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Nov 12, 2024
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2024-2025 Undergraduate Bulletin
Geographic Information Science (GIScience), Certificate
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Program Director: Bobak Karimi, Ph.D.
The Certificate in Geographic Information Science (GIScience) at Wilkes University is designed so that students can gain knowledge and skills using up-to-date techniques to solve real-world geospatial problems. Courses are designed to be offered online, or as hybrid/hybrid-flexible, with hands-on and experiential learning at the core of the curriculum. Contextual learning is to be encouraged by elective courses.
The Certificate in GIScience is constructed around GISP certification using the Geographic Information Systems Certification Institute’s (GISCI) technical knowledge exam content as a road map for additional course/content.
To earn the certificate students must complete the following course series:
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Introductory Track
(15 credits; minimum of 2.0 required in all courses; see table for curriculum)
This track is designed for current and/or aspiring geospatial specialists who want to become well-versed in Geographic Information Science (GIScience) and skillful users of software and technology relevant to Geographic Information Systems(GIS). This track is suitable for students enrolled in a baccalaureate program at Wilkes University, or elsewhere,as well as industry and community participants with no baccalaureate degree. NOTE: GIS 271 is listed as a general education Area II course. It is 3-credits and has a lab. Students currently enrolled at Wilkes University full-time can take this course towards satisfying Area II requirements. All GIS courses are listed as computer intensive (CI) courses. Students currently enrolled at Wilkes University full-time can take any two CI courses in place of computer science general education requirements - per general education guidelines. Students would need to have this deviation from their normal curriculum approved by the chair of their home department.
Advanced Track
(15 credits; minimum of 2.0 required for all courses; see table for curriculum)
Intended for post-baccalaureate or other learners with some GIScience experience, this track is designed to enhance knowledge in GIScience by allowing students to gain in-depth GIScience knowledge through advanced courses appropriate to the student’s level and focus. Enrollment to this track requires permission from the director of the Center for Geographic Information Science, and students must show proficiency of requisite knowledge/coursework to waive GIS 271 and/or GIS 272 .
Degree Requirements
The program requires 15-credits for completion, a minimum of 2.0 in each course, and includes 3 fundamental foundation courses (GIS 271 /GIS 272 /GIS 301 ) in addition to two upper-level GIS and/or interdisciplinary electives. Students can select from two available tracks: introductory or advanced. The introductory track is designed specifically for those who have little to no background/experience with GIScience, which would include Wilkes University students, as well as undergraduates at other institutions, such as those the University has agreements with for cross-registration. The advanced track is designed for those with existing, but limited knowledge (such as industry professionals and post baccalaureate students). Additionally, the proposed program allows currently enrolled students to easily incorporate the certificate program into their studies.
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