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Coordinators
Dr. Yifei Sun and Dr. Eugene Turner
Eligibility
This program was developed with two intended groups in mind.
1. Currently enrolled students who wish to focus their training and skills for a career in GIS
2. Currently employed persons who need or wish to enhance their knowledge of GIS for better understanding or to support their current job activities.
Admission Requirements
1. Applicants must apply for admission to the program after consultation with certificate coordinators.
2. Geography majors may use this certificate program to fulfill the Cartography and GIS specialization within the major.
3. Admission to the program is open to other currently enrolled qualified university students.
4. Non-university students may enroll in the program through continuing education.
See catalog for eligibility requirements to the Extended Learning Program.
How To RegisterApplication For Admission To The GIS Certificate Program (.pdf)
Program Requirements
1. Must complete five, one semester courses (15 units)
2. Must maintain an overall 3.0 grade point average calculated for all five elected courses. Courses may not be taken credit/no credit.
3. Must complete all courses within seven years of enrolling in the program at CSUN.
4. No more than 3 units may come from transfer credits.
5. Participate in an annual review of progress with an advisor and a summary review at the completion of coursework.
Certificate Course
All the following courses are currently available. The following three listed in the recommended order will serve as the core of the curriculum.
1. Geog 305/305L - Maps and Graphics
2. Geog 306/306L - Intermediate GIS
3. Geog 406/406L - Advanced GISStudents must also select two courses listed below.
Geog 407/407L - Remote Sensing
Geog 408/408L - Applications in GIS
Geog 409/409L - Computer Mapping Geog 460/460L - Spatial Analysis
Geog 497F - Techniques (Must be GIS/Cartography/Remote Sensing topic).Currently enrolled graduate students may also select one of the following courses:
690D - Graduate Seminar in Remote Sensing
Geog 690F - Graduate Seminar in Methods GIS
Geog 690G - Graduate Seminar in Applications in GIS
Courses
Geog 305 (1) / 305L (2) Maps and Graphics, Laboratory: The design, use and preparation of maps and graphs. Students will be introduced to the use of the computer for the access of data for mapping and for the preparation of maps. Topics will focus on the design, use, and preparation of maps and graphs. (1 hour lecture, 6 hours laboratory)
Geog 306 (1) / 306L (2) Intermediate Geographical Information Science, Laboratory: This course will cover principles of geographic data acquisition, processing, and display through digital methods. Students will be introduced to spatial data structures and grid-based applications of GIS. Labs will give hands-on experience with MapInfo and ArcView. (1 hour lecture, 6 hours laboratory)
Geog 406 (1) / 406L (2) Advanced Geographical Information Science, Laboratory: This course will cover advanced topics in geographical information science. Students will investigate geographic data structures, database design, algorithms for spatial data analysis, and implementation and management issues associated with geographical information systems. Laboratories will demonstrate these issues through the use of ArcInfo software. (1 hour lecture, 6 hours laboratory)
Geog 407 (2) / 407L (1) Remote Sensing, Laboratory: A problem oriented course emphasizing the techniques application on imagery recorded in non-visible segments of the electromagnetic spectrum. This includes infrared, near infrared and radar imagery from aircraft and satellite platforms. (2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory)
Geog 408 (1) / 408L (2) Applications in Geographical Information Science, Laboratory: Advanced applications of geographical information systems. Examples include analysis of crime patterns, patterns of disease and health care delivery, population and housing characteristics, utility management, environmental hazards, animal and plant species distributions, distributions of archaeological sites, market area analysis, mineral exploration, voting behavior and redistricting, forest inventory and management, and vehicle navigation. In some cases projects may result in the development of customized applications of software through the addition of new functions. (1 hour lecture, 6 hours laboratory)
Geog 409 (2) / 409L (1) Computer Mapping, Laboratory: The design, use and preparation of graphs, diagrams, and maps with computers. Students will be presented with advanced topics on map design that they will be expected to employ in the preparation of a final project. Labs will introduce Adobe Illustrator, elevation modeling software, and animation software. (2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory)
Geog 460 (2) / 460L (1) Spatial Analysis: Statistical analysis of quantitative data by areas. Measurement of aggregation and concentration, description of areal distribution and gradients, significance of similarities and differences. (2 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory)
Geog 497F (3) Techniques
Geog 690D (3) Graduate Seminar in Remote Sensing
Geog 690F (3) Graduate Seminar in Methods in GIS
Geog 690G (3) Graduate Seminar in Applications in GISAny questions regarding the revised GIS Certificate Program should be directed to either Dr. Sun or Dr. Turner
GIS Certificate Program (.pdf)
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