Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate

Our Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate is a pre-professional curriculum in the design and use of geographic information technologies. The certificate consists of three core courses that focus on:

• Forms of spatial data and their essential properties, principles and methods for collecting spatial data.
• Principles of map design and effective graphic communication.
• How spatial data can be used to investigate complex social and environmental issues.

Each of these courses involves a significant laboratory component that will introduce you to the standards used in the development and application of spatial data and to specific GIS technologies, such as spatial database and desktop mapping software and global positioning systems receivers.

The second component of the certificate curriculum involves practical experience using GIS in applied settings. You'll be required to select at least two courses from the set of designated courses.

For more information or to get started with the GIS certificate, email the GIS certificate coordinator, Wei Luo, at wluo@niu.edu or stop by the department office in Davis 312.