Geographic Information Systems (Certificate Program/Minor Program)

Dr. Hugh A. Devine, Coordinator
NCSU Box 7106
Phone:  (919) 515-3682
Email:  hugh_devine@ncsu.edu

GRADUATE FACULTY

Professors:  H. A. Devine, G. D. Garson, M. L. Gumpertz, J. E. Hummer, S. Khorram, J. E. Parsons, W. J. Rasdorf, A. R. Rice, J. A. Rice, W. E. Snyder, A. B. Stein, H. J. Trussell;  Associate Professors:  M. L. Alibrandi, H. Cheshire, D. A. Crouse, M. Fuentes, C. G. Healey, R. W. Heiniger, G. R. Hess, M. M. Kimberley, H. Krim, J. F. Levine, S. C. Lilley, M. F. Overton, S. R. Raval, G. T. Roberson, W. R. Smith, R. A. St. Amant, J. R. Stone, M. L. Vasu; Research Associate Professor:  P. K. Baran; H. S. Stubbs; Visiting Associate Professor: M. G. Genton; Adjunct Associate Professors:  M. R. Loomis, H. Mitasova; Assistant Professors:  L. A. Annetta, B. Bullock, M. G. Burton, Y.-F. Leung, S. A. C. Nelson, J. G. White, S. B. Wiley;  Adjunct Assistant Professor:  J. Fels

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is the study of spatial distributions and relationships through the analysis and display of spatial data.  The objectives of the GIS minor and certificate programs include an internationally recognized graduate GIS instruction program, addressing the high demand for professional GIS analysts and providing a focus for expanding the university’s GIS research program.  Currently, approximately 30 NC State graduate departments are active in varying applications of spatial analysis within their respective fields.  

GIS Graduate Certificate Program.  The certificate program consists of a minimum of 15 credit hours. Students entering the program will be expected to have a working knowledge of GIS software. The certificate program is open to both degree seeking and non-degree seeking students at the graduate level.

Prerequisite:  An introductory course in GIS (e.g. PRT 462, PA 541 or equivalent) or demonstrated ability to use GIS software.

Core (7 credits):
NR 532 (3) Principles of Geographic Information Science
NR 533 (3) Application Issues in Geographic Information Systems
FOR 510 (1) Introduction to GPS

Electives (8 credits):
BUS 545 (3) Management Support Systems
CE 538 (3) Information Technology and Modeling
ECE 759 (3) Pattern Recognition
ECE 763 (3) Computer Vision
ECE 764 (3) Digital Image Processing
FOR 554 (3) Principles of Spatial Analysis
FOR 753 (3) Environmental Remote Sensing
LAR 500 (6) Landscape Design Studio
LAR 512 (3) Landscape Resource Management
NR 535 (2) Computer Cartography
NR 536 (3) Introduction to Visual Basic for GIS
PA 541 (3) Geographic Information Systems for Public Administration
SSC 535 (3) Precision Agriculture and Technology
SSC 545 (3) Remote Sensing Applications in Soil Science and Agriculture
ST 733 (3) Spatial Statistics

Other Requirements: 

• Admission to the certificate program requires a grade of B or better in NR532 and NR533.  After completing these required courses, contact Linda Babcock (515-3430 or L_Babcock@ncsu.edu) to request admission to the certificate program.  You will need to provide a copy of your NCSU transcript.  
• Award of a certificate requires a grade of B or better in all of the certificate courses.  The GISc Faculty Coordinator will be responsible for certifying the GPA of certificate candidates.

GIS Graduate Minor Program.  The minor program consists of a minimum of 10 credit hours. Students entering the program will be expected to have a working knowledge of GIS software.

Prerequisite:  An introductory course in GIS (e.g. PRT 462 or equivalent) or demonstrated ability to use GIS software.

Course Requirements (10 credits):
NR 532 (3) Principles of Geographic Information Science
NR 533 (3)Application Issues in Geographic Information Systems
FOR510 (1) Introduction to GPS
Electives (3) - see list of electives for Certificate Program

Other Requirements:  GISc Faculty as a member of the student’s graduate committee.  If no graduate committee is required by the student’s program, the student must obtain approval of his or her minor program from the GISc Faculty Coordinator.