Geospatial Information Sciences Graduate Certificate

Close up of students working with sand in a wooden box to better understand contours.

Graduate-level training for your science career

Extend your focus in the geospatial sciences.

Raise your skills and understanding of geospatial data and GIS tech.

Certificate in Geospatial Information Sciences

Jun Luo, Certificate Advisor
Temple Hall, Room 308; Phone 417-836-4273
JunLuo@MissouriState.edu

Program description

This certificate program is designed to provide graduate-level education in Geospatial Sciences including such focus areas as Geographic Information Systems, Internet Mapping, and Remote Sensing. It is anticipated that this program would be attractive to students in other MSU graduate programs such as Anthropology, Biology and Criminology as well as to working professionals in such organizations as the United States Geological Survey, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service and numerous other federal, state and local agencies involved in the management of natural, cultural and historical resources.

Admission criteria

The Geospatial Information Sciences Certificate program is open to all persons holding a BS, BA, MS, or PhD degree. Students must, of course, satisfy all prerequisites for any courses they take in the program; or they must obtain instructor approval to waive specific prerequisites. Once admitted to the program, the student must take a minimum of four courses as designated and approved by the program coordinator and must have an average cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or better to receive the certificate.

Students who complete the four-course requirements for the certificate with a grade of B or better in each course may be admitted directly to the MS program in Geospatial Sciences if they so choose. Students much go through the full application process for the MS degree. This admission does not waive the necessity for students to take required prerequisites for other required courses that are part of the MS program. The certificate credits taken will count toward the requirement for their MS degree.

Curriculum (12 hours total)

In consultation with the program coordinator, the student should select twelve hours of GEO courses numbered 651-699 or 755.

Completion requirements

Students must have an overall grade point average of 3.00 for completion of the certificate program.

Apply online

Apply to this program through a central application: GradCAS. Review the sections above before you begin.

Continue your education

This certificate program gives you a head start toward a master’s degree.

You can gain direct admission into the geography and geology graduate program. You’re eligible if you pass your certificate courses with a grade of B or better.

Your certificate credits count toward your master’s degree.

Student pointing out a GIS feature on a large screen.
Boost your career options in fields that use geospatial sciences.

Why earn a certificate in geospatial information sciences?

  • Advance your career in areas like geography, planning, development and ecology.
  • Take advantage of our evening class options. Pursue your education as a working professional.
  • Build toward a master’s degree. With a grade of B or better in your certificate courses, you’re qualified for the master’s program in geography and geology.
  • Learn from experts across a variety of fields.

Helping you succeed

Make a smart investment in your future. Access financial aid and friendly support.

Immersive academics

Get ready to meet your next mentor. You’ll be prepared, confident and ready for your career.