program-specific questions regarding curriculum content, etc.:
Michael Strager
Professor of Resource Economics and Management
GIS and Spatial Analysis Program Director
Phone: (304) 293-6463
Email:
mstrager@mail.wvu.edu
Students enrolled in certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid. Visit Student Financial Support & Services for additional information.
Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis Graduate Certificate total degree cost: $10,350 – Residents and Non-Residents
Credits | Cost |
---|---|
1 | $690 |
3 | $2,070 |
6 | $4,140 |
9 | $6,210 |
Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies and living expenses. Please see the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage for how to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.
The certificate is 15 credit hours. Students complete four graduate level GIS and spatial analysis courses. In addition, students must also complete one three-credit independent study course which provides credit for the project and paper requirement of the certificate. With several online courses available, students are able to complete the entire graduate certificate online. Curriculum course options are as follows:
Course | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
GEOG 550 | Geographic Information Science (Online Summer Semester) | 3 |
RESM 540 | Geospatial Modeling (Online Summer and Fall Semesters) | 3 |
RESM 545 | Spatial Hydrology (Online Spring Semester) | 3 |
RESM 575 | Advanced Spatial Analysis (Online Spring and Summer Semesters) | 3 |
RESM 585 | Independent Study: Project for GIS and Spatial Analysis Certificate (Available all Semesters Online) | 3 |
Total Hours: 15
The certificate is 15 credit hours. Students complete four graduate level GIS and spatial analysis courses. In addition, students must also complete one three-credit independent study course which provides credit for the project and paper requirement of the certificate. With several online courses available, students can complete the entire graduate certificate online.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of GIS graduates is projected to grow 4 percent from 2021-2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
The program is ideal for working professionals and graduate students who desire advanced training in this high growth technology-based field.
Students who graduate from WVU Online with the GIS and Spatial Analysis Graduate Certificate degree may be prepared for the following careers. These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to you with this degree. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some positions.
Information about careers on this list comes from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
The estimated completion time for this certificate is 1 semester for all full-time students, and 2 semesters for all part-time students.
Topics are updated every semester to incorporate timely datasets in many different fields and disciplines. Since so many different disciplines require the use and analysis of spatial locations, the students pursuing this Certificate come from a wide background of the physical and social sciences.