| Graduate Certificate in
GeoSpatial Analysis
|
Emporia State University, Kansas
Emporia State University offers a graduate certificate program in the specialty
of geospatial analysis (GSA). The certificate program is a collection of
courses designed to provide training and competency in geographic information systems
(GIS), remote sensing, global positioning system (GPS), and related technologies.
The GSA graduate certificate may exist either within or
independent of traditional graduate majors.
The GSA graduate certificate can be completed through on-campus courses or by distance
learning via Internet. The certificate requires 16 graduate credit hours, of which some
may be accepted by transfer or by professional experience (see below). The certificate in
geospatial analysis provides valuable technical skills for professional career advancement
without the long-term commitment necessary for a Master's degree. The program is designed
for traditional on-campus students as well as post-graduate students in two situations.
- Professionals at governmental agencies, which increasingly utilize techniques of geospatial analysis. GSA skill would enhance prospects for career advancement.
- Recent university graduates from traditional science programs. These individuals have sufficient disciplinary training, but in many cases lack technical skills necessary for career opportunities in the private or governmental sector.
Requirements for a Graduate Certificate in GSA
Prerequisites
- Undergraduate (baccalaureate) degree in any subject from an accredited college or university.
- EB/ES 351
Introduction to Geospatial Analysis, or GE 371 Cartography, or
equivalent professional experience as documented by the student's portfolio.
Required Courses (13 credit hours)
- ES 551
Computer Mapping Systems (3).
- ES 555
Small Format Aerial Photography (3).
- ES 771
Remote Sensing (4).
- ES 775
Advanced Image Processing (3) or ES 767 Advanced GIS (3).
Required Research Project (3 credit hours)
An independent research project involving some application of geospatial analysis
technology. The project should include generation, analysis, and interpretation of
geospatial datasets. The project shall be developed in consultation with the
student's GSA advisor. Results of the project shall be presented in the form of a
final report, which will be kept in the student's permanent portfolio. The subject
matter for the research project is open to any suitable topic in the biological,
mathematical, physical, or social sciences. The research course should be chosen
based on the subject matter; examples of appropriate research courses are given
below.
- AN 810 Research Problem in Anthropology.
- EB 885 Graduate Research in Environmental Biology.
- ES 739 Research Problem (earth science).
- GB 885 Graduate Research in Biology.
- GE 810 Research Problem in Geography.
- MA 847 Research Projects in Mathematics.
- SO 810 Research Problem in Sociology.
- ZO 885 Graduate Research in Zoology.
Procedures for a Graduate Certificate in GSA
Application for Admission
Upon application for the graduate certificate in GSA, the program director(s) will
review the student's transcripts and portfolio of academic or professional work. The
director(s) will evaluate the student's background and recommend any probationary
(prerequisite) courses that may be needed. A decision will be made to accept the
student without conditions, to accept the student with probationary requirements, or
not to accept the student. The director(s) also will decide about accepting transfer
credit or giving credit for professional experience (see below).
Advising and Degree Plan
Each student will be assigned an advisor in the student's main area of interest,
background, or specialization. The advisor and student shall develop a plan of study
including courses to be taken and research to be conducted. This plan of study shall
be submitted for approval by the director(s) of the GSA program, and then forwarded
for approval by the appropriate division chair and graduate dean.
Transfer Credit
The student may transfer a maximum of three (3) graduate credit hours from other
universities upon approval by the student's advisor and the director(s) of the GSA
program. The transfer credits may apply toward any of the required courses, but
shall not count toward the research project.
Credit for Professional Experience
The student may be given credit for up to three (3) graduate hours for equivalent
professional experience. This experience may be demonstrated by a portfolio of the
student's work, and will be evaluated by the student's advisor and the director(s) of
the GSA program. Credit for professional experience may apply toward any of the
required courses, but shall not count toward the research project.
Transcript and Certificate
Completion of all courses in the student's plan of study will result in award of the
graduate certificate in geospatial analysis. This shall be noted on the student's
official university transcript. In addition, the student will receive a "certificate" from the university.
For more information, contact the program director:
- Dr. James S. Aber -- Earth Science, e-mail: jaber@emporia.edu.
Geospatial Analysis homepage.
Note: The GSA certificate program should not be confused with certification
or accreditation by any organization external to the university.
Effective fall semester 1999.
Last updated April 2006.