Applied Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Natural Resources
Undergraduate Certificate
Allendale • Face to face • 12-13 Credits
The geographic information systems (GIS) in natural resources certificate program prepares students to apply GIS skills to analyze features and patterns of natural resources based on location and spatial relationships.
Overview
Grand Valley's Applied Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Natural Resources Undergraduate Certificate prepares students to apply GIS skills to analyze features and patterns of natural resources based on location and spatial relationships. The certificate can be completed face-to-face at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus and requires 12-13 credits.
The coursework includes core courses in natural resource measurements and mapping, GIS applications in natural resources, and applied spatial analysis of natural resources. Students also choose one elective from options such as coding in Python, GIS applications in geology, introduction to remote sensing, advanced GIS, or statistical computing and graphics with R. This diverse range of courses ensures a comprehensive exploration of GIS applications in natural resources.
Studying Applied GIS in Natural Resources at Grand Valley offers:
- Hands-on, experiential learning in indoor and outdoor field-based classes.
- Spatial analytical skills emphasizing problem-solving, communication through maps, and the use of online GIS applications.
- The certificate enhances degrees and resumes, giving students an edge in the job market by providing well-rounded GIS skills across several disciplines.
Admission Information
For new students, visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements. Upon acceptance and for current students:
- Declare your certificate via myBanner (Login to Banner Self-Service, click on Student, Student Records, Add a Certificate or Badge to your Program, Select the appropriate certificate from the drop down list, and click Submit)
- Speak with the appropriate certificate coordinator to ensure criteria are being met (you will be able to track your progress toward the certificate in myPath as well!)
- Once you are done with the requirements, apply to receive the certificate via myBanner.
- Once the completion of your certificate has been verified, the certificate will be posted to your student record and will be viewable on your transcript.
Biology Department
gvsu.edu/biology
3300a
Kindschi Hall of Science
(616) 331-2470
Career Opportunities
Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Science
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 51,185.91 | 10% |
| $ 63,041.85 | 25% |
| $ 82,371.80 | 50% |
| $106,535.24 | 75% |
| $146,414.01 | 90% |
Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.
Top skills- Writing
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 60,878.61 | 10% |
| $ 74,298.84 | 25% |
| $ 95,829.69 | 50% |
| $117,449.15 | 75% |
| $137,495.14 | 90% |
Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 48,015.39 | 10% |
| $ 70,046.62 | 25% |
| $ 98,672.79 | 50% |
| $129,085.27 | 75% |
| $156,611.33 | 90% |
Teach courses in geography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Top skills- Writing
- Speaking
- Instructing
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 46,403.94 | 10% |
| $ 60,063.83 | 25% |
| $ 85,727.91 | 50% |
| $122,846.65 | 75% |
| $165,905.37 | 90% |
1-4
Students Participated in Research with Faculty
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Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
Hands-On Experience
West Michigan provides a great environment for many areas of study including aquatic biology and ecology, conservation biology, restoration ecology, and environmental sustainability.
Student Organizations
Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:
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