Foundations in Geographic Information Science for Natural Resources

Equip Yourself With Fundamental Skills in Geographic Information Science.

Geographic Information Science (GIScience) is an exciting, growing, multidisciplinary field that focuses on the study of geographic information, spatial data, as well as their applications. Combining principles from geography, computer science, mathematics, and various other disciplines, GIScience has the ambitious goal of understanding, analyzing, and modeling the spatial aspects of the world.

In Natural Resource Management, for example, GIS technology is employed to conduct forest inventories to assess the current state of timber resources. This inventory might involve gathering information on the composition, structure, and health of forested areas, which includes data on tree species, age, height, diameter, canopy cover, and distribution. In this scenario, forestry professionals would collect spatial data using various methods, such as remote sensing techniques (e.g., satellite imagery, LiDAR), GPS, and field surveys. These data would be then be analyzed by GIS software.

Intrigued by the possibilities of GIScience? Michigan Tech offers a practical, 9-credit graduate certificate that equips students with the foundations of Geographic Information Science as they are used in Natural Resources.

What Courses Will Students Take?

This compact online certificate is flexible enough to fit around the demands of your life, your job, and your other responsibilities. All students will take the same three foundational courses plus a one-credit elective.

Required Courses

FW 5550 - Geographic Information Science and Spatial Analysis

Use of geographic information systems (GIS) in resource management. Studies various components of GIS in detail, as well as costs and benefits. Laboratory exercises use ArcGIS software package to solve resource management problems.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 2710 or MA 2720 or MA 3710

FW 4545 - Map Design with GIS

Principles of making maps, from traditional to advanced visualization techniques, that convey information which is useful in decision making at many levels. Focus will be on creating maps using GIS software and digital data. A working knowledge of ArcGIS is required.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years, Spring, in odd years
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Pre-Requisite(s): FW 3540 or FW 5550

FW 5554 - GPS Field Techniques

This course will provide hands-on experience with various types of GPS units and different applications of the technology. These applications include planning, data collection, data processing, and data management. Emphasis will be on practical applications of Global Positioning System technology.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of For Res & Env Sci; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior

Additional Course (1 Credit)

To complete the full 9 credits for earning the certificate, students will take a "Seminar in GIS" (FW5801) class. Alternatively, if they have an equivalent/relevant class in GIS/RS/Data Science/Statistics, they may count that as well. Please speak to Program Director Dr. Parth Bhatt for more details about what qualifies for this additional credit.

Why Learn About the Foundations in Geographic Information Science at Michigan Tech?

When you earn your online certificate from MTU, you'll receive a quality education. In fact, Michigan Tech is ranked the #3 best accredited online college in Michigan (EDsmart, 2024). When you study with us, you'll also get the following:

A picture of the US coast on a computer monitor in a GIS Lab.

A Versatile, Interdisciplinary Certificate

This online program provides competencies and training that allow you to build on your experiences and expertise, whether it is in forestry, geosciences, social sciences, civil engineering, environmental engineering, and more. Get skills you can apply in your current job OR a for future career.

An Education From the Best

Get instruction from Parth Bhatt who is not only a passionate instructor, but also an innovator with a breadth of real-world, international experience in GIS, Remote Sensing, GPS, Geospatial data analysis, machine learning, Python, R, ArcGIS Pro, WebGIS, and more.

Customizable Learning Goals

Choose the learning path that aligns with your personal and professional goals. Take one course to accelerate in your current career and earn 3-credits. Or take all three courses, in any order, and earn an the full online certificate.

Who Uses Geographical Information Science?

In general, GIScience is a versatile skill set, used by global professionals in a number of workplaces, such as the following: natural resource management, government agencies, environmental and conservation organizations, urban and regional planning, real estate and property management, insurance industry, and the energy sector.

And, as the field of GIS continues to evolve, professionals with GIScience experience will likely find additional opportunities in emerging areas and industries that leverage location-based data for decision-making and innovation.

Whether working in your community, in the US, or abroad, the Online Certificate in Geographic Information Science in Natural Resources will prepare you for several career paths.

A GIS expert on the site of a disaster, pointing upwards while talking. — Those with GIS expertise are often called upon to make decisions in Disaster Management.

Possible Career Paths

Conservation Scientist
Environmental Consultant/Planner
Forester
GIS Analyst/Technician
GIS Project Manager
Natural Resource Manager
Wildlife Biologist
Remote Sensing Specialist

Learn More About Dr. Parth Bhatt.

Parth Bhatt

Assistant Teaching Professor/Researcher
Program Director, MGIS Online Program
GIS & Remote Sensing, MichiganView Member

ppbhatt@mtu.edu
906-487-2291
Noblet Building 189-190

Get Started On Your Online GIS Certificate.

Take the next steps on your online educational journey at Michigan Tech. We are here to answer your questions and to help you succeed in your online program.