Geographic Information Systems
From the management of natural resources to public utility management, public works engineering, environmental impact assessment, and even market research, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have the capability to store, retrieve, and analyze spatial information. The valuable information is obtained by combining layers of data about a place to give you a better understanding of that locale. What layers of data you combine and the information they provide depends on your purpose–finding the best location for a new store, analyzing environmental damage, viewing similar crimes in a city to detect a pattern, and so on.
The University of Denver's school of professional and continuing studies, University College, and the Department of Geography are partnering to offer an online Master of Science in Geographic Information Science delivered entirely online for working adults.
Additionally, University College offers a certificate of advanced study in GIS both online and on-site at the University of Denver campus. Since the advent of GIS over 40 years ago, Colorado has become the nation's capital of GIS activity and development. This program is highly regarded due to its curriculum and faculty, state-of-the-art labs, and the fact that the skills and strategies you learn in class are immediately applicable.
GIS Laboratory Facilities
Our GIS facilities now cover over 4,300 square feet. Lab facilities include:
- A 20-seat GIS instructional lab
- An ERSI site license with ERSI software products
- A 12-seat advanced GIS lab
- Current licenses of AutoCAD Map, MapInfo, IDRISI, ERDAS Imagine, ER Mapper, and other GIS and image processing software
- Two 20-seat general computing labs
- An extensive paper map collection
- An eight-seat crime mapping and analysis lab Four Trimble ProXRS survey-grade GPS receivers
- An aerial photography and cartography lab Trimble GeoExplorer hand-held GPS receivers
- A special projects lab A community GPS base station serving the Front Range of Colorado
Outcomes for Geographic Information Systems
Graduate will be able to:
Upon completion of the GIS certificate program, students should understand the nature of geographic data, be able to recognize appropriate applications of GIS technology to solve spatial problems, and be able to plan, implement, and execute a GIS project.
Students in the University College GIS certificate program who are interested in applying for acceptance to graduate study in the geography department must have a bachelor’s degree and may transfer up to 24 credit hours from their GIS certificate program to the requirements for a Master of Science Degree in Geographic Information Science.
Career and Growth Opportunities
Your future GIS career opportunities are limitless as new uses for this type of information are discovered regularly. GIS technology can be used for scientific investigations, resource management and development planning. For example, GIS can allow emergency planners to easily calculate emergency response times in the event of a natural disaster, or GIS can be used to find wetlands that need protection from pollution. It also provides public agencies and private organizations with a way to manage physical facilities, provide services, manage land and other natural resources, develop environmental impact assessments, and even develop detailed market research. The capabilities of GIS technology to store, retrieve and analyze spatial information will enhance the effectiveness with which organizations manage resources and serve their customers.