GIS Associate Degree
GIS Certificate

The Geographic Information Systems associate degree program provides the community with skilled professionals who use, edit, and make decisions using GIS systems. Graduates are able to work in diverse industries that use geographic information systems including government agencies, construction, banking, healthcare, land use planning, transportation mapping and analysis, and emergency response.

With the growth of decision-making using spatial data and geographic locations, many businesses are looking for individuals who have skills and knowledge in GIS. GIS professionals can analyze and match spatial data with geographic location, create maps and make decisions relevant to their industries. They use, edit and manipulate the GIS software in their day-to-day operations. GIS is expected to be a growth occupation in Ohio and the nation in the years to come.

The GIS Certificate program is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in Geographic Information Systems. It is most beneficial to entry and intermediate level GIS users who lack formal training and education in GIS. There are no prerequisites and no previous work experience in geographic information technologies is required. The program is an evening and/or weekend program. Courses are taught as instructor-led or as Web-based instruction. Projects and assignments can be submitted using your own computer or lab facilities on campus.

The GIS program provides students with a solid educational background in communication skills, math, computer literacy and operations, and humanities and behavioral sciences.

Upon completion of the associate degree in GIS, the graduate will be able to:

• Recognize, evaluate, combine and use the different forms of data acquisitions which are used in GIS mapping including GPS, surveying, photogrammetry, scanning, digitizing and remote sensing.

• Create and formulate techniques for implementing a geographic information system by having the knowledge and skills in creating, editing, using and georeferencing spatial data and GIS softwares.

• Develop strategic, business, and implementation plans for GIS projects, budgeting, software and hardware procurement, staffing, training and legal issues.