Why study Geographic Information Sciences?

The geography information sciences (GIS) certificate program is designed to meet the needs of both the novice, and experienced GIS professionals. Students who graduate from this program will have a solid understanding of the theoretical basis of GIS and rich hands-on experience with GIS software packages.

For more information on the Graduate GIS certificate program, visit the Geography Department's webpage.

Career Possibilities

Geographers use a variety of tools, but much of their work revolves around developing and analyzing various forms of spatial data and information, with a special emphasis on satellite imagery, vector graphics, historical, and paper maps.

Possessing the ability to "think spatially," along with a diverse toolkit of quantitative and qualitative methods, geographers have a wide variety of employment options. Our alumni have taken positions in business, government agencies, academia, and non-profit organizations. The job market is especially strong for those with skills in Geographic Information Systems and Science (GIS).

Major Maps

• Guide: Geographic Information Sciences Certificate (Undergraduate)

Advising

The following are GIS Certificate Program Directors.

Professor Lin Liu, Geography
401 Braunstein
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0131
(513) 556-3421
Lin.Liu@uc.edu

Professor Xinhao Wang, Planning
DAAP Building 6217
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0016
(513)  556-0479
Xinhao.Wang@uc.edu

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

Students in the UC College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

Admission Requirements

The GIS certificate program is open to both matriculated and non-matriculated students at the University of Cincinnati. Students can start the program in any semester. The certificate can be granted retroactively; the deadline for application is two years after completion of all required courses. However, students are strongly encouraged to contact an advisor and apply early in the process.

Students already pursuing a degree in any college at UC can add the certificate to their program. Be sure to submit a declaration of the certificate program using our online form.

In addition, you must meet with the program director so that they are aware that you are pursuing the certificate and can advise you appropriately. Do this early enough to avoid delay in obtaining your certificate.

Students not currently pursuing a degree may declare the certificate after establishing non-matriculated status.

Graduation Requirements

Make sure that you have declared the certificate program online. Next, make sure that the certificate program director is aware of when you are finishing the program. If you are pursuing another bachelor's degree, then your certificate will be reviewed at the time that you submit your separate degree application.

Accreditation