Applied Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Certificate of Graduate Study

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The Certificate of Graduate Study in Applied Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is designed to provide students and members of the professional community with geospatial technology skills. At all levels of the program, training focuses on the application of these skills in the workplace and in research environments. The certificate is open to graduates interested in developing GIS applications in their fields, those already holding degrees who are interested in developing GIS skills to apply to their own areas of expertise, or professionals interested in adding GIS to their lexicon of skills or retooling for a career change.

Program Requirements

The Certificate of Graduate Study in Applied GIS consists of three required courses and one elective, totaling a minimum of 12 credit hours. All courses will be taught at USM. For matriculated students, some courses may be transferred from other campuses within the University of Maine system, as appropriate. For matriculated students, one course may be transferred from colleges outside the University of Maine System, on a case by case basis and as approved by USM faculty teaching that course.

In cases where students have already completed the listed course and with prior approval, alternate courses may be substituted for both requirements and electives to make up the minimum count of 12 credits. There is a minimum residency requirement of 3 courses or 9 credit hours. Students must complete all courses with a C or better. Individual graduate programs may set higher standards.

Geography-Anthropology majors in SCC and CNHM specializations may use only one course in the certificate toward their major requirements. Geography-Anthropology majors in the Applied GIS and Geospatial Analysis track are ineligible for the certificate. Majors in other programs should discuss similar restrictions with their advisors.

Required courses:

Electives:

Take at least one of the following for a minimum certificate total of 12 credit hours:

COS 160 - Structured Problem Solving: Java (3 cr.) and,
COS 170 - Structured Programming Laboratory (COS 160/170 must be taken together)
COS 184 - Python Programming
GEO 545 - Drone Mapping
GEO 558 - Research Applications in GIS
The courses below may either be taken alone, or some combination of the two for a total of three credits
GEO 538 - Independent Study in GIS (1-3 credits)
GEO 548 - GIS Internship (1-3 credits)