Geographic Information Science Certificate of Study

The Geographic Information Science Certificate builds advanced proficiency in spatial analysis, modeling, and geovisualization. Students work with spatial data structures, geoprocessing, and decision-support methods (e.g., location-allocation, machine-learning approaches to spatial data) and communicate results through professional maps and analytic reports. Designed as an advanced, stackable credential following the Geospatial Basic Certificate of Study , the Geospatial Analysis Minor , or equivalent preparation.

Admission/Prerequisites. Completion of the Geospatial Basic Certificate of Study , the Geospatial Analysis Minor , or equivalent coursework providing fundamentals in GIS, remote sensing, and spatial analysis (see current catalog for course-specific prerequisites.)

Eligibility and Restrictions: Overlap and Double-Counting Limits. With the Geospatial Analysis Minor or the Geospatial Science and Technology major, at most one course (3-4 units) may count toward both programs. Additional overlaps are not permitted. University policy on majors/minors (e.g., minimum unique units) remains in effect; these certificate limits are program-specific caps for stackability.

Units and Courses: Minimum grade C- in each course; 2.0 GPA in the certificate.

Required (6 Units)

GSP 370 - Intermediate Geographic Information Science (GIS) Units: 3
GSP 470 - Advanced Geospatial Analysis and Modeling Units: 3
or
GSP 570 - Advanced Geospatial Analysis and Modeling Units: 3 (see advisor for eligibility/availability)

Choose One Course (3 Units)

FIRE 431 - Landscape Fire Modeling Units: 3
GSP 330 - Mobile Mapping Units: 3
WLDF 468 - Spatial Wildlife Ecology Units: 3

Notes

Courses (GSP) may be offered by the Department of Environmental Science & Management , Department of Forestry, Fire, and Rangeland Management , or Department of Geography, Environment & Spatial Analysis ; approved electives may carry non-GSP prefixes and be offered by other departments.

Advising Contacts

James Graham, Ph.D. james.graham@humboldt.edu

Natural Resources 217

(707) 826-3823

Tawanda Gara, Ph.D. tawanda.gara@humboldt.edu

Natural Resources 213

(707) 826-3827

Program Learning Outcomes

Apply advanced GIS techniques (e.g., location-allocation, ML-based spatial modeling) to address complex spatial problems and inform decisions.
Analyze and interpret spatial data to identify patterns and relationships in applied contexts such as environmental management, urban planning, and disaster response.
Produce professional geospatial visualizations and reports that clearly communicate analytic findings to technical and non-technical audiences.