Undergraduate Certificate in GeoSpatial Analysis at ESU
The Geospatial analysis program provides an inter-disciplinary undergraduate Certificate in Geospatial Analysis (GSA). This is a stand-alone program, which does not require enrollment in a specific degree plan. The certificate in GSA is an option for non-traditional, non-degree seeking, on- or off-campus students that might want to acquire these skills. The certificate is not recommended for those enrolled in a BA or BS degree at ESU, as the undergraduate minor in GSA would be a more appropriate option.
Required (12 credit hours)
GE 371 Cartography (3 hours). Application of map projections, drafting techniques, application of data to maps in order to present a visual interpretation of a large mass of data.
EB/ES 351 Introduction to Geospatial Analysis (3 hours). Introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques as applied to documenting, mapping, analyzing, interpreting, and managing natural and cultural resources. Types of GIS data, computer hardware and software used for geospatial analysis, basic cartography, and global positioning system.
ES 551 Computer Mapping Systems (3 hours). Theory and use of computer systems for capture, storage, analysis, and plotting of spatial information. Vector and raster geographic information systems, digitizing data, and spatial analysis. Practical applications of computer mapping systems.
ES 439/475; GE 471; or EB 459. Research Project (3 hours). An independent research project involving some application of geospatial analysis technology to be completed with approval of student’s advisor. Students may select from the following courses: ES 439/475, GE 471, or EB 459.
Elective courses (6 credit hours)
Elective courses must be 200 level or higher and should be chosen in conjunction with the student's advisor. Electives may be chosen from the list of recommended courses. Other appropriate courses, including topics, seminars, and independent study, may also be used for electives, as approved by the student's advisor.
Recommended Elective Courses for the GSA Certificate
Physical sciences courses
ES 319 Meteorology, ES 331 Ice Age Environments, ES 333 Environmental Geology, CH 506 Environmental Chemistry, ES 518 Space Science, ES 545 Geomorphology, ES 546 Field Geomorphology, GO 571 Geohydrology, ES 771 Remote Sensing, and ES 775 Advanced Image Processing.
Social sciences courses
GE 333 Geography of Kansas, GE 254 Physical Geography, GE 300 Economic and Environmental Geography, GE 300/515 Urban Geography, GE 300/500 GIS Applications, GE 353 Conservation of Natural Resources, GE 354 Cultural Geography, GE 365 World Regional Climatology.
Biological science courses
EB 409 Environmental Biology Projects, EB 480 Principles of Ecology/Lab, EB 481 Field Ecology, EB459/859 Special Topics (Biogeography), GB 510/511 Aquatic Biology/Lab, GB 759 Stream Ecology and Lab, EB 536/537 Wildlife Management/Lab, GB 539 Soil Science and Lab, BO 338/339 Trees and Shrubs and Lab, BO 748 Range Management and Lab, ZO 774/775 Fisheries Management/Lab, and EB 798/799 Limnology/Laboratory.
Note: some of these courses require prerequisites in the discipline; consult your advisor or ESU catalog.
For more information about GeoSpatial Analysis, contact:
Required (12 credit hours)
Elective courses (6 credit hours) 