Geographical Information Systems (GIS) - Certificate Program
If you're interested in exploring and understanding the world's geography using maps and technology, and putting that data to use in everything from agriculture and business to environmental management and more — then a career in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) might be perfect for you!
By earning a GIS Certificate from Eastern Florida, you can take the first solid step toward building a future in this exciting and rapidly-growing field.
As a GIS specialist, you'll professionally design, analyze, develop, and implement systems that store and utilize geospatial data. There are different career paths available based on your experience, as well as your skills and technical interests.
Typically, if you become a GIS technician, your main responsibilities will involve gathering and generating geographic data. If you choose to be a cartographer, you'll use your artistic skills to design maps that showcase this data. Analytical GIS programmers and specialists focus on analyzing and automating the collected geographic data, while GIS managers are responsible for coordinating projects and people, often having strong skills in managing time and people.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Certificate - Course Curriculum
The GIS College Credit Certificate (CCC) is part of EFSC's Computer Information Technology A.S. degree. This means that once you complete the certificate program, you have options. You can continue your education by using the credits you earned toward an associate or even bachelor's degree at Eastern Florida, or you can immediately apply your new skills to work in the job market.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) - Certificate Program
Program Overview
- Certificate Type
- College Credit Certificate (CCC)
- Delivery Methods
- On-Campus, Hybrid
- Locations
- Cocoa, Melbourne
- Total Credit Hours
- 21
- Academic Community
- Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics
- Contact Information
-
Email Program Advisor
321-632-1111Advising Appointments
As you progress through this certificate program, you'll acquire the skills needed to work on or develop advanced GIS and Remote Sensing (RS) projects. The program covers various topics including spatial variables, scale, map projection, coordinate systems, and the manipulation, organization, and visualization of geospatial data.
It's important to note that not all Computer Information Technology courses are available every semester. Therefore, it's recommended that you register for courses as soon as they're offered to ensure you can take them when needed.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Certificate - Admissions Information
To apply for this program follow the regular enrollment process at Eastern Florida. To enroll in this program, you don't need to take a placement test or complete general education courses. The certificate program has ongoing admissions, so you can apply or start taking classes in any term that works for you.
If you attend full-time, you can complete the certificate in as little as two semesters. However, if you choose to study part-time, it'll take a bit longer to earn the certificate. To help you plan, reach out to the academic advising team.
Brief Costs and Financial Aid Eligibility
If you're considering the Geographical Information Systems Certificate at Eastern Florida, it's important to know that the approximate cost of in-state tuition and fees is around $2,185. However, this does not include additional expenses, such as lab fees or course materials.
There are opportunities for eligible students to receive scholarships and financial aid, assistance that can help lower the overall cost of the program. It's worth exploring these options to see if you qualify for any financial support.
College Courses You Would Take
This certificate program consists of six courses and one service-learning or human service experience. Throughout these courses, you'll learn the basics of GIS and the latest applications, programs, and systems used in the industry. Although some classes are available online, many take place in person on Eastern Florida's campuses in Cocoa and Melbourne, providing you with plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning in the classroom.
Here is a sampling of the courses you'll take:
Introduces the basic geographic concepts needed to understand and use GIS including spatial variables, scale, map projection, and coordinate systems.
Teaches the skills required for successful operation of computer-aided drafting (CAD) hardware and software.
Explores how to integrate GPS and RS with GIS software, while also covering spatial info, computer cartography, and database management systems.
Applies knowledge of mapping and cataloging to geospatial projects, as well as advanced GIS and remote sensing projects.
Why Study Geographical Information Systems at EFSC?
Give Back to the Community
As part of the GIS Certificate program, you'll have the chance to see how theory applies to real-life situations by participating in a service-learning or human services field study. As part of this experience, you'll need to complete 20 hours of volunteer work, coordinated by EFSC's Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement, and provide both an oral and written reflection on your overall experience. It's a valuable opportunity to put what you've learned into practice and reflect on your community involvement!
prepare for Additional Educational Credentials
The GIS Certificate can be a stepping stone if you're considering furthering your education. It provides a strong foundation for pursuing an advanced degree, such as EFSC's Computer Information Technology A.S. and then moving on to the Computer Information Systems Technology BAS. By obtaining the bachelor's degree, you gain access to five specialization tracks that are aligned with rapidly growing management careers in the IT field. These include Computer Project Management, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Networking Systems, and Program and Software Development.
Related Computer Programs
If you're intrigued by the idea of a career in Geographical Information Systems, Eastern Florida provides additional degree and certificate programs that are also worth considering. To gather more information, we recommend that you get in touch with an academic advisor at EFSC. They can provide you with further details and guidance regarding each program.