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Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis Graduate Certificate

Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis Graduate Certificate

Jan. 13, 2025

Next Start Date

Courses Required

$719

Cost Per Credit Hour

Total Credit Hours

Online Asynchronous

Learning Format

Apply Your Skills Across Multiple Disciplines

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.

Two GIS workers marking territory on a road.

Program Details

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.

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"I am a graduate of Michigan State University, with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. I have worked in an advising setting for over 15 years and am here to help answer any questions you may have about the enrollment process in our online programs. Our online programs are designed to allow everyone the opportunity to earn a degree, while balancing school, family and life, and I am happy to help you as you go through that journey."

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Contact

Email: Ann.Clayton@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: (304) 293-0915
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Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Students currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree may be eligible to begin the program during their junior year, if they have a 3.0 GPA. Please contact the program directly for more information: mstrager@wvu.edu.
Cumulative GPA of 2.8
International students whose native language is not English must submit English Language proficiency scores.
Introductory level knowledge of computer science and use. No specific course or level experience is required, but the expectation is a level of competence with computer use and experience with applications involving word processing, spreadsheets, etc.
Knowledge of undergraduate statistics, comparable in content to STAT 211 Elementary Statistical Inference at WVU.
An introductory GIS class focusing on theory, applications, and GIS computer-based software competency is recommended. comparable in content to RESM 440 Foundations of Applied GIS or GEOG 350 Geographic Info Science at WVU.

Application

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for Fall, Spring, and Summer start dates.

Create an account and complete the WVU Online admissions application.

Official transcripts from all previous colleges/universities (except WVU) must be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office.

It is preferred that official transcripts be sent via an online, secure service such as eScrip-Safe, National Student Clearinghouse, or Parchment to graduateadmissions@mail.wvu.edu.
Alternatively, sealed, untampered, physical official transcripts can be mailed directly to:
WVU Hub
P.O. Box 6004
Morgantown, WV 26506

For program-specific questions regarding curriculum, content, etc. please contact:

Michael Strager
Professor of Resource Economics and Management
GIS and Spatial Analysis Program Director
Phone: (304) 293-6463
Email: mstrager@mail.wvu.edu

Apply Now

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Students enrolled in certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid. Visit Student Financial Support & Services for additional information.

The tuition rate per credit hour listed above is for the 2024-2025 academic year. Tuition and fees increase beginning in the fall term of each academic year.

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.

What else should I know about the GIS certificate program?

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.

Career Outlook

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.

Who is the ideal student for this program?

The program is ideal for working professionals and graduate students who desire advanced training in this high growth technology-based field.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What careers can I expect to be prepared for?

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.

Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist, Projected Growth: 7-10% *Bright Outlook
Remote Sensing Scientist or Technologist, Projected Growth: 2-3%
City and Regional Planning Aide, Projected Growth: 7-10% *Bright Outlook
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists, Projected Growth: 11% or higher *Bright Outlook
Geography Teacher, Projected Growth: 4-6%

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).

How long will it take to earn this certificate?

The estimated completion time for this certificate is 1 semester for all full-time students, and 2 semesters for all part-time students.

How often are class topics updated?

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.