Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis Graduate Certificate
Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Spatial Analysis Graduate Certificate, offered jointly by WVU's 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. This pioneering program equips you with the skills to analyze and apply GIS and spatial data across multiple disciplines.
Cost:
$719 / Cost per credit hour *
Courses and Credits:
5 Courses / 15 Credits
Duration:
One semester full-time. Two semesters part-time.
Dates:
Next Start: May 19, 2025 Admission Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer
Learning Format:
Online asynchronous
Program Overview
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:
- Predictive modeling
- Data exploration
- Programming
- Spatial hydrology
- Remote sensing
- Geospatial modeling
Curriculum
You will complete four graduate level GIS and spatial analysis courses. Additionally, you 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, your are able to complete the entire graduate certificate online.
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.
- GEOG 550: Geographic Information Science, 3 credit hours
- RESM 540: Geospatial Modeling, 3 credit hours
- RESM 545: Spatial Hydrology, 3 credit hours
- RESM 575: Advanced Spatial Analysis, 3 credit hours
- RESM 585: Independent Study: Project for GIS and Spatial Analysis Certificate, 3 credit hours
Admissions Requirements and Eligibility
- 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.
Admissions Process and How to Apply
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 GraduateAadmissions@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 StragerProfessor of Resource Economics and Management
GIS and Spatial Analysis Program Director
Phone: (304) 293-6463
Email: mstrager@mail.wvu.edu
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.
Connect with an Admissions Coach
Ann Clayton Online Admissions Coach
(304) 293-0915 ann.clayton@mail.wvu.edu
Explore Profile Schedule Chat
Careers and Employment
Earning a GIS and Spatial Analysis Graduate Certificate can open doors to a variety of exciting careers.
Career Paths
- Geospatial Information Scientist or Technologist
- Remote Sensing Scientist or Technologist
- City and Regional Planning Aide
- Cartography and Photogrammetry
- Geography Teacher