Geospatial Science Graduate Certificate

Geospatial science involves the collection and analysis of geographic information, and mapping technologies to solve complex real-world problems. It applies to many interdisciplinary fields and provides data, tools and insight that are essential to confronting the challenges posed by a rapidly changing natural and socio-economic environment.

This certificate program is ideal for students and professionals seeking advanced skill and mastery in applications of GIS and Remote Sensing tools and concepts for career advancement. It is most suitable for students in sciences and engineering.

The certificate program is offered through the College of Natural Science and Mathematics. It links existing faculty and courses into a curriculum that addresses both academic and industry needs. The certificate will provide participants with a solid foundation in GIS and remote sensing concepts and practical skills that can be applied to any level of research or study that makes sophisticated use of geographic and remotely sensed data. Currently, this program is offered in a synchronous hybrid classroom environment. 

This certificate program will provide professional and academic training in the geospatial sciences. Geospatial analysis is no longer an optional high-end means of analysis, it is the norm, and graduates in many fields may need to show at least basic familiarity with GIS and remote sensing to be considered professionally trained.

Students in this program will receive advanced training in STEM fields including:

• GIS and remote sensing data analysis
• digital mapping
• Python programming
• big data analysis
• cloud computing

The courses in this program offer education and training to apply modern GIS and remote sensing tools and algorithms to solve real-world problems. The courses will prepare students for graduate degrees in the STEM fields and for jobs or career advancement in the fields of geology, geography, biology, natural resource management, civil and geological engineering, arctic security, public policy and public health.

Admission requirements

To be accepted into the program students must meet the following admission requirements:

• Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
• Completion of Elementary Statistics (STAT F200X), Computer Science I (CS F201), College Algebra for Calculus (MATH F151X), Calculus II (MATH F252X), and General Physics (PHYS F211X)¹ or their equivalents;
• Completion of Introduction to GIS (NRM F338)¹ or its equivalent

¹Students must have earned a C or better in each course

Program requirements

To complete the program students will need to complete the general university requirements, the graduate certificate requirements, and the following course work. 

One (1) of the following:

• NRM F435 - GIS Analysis ²
• GEOS F458 or GEOS F658 - Big Geospatial Data ²

Three (3) of the following:

• GEOS F422 - Geoscience Applications of Remote Sensing ²
• GEOS F622 -  Digital Image Processing in the Geosciences
• GEOS F639 -  InSar and Its Applications
• GEOS F654 -  Visible and Infrared Remote Sensing
• GEOS F657  -  Microwave Remote Sensing
• NRM F638 -  GIS Programming
• NRM F641  -  Natural Resource Applications of Remote Sensing

²Maximum 4 credits at the F400 level.

How to apply

Before applying, faculty (below) suggest that you reach out to them to ensure you meet the minimum requirements above. 

• Log into (or create an account) the UAF application portal.
• Enter your personal and academic details.
• Select Geospatial Graduate Certificate as intended degree and select planned enrollment semester.
• Upload supporting documents (note, recommendations are not required at this time) .
• Submit application and pay application fees.

Faculty Contacts