Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey
Graduate Certificate Program in Geospatial Information Science

Coordinator of the Certificate Program in Geospatial Information Science:
   Richard G. Lathrop, Department of Ecology, Evolution & Natural Resources
   14 College Farm Rd, Cook Campus
   Phone: 732 732-1580              Fax: 732 932-2587
   Email: lathrop@crssa.rutgers.edu

Participating Faculty R. Lathrop, Ecology & Evolution K. St. Martin, Geography L. Schneider, Geography D. Tulloch, Landscape Architecture L. Wiggins, Urban Planning & Policy Development M. Xu, Ecology & Evolution

To view the Graduate Certificate Program brochure in Adobe PDF format, click here.

Certificate Program: Geospatial Information Science 455

Three complementary foci define research in geospatial information science. 

-One strand of research addresses the fundamental questions of the human conceptualization of space and how geospatial information (i.e., information that can be tied to a particular location on the earth’s surface) is generated, located, recorded, modeled, manipulated and/or communicated through computer technology. 

-A second strand of research, addresses how geospatial information science and technology can be applied to real world problems across a variety of physical, environmental and social science disciplines. 

-A third strand of research investigates the societal implications of GIS technology on social interactions on a variety of levels, e.g., people to the environment, people-to-people, and people-to-government.

The Certificate program is designed to introduce students to these three strands of research, as well as provide the students hands-on training in the technology so that they may apply it in their disciplinary areas of research.   To receive the certificate, students must complete, in addition to the requirements in their major program, the prerequisites, basic and advanced topics courses listed below.  In addition, the student must complete a 3 credit seminar in Geospatial Information Science that will serve as a capstone course.

The GIS graduate certificate is not a separate degree but is awarded in addition to a student’s major field of study.  This certificate program is open to graduate students enrolled in and working towards completion of any of Rutgers University’s, the State University of New Jersey, graduate Master’s or PhD programs.

Prerequisites

Individual students should discuss their academic preparation with the Certificate Coordinator to determine whether the prerequisites have been fulfilled or to determine an appropriate suite of classes to fill any gaps.

Proficiency in computer programming, introductory cartography, geographic information systems, remote sensing and basic statistics. If this proficiency is lacking, we recommend the appropriate undergraduate courses be taken:
   01:198:111 Introduction to Computer Science (3)

01:960:401 Basic Statistics for Research (or equivalent) (3) or equivalent Introductory Statistics course

 01:450:355 Principles of Cartography (3)
  34:970:591 Introduction to GIS for Planning (3)
      or 11:372:362 Intermediate Environmental Geomatics (3)
or  01:450:321 Geographic Information Systems (3)

As an alternative, the ESRI Virtual Campus (http://campus.esri.com/) has a host of online courses that may potentially be used to fulfill some prerequisites. Some of these courses are free and some have fees. Use of these online courses to fulfill a prerequisite must be pre-approved by the Certificate Coordinator.

Basic Topics in Geospatial Information Science (6 cr.)

One course each in geographic information systems and remote sensing as prerequisite for the Certificate seminar:
GIS

      34:970:592 Topics in Geographic Information Science (Bloustein) (3)

Note that this course typically has a prerequisite of 34:970:591. As an alternative to this prerequisite, an “entrance” exam provided by the course instructor must be passed.

Remote Sensing/Digital Image Analysis

      16:450:615 Seminar in Remote Sensing (Cook) (3)
Note that this course typically has a prerequisite of 01:372:371. As an alternative to this prerequisite, an “entrance” exam provided by the course instructor must be passed.

Certificate Seminar (3 cr.)

16:455:501 Seminar in Geospatial Information Science (3)
This seminar will address the three foci that define research in geospatial information science:

1) human conceptualization of space as it relates geospatial information;

2) applications of geospatial information science and technology; and,

3) societal implications of GIS technology.

Click here to view the syllabus in PDF format.

Advanced Topics in Geospatial Information Science (3 cr.)

One course from the list below:
   16:194:601   Information and Communication Processes (3)
   16:198:535   Pattern Recognition and Theory (3)
   16:198:541   Database Systems (3)
   16:332:484/560   Introduction to Computer Graphics (3)
   16:375:551   Remote Sensing of the Ocean and Atmosphere (3)

16:450:605 Land Change Science (3)
   16:450:617   Seminar in Remote Sensing of the Biosphere (3)
   16:712:615   Geophysical Data Analysis (3)
   17:610:557   Database Design & Management (3)
   22:198:603   Database Systems (3)
34:970:650 Planning Support Systems

Alternative courses can be substituted with permission of the Certificate Coordinator.

As an alternative, a pre-approved independent or directed study may be substituted. An independent study could be coupled with an online course or courses taught through the Rutgers Office of Continuing Professional Education (http://aesop.rutgers.edu/~ocpe/programs/geomatics.html). For example, the University Consortium of Geographic Information Science periodically offers instructor-led online courses on special topics that may satisfy this requirement. In addition, the ESRI Virtual Campus (http://campus.esri.com/) has a host of online courses that cover specific advanced topics. Use of these online/continuing professional education courses to fulfill an advanced topic requirement must be pre-approved by the Certificate Coordinator.


Prospective Students: How to Apply

Students interested in geospatial information science and applying to Rutgers University for graduate study, should contact the graduate program that most closely aligns with their education/career goals (see listing below). Prospective students are also encouraged to contact individual faculty members for more specific information on their research programs.

General information on Rutgers University for prospective graduate students, as well as more specific information on admissions, can be found at Rutgers University Graduate Study.

For information on specific graduate programs, visit the following programs by academic department:

Anthropology

Ecology and Evolution

Environmental Science

Geography

Urban Planning and Policy Development

Present Students: How to Enroll

Graduate students interested in completing the Graduate Certificate Program, need to officially enroll in the program by contacting the Certificate Coordinator.  For more information or to enroll in the graduate certificate program, contact Prof. Richard Lathrop (contact information above).