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University of Central
Arkansas
Department of Geography Academic Outreach and Extended Programs |
Certificate in Geographic
Information Systems
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Program Description The University of Central Arkansas Certificate Program in GIS is a graduate credit program designed to meet the needs of individuals with a bachelor's or master's degree. Those individuals with a bachelor's or master's degree can earn graduate credit. Individuals earn the Certificate in GIS by successfully completing five courses. While most courses have prerequisites, some courses can be taken anytime from anywhere. Most courses involve approximately 100 hours of activity, depending on prior computing and GIS experience. The introductory course, GEOG 5310, Geographic Information Systems, assists the student to explore fundamental theories, concepts, issues, and applications of geographic information systems while the student also develops the technical skills needed to be an effective online learner. Students with earned bachelor's or master's degrees must enroll in GEOG 5310 as the entry point. As a registered student in GEOG 5310, individuals will be entitled to purchase the latest version of ArcView 9.1 software at a significantly reduced price. These software applications will be used in all courses of the Certificate Program. Proof of enrollment in the Certificate Program must be provided to ESRI before students will be permitted to purchase the software. After the introductory course (GEOG 5310) has been completed, the remaining four courses may be taken in any order. The following three-course sequence is recommended: GEOG 5315, Mapping Fundamentals for Geographic Information Systems; GEOG 5320, Technical Issues in GIS; and GEOG 5328, Spatial Analysis and Modeling. Any one of the following three courses may be chosen to complete the five courses required for the Certificate: GEOG 5333, Vector-based GIS Techniques, GEOG 5340, Fundamentals of Database Design, and GEOG 5345, Digital Image Processing for GIS. As courses become available online, they will be delivered via a combination of information technologies including, but not limited to, Internet/WWW (WebCT), CD-ROM, e-mail, and print. Upon successful completion of the five-course sequence, student's will earn 15 graduate credits and a Certificate in GIS from UCA's Department of Geography. |