Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis Graduate Certificate
Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Spatial Analysis Graduate Certificate, through the WVU's Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources with shared classes with the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, is the first of its kind in West Virginia. This pioneering program equips you with the skills to analyze and apply GIS and spatial data across multiple disciplines to meet this ever advancing field of study.
Cost:
$762 / Cost per credit hour *
Courses and Credits:
5 Courses / 15 Credits
Duration:
One semester full-time, two semesters part-time / 16-week terms
Dates:
Next Start: January 12, 2026 Admission Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer
Learning Format:
Online asynchronous
Program Overview
Map Your Future with GIS Expertise
The GIS and Spatial Analysis Graduate Certificate equips professionals and graduate students with cutting-edge geospatial skills to meet the growing demand for spatial data experts. With flexible online options, this program is ideal for learners from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.- In-Demand Skills: Gain hands-on experience in Geo-AI, predictive modeling, exploratory spatial data analysis, spatial hydrology, programming, and remote sensing.
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Flexible Format: Designed with working professionals in mind, you can complete the entire certificate in as little as 8 months at a full time schedule or in just over a year on a part time schedule.
- Interdisciplinary Focus: Learn to apply spatial analysis across physical and social sciences using real-world datasets for problem solving.
- Project-Based Learning: Complete a capstone project to demonstrate and highlight to future employers your geospatial expertise.
- Up-to-Date Curriculum: Courses are updated each semester to reflect the latest analysis tools, technologies, and datasets.
Curriculum
You will complete four graduate level geospatial courses. Additionally, you must also complete one three-credit capstone course which provides credit for the project and paper requirement of the certificate.
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.
The GIS and Spatial Analysis Graduate Certificate is designed to meet the increasing demand for geospatial technology experts. Ideal for working professionals, as well as graduate students, this program provides you comprehensive training in:
- Geo-AI
- Predictive modeling
- Spatial pattern analysis
- Spatial hydrology
- Open-source programming
- Remote sensing
- ARE 729 or ECON 729: Spatial Econometrics, 3 credit hours
- RESM 540: Geospatial Modeling, 3 credit hours
- RESM 575: Spatial Analysis for Resource Management, 3 credit hours
- RESM 545: GIS for Watershed Analysis, 3 credit hours
- GEOG 550: Geographic Information Science, 3 credit hours
- GEOG 651: Geographic Information Science: Technical Issues, 3 credit hours
- GEOG 654: Environmental Geographic Information Systems Modeling, 3 credit hours
- GEOG 655: Remote Sensing Principles, 3 credit hours
- GEOG 753: Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis, 3 credit hours
- GEOG 755: Advanced Remote Sensing, 3 credit hours
- RESM 585: GIS and Spatial Analysis Project, 3 credit hours
Connect With Us
Ann Clayton Student Support Specialist
(304) 293-0915 Ann.Clayton@mail.wvu.edu
Explore Profile Schedule Chat
Program Requirements and Eligibility
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- Students currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree at WVU may be eligible to take GIS courses starting in 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.
Admissions Process and How to Apply
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for Fall, Spring, and Summer start dates.
- Review the requirements for the program and learn what materials are needed to apply.
- Create an account, start your application and follow the instructions.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit your application.
For program-specific questions regarding curriculum, content, etc. please contact:
Michael P. Strager, ProfessorGraduate Coordinator – GIS and Spatial Analysis Certificate
School of Natural Resources and the Environment, Davis College
4213 Agricultural Science Building
Morgantown, West Virginia University 26506
Email: mstrager@mail.wvu.edu
304-293-6463
Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid
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. Visit the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.
Tuition per credit hour is listed on the page of your program of interest. Please note, tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change at the start of each academic year.
Careers and Employment
Earning a GIS and Spatial Analysis Graduate Certificate can open doors to a variety of exciting careers. Since the inception of the program in 2016, students have been placed into:
Career Outcomes
- GIS Analyst
- Geospatial Managers
- Data Analyst
Career Paths
- Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist
- Remote Sensing Scientist or Technologist
- City and Regional Planning Aide
- Cartography and Photogrammetry
- Geography Teacher