Frequently Asked Questions concerning the Geographical Information Science Certificate Program at Arizona State University:
- What is the Geographical Information Science Certificate Program at Arizona State University?
- How do I get admitted into the program?
- Is it available for all students?
- How do I earn the certificate?
- I have noticed that not all courses are offered each and every semester as listed on the Curricula page. What is going on?
- I am a new graduate student enrolled at ASU and want to get into the program. What is the first step?
- I am a graduate student enrolled at ASU and have taken enough of the courses to earn the certificate, am I eligible for the certificate?
- I am a graduate student enrolled at ASU and I have taken GIS courses at Universities other than ASU, can I get credit for courses taken at other Universities?
- Is it possible to waive the Level 1 Required Course?
- What is the Capstone series seminar course? What is the format and when should I take it?
What is the Geographical Information Science Certificate Program at Arizona State University?
It is a program offered through the Graduate College that is built on GIS coursework currently being taught at Arizona State University (ASU). Students who earn the Certificate will exit the program with standardized skill sets based on "Learning Outcomes" associated with each required course. This program will provide its students with the training and experience necessary to compete and work in the GIS arena in both the public and private sectors. Note: the Geographical Information Science Certificate Program at Arizona State University is not one course but a series of courses.
How do I get admitted into the program?
Graduate students at ASU will qualify for admission to the certificate program by maintaining good standing in a cooperating department and completing an application specific to the GIS Certificate.
Is the program available for all students?
No, only graduate students.
How do I earn the certificate?
A minimum of 16 credit hours consisting of three required and two elective courses (three credit hours each) plus a Capstone seminar (one credit hour) is required to complete the GIS Certificate. Courses that will comprise the Certificate curriculum, associated Learning Outcomes, and approved electives are listed at: http://geography.asu.edu/giscert-curricula
I have noticed that not all courses are offered each and every semester as listed on the Curricula page. What is going on?
Just like the list of courses in the graduate catalog, the list of courses that we have on the Curricula page are potential courses and may or may no be offered every semester for a variety of reasons. For detailed information on the availability of courses, it is best to contact the individual department associated with each course.
I am a new graduate student enrolled at ASU and want to get into the program. What is the best first step?
We encourage all interested student to take one of the level one required courses (GPH 594: Geographic Information Science or PAF 591: Public Affairs Introduction to GIS). After taking the course and deciding on a research topic, if you and your committee believe that GIS is a vital part of your research, we would encourage you to pursue the GIS certificate program in addition to your degree.
I am a graduate student enrolled at ASU and have taken enough of the courses to earn the certificate, am I eligible for the certificate?
Decisions on this will be made case by case. But if a student has taken all the courses, they may be able to enter the program and earn the certificate in a relatively short amount of time.
I am a graduate student enrolled at ASU and I have taken GIS courses at Universities other than ASU, can I get credit for courses taken at other Universities?
The only course we will give credit for is the Level One required course and this will be done on a case by case basis. Be prepared to show detail information about the course (e.g. syllabus, etc.). Note: you will still be required to earn 16 hours from the selected course work.
Is it possible to waive the Level 1 Required Course?
We encourage all students to take one of the level 1 required course but we also offer an option to waive the course provided the student has the appropriate experience. Contact the director of the program for more information. Note: you will still be required to earn 16 hours from the selected course work.
What is the Capstone series seminar course? What is the format and when should I take it?
Like the name implies, it is the "final" course of the program and thus should be taken as close as possible to the end of a student's academic career at ASU. Students will present a GIS project to the GIS Certificate Executive Committee. All students will be responsible for demonstrating how GIS technology has enabled them to address a spatial problem in their research more effectively. Format of the presentation will be a 30-40 minute oral presentation by the student followed by questions from the audience especially by members of the executive committee of the GIS Certificate program. It is expected that students will take this course after the majority of the research for their degree has been completed. The presentation will highlight the use of GIS in their research efforts. In this seminar, more details to GIS techniques and technology should be presented than in a usual presentation in a student's department.