Geographic Information Science Certificate

Vision Statement

The mission of the geography graduate program is to provide quality graduate education in physical geography, human geography and spatial analysis (GIS, cartography and remote sensing). The department offers a rich learning environment for students with close interaction between faculty and students, technology-enhanced instruction, and opportunities for fieldwork. Courses enhance student’s perception and appreciation of the earth’s human and physical environments as well as geography’s essential role in both understanding and navigating our increasingly interconnected world. The department, an active participant in its community, has ties throughout the city and state, leading to a wide variety of internship opportunities. The department is committed to providing students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to succeed, be it in professional employment or further graduate education.

Program Contact Information

Christina Dando, PhD, Graduate Program Chair 
402.554.3134
cdando@unomaha.edu

Rex Cammack, PhD
402.554.2282
rcammack@unomaha.edu

Program Website

Admissions

General Application Requirements and Admission Criteria

Program-Specific Requirements

Application Deadlines (Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025)

  • Fall: July 1
  • Spring: December 1
  • Summer: May 1

Other Requirements

  • Applicants must have a GPA in geography of at least a 3.0/4.0.
  • The student must demonstrate a background in geography, statistics, and computer science.
  • Prerequisites would include courses in human and physical geography, statistics, and programming such as the following:
CIST 1400INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE I3
GEOG 1020INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN GEOGRAPHY3
MATH 1530INTRODUCTION TO APPLIED PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS3
  • English Language Proficiency: Applicants are required to have a command of oral and written English. Those who do not hold a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from the United States, OR a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from a predetermined country on the waiver list, must meet the minimum language proficiency score requirement in order to be considered for admission.

    • Internet-based TOEFL: 80, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 53, Duolingo: 110
  • Only required if not admitted to MS in Geography program
    • Two letters of recommendation
    • Statement of Purpose
    • Resume

Degree Requirements

Required Courses
GEOG 8535CARTOGRAPHY AND DATA VISUALIZATION4
GEOG 8056GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS I4
GEOG 8666GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS II4
Elective Courses
Select 6 hours from the following:6
CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
COMPUTER MAPPING AND VISUALIZATION
ENVIRONMENTAL REMOTE SENSING
LAND USE
INTERNSHIP IN ENVIRONMENTAL/REGIONAL PLANNING
Total Credits18

Students may substitute advanced courses in GIS for required courses already taken. Students will be allowed a maximum of two substitutions for these required courses. Substitution must be approved by the department GIS advisor.