GIS CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

Beginning Fall 2009 the department has two 5-course certificate programs, either of which may be completed in a single year either as electives within the undergraduate or graduate programs, as university electives for majors in other departments, or as students at large. Classes are held at Science Building in a equipped classroom; the department maintains a dedicated GIS lab and a second lab for special GIS projects. Classes are generally held in the evening.

In either program students are required to complete three core courses and two electives. Graduate students must complete all courses toward the Graduate GIS Certificate at the graduate level -- for the three core courses this means also completing the special requirements.

Prerequisite for entering either program is a background in statistics. This may be accomplished by passing an approved statistics course or passing the department's proficiency exam. Attach evidence of either to the copy of the Certificate Application Form which is submitted to the department (see below). If the exam is failed it may be taken a second time after at least a month of preparation. If not passed during the second attempt, the student will be required to take a statistics class, approved by the GIS advisor.

UNDERGRADUATE GIS CERTIFICATE

Undergraduate students seeking a degree in Geography, Environmental Studies, or any other major may undertake the GIS Certificate Program simultaneously with their degree. Students seeking only the GIS Certificate, and no undergraduate degree, are also welcome. All undergraduate students must complete 3 core courses and 2 electives. The program may be completed in one academic year if carefully planned.

Core Courses (9 credit hours total):
GES 391 – GIS I
GES 392 – GIS II
GES 393 – GIS III

Electives – Choose 2 of 3 (6 credit hours):
GES 377 – Cartography
GES 390 – Remote Sensing and Digital Image Processing
GES 395 – Internship with GIS

GRADUATE GIS CERTIFICATE

Students pursuing a graduate degree in G&ES or any field may simultaneously work on a GIS Certificate. Within the G&ES M.A. program the Certificate may be achieved with program electives. Students not also seeking a master's degree at NEIU may also complete the certificate program, but they must apply to the graduate college to become a graduate student, in addition to filling out the form below.

Prerequisite/Required Courses
Students taking the graduate Certificate Program must be admitted to the Graduate College, which requires an undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 2.75.  Preparation should include at least one course in statistics.

Students are required to complete 3 core courses and 2 electives. The program can be completed in one academic year.

Core Courses (9 credit hours total):
GES *391 – GIS I
GES *392 – GIS II
GES *393 – GIS III

Electives – Choose 2 of 3 (6 credit hours):
GES *390 – Remote Sensing and DIP
GES 416 – GIS for Natural Systems Management
GES 417 – Urban Information Systems

Note: the asterisk indicates that these undergraduate courses are approved for graduate credit, as long as the student identifies him/herself in advance as a graduate student and completes all the special requirements on the syllabi's graduate student addendum. However, only 9 credit hours may be taken at the 300 level for graduate credit; therefore, graduate students seeking the Certificate within their G&ES M.A. will probably opt for 416 and 417 among the Certificate electives.

TYPICAL COURSE SCHEDULES (subject to revision)

How to Apply: FIND FORM HERE

UNDERGRADUATE GIS CERTIFICATE

Students who are NOT also seeking a bachelor's degree

1. Apply to Enrollment Services for the status of Student At Large
2. Apply to the Department of G&ES for admission to the GIS Certificate Program
   1. you will be coded as a SAL with a concentration in GIS

Students who are SIMULTANEOUSLY and/or already seeking a bachelor's degree in any field

1. Apply to the Department of G&ES for admission to the GIS Certificate Program
2. Contact your own department (if other that G&ES)
   1. you will be coded as your home major, with concentration in GIS

GRADUATE GIS CERTIFICATE

Students who are NOT seeking a graduate degree

1. Apply to the Graduate College with the standard Admissions Form
2. Department will review your application and return it to the Graduate College

Note: If you are only seeking the Graduate GIS Certificate you will be classified as a Certificate-seeking student. Completed Certificates will appear on the transcript and will also result in an NEIU Graduate GIS Certificate suitable for framing.

Students who are SIMULTANEOUSLY seeking a graduate degree

1. Apply to the Graduate College with the standard Admissions Form
   1. For the M.A. degree
   2. For the Certificate

Note: if you are simultaneously seeking a graduate degree, you will be classified as an M.A. student and the GIS Certificate will appear on your transcript only when it is completed. You will also receive an NEIU Graduate GIS Certificate suitable for framing.

For more information, please contact Dr. Monika Mihir at (773) 442-5712, or at M-Mihir@neiu.edu or the department office at (773) 442-5640.