With an increasing demand for professionals trained in geospatial technologies, WVU is answering the call through its Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Spatial Analysis graduate certificate, offered jointly by the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design and Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
Request InformationThe program is ideal for working professionals and graduate students who desire advanced training in this high growth technology-based field.
Each of the courses provide in-depth training by faculty leaders in the geospatial sciences. Students have the choice of taking classes in drone applications, watershed analysis, programming, spatial science, and statistics and modeling. 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.
15
1 semester full-time
2 semesters part time
Applicants should have an interest in expanding their knowledge and abilities to perform advanced spatial data analysis. In addition, applicants should have introductory level knowledge of statistics, computer science, and have taken an introductory GIS class focusing on theory, applications and GIS computer based software competency.
Upon completion of the certificate, students should be able to:
Visit the Graduate Admissions page.
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:
GEOG 550 Geographic Information Science (Online Summer Semester)
Principles and practice of geographical information science. Geospatial data handling
for research, planning and decision-making. Spatial analysis, information production,
and display.
RESM 540 Geospatial Modeling (Online Summer and Fall Semesters)
This course covers statistical spatial data analysis with an emphasis on measuring
geographic distributions, mapping clusters, performing pattern analysis, applying
and interpret spatial regression techniques, and creating interpolated surfaces.
RESM 545 Spatial Hydrology (Online Spring Semester)
Applied spatial hydrology using GIS; integrates statistical modeling and terrain
analysis; provides insights into water quality and quantity analysis for local
and regional watershed scales.
RESM 575 Advanced Spatial Analysis (Online Spring and Summer Semesters)
This course covers advanced Geography Information System (GIS) and spatial analysis
for natural resource and environmental management with an emphasis on predictive
modeling.
RESM 585 Independent Study: Project for GIS and Spatial Analysis Certificate (Available all Semesters Online)
Provides an opportunity for students to pursue a research interest in the spatial
sciences with development of an applied spatial project and paper. Guidance and
direction will be provided to assure relevant integration of the geospatial techniques
to address the problem addressed.
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
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