The geographic information science and technology graduate certificate program uses a variety of distance learning strategies to provide an increased knowledge of geospatial technologies and the geographic concepts and methods embedded in them. The courses that make up these programs incorporate multiple curricular pathways tailored to the increasingly diverse backgrounds, occupations and applications that rely on geospatial technologies.
Course Requirements
Sixteen units of graduate work are required to fulfill the Certificate in GIST.
| CORE COURSES (16 UNITS) | UNITS | |
| GEOG 581 | Concepts for Spatial Thinking | 4 |
| GEOG 582 | Spatial Databases | 4 |
| GEOG 587 | GPS/GIS Field Techniques | 4 |
| ELECTIVES (12 UNITS) | UNITS | |
| GEOG 583 | Spatial Analysis and Modeling | 4 |
| GEOG 585 | Geospatial Technology Project Management | 4 |
| GEOG 586 | GIS Programming and Customization | 4 |
| GEOG 588 | Remote Sensing for GIS | 4 |
| GEOG 589 | Cartography and Visualization | 4 |
| GEOG 591 | Web GIS | 4 |
The Courses of Instruction in this program are open to students living and/or working anywhere, including students at USC’s Los Angeles, Orange County, Sacramento and Washington, D.C. centers. The certificate program can be completed in one or two years as long as students take one or two courses each of fall, spring and summer semesters. The graduate certificate program can serve as a possible “stepping stone” toward the geographic information science and technology master’s degree program.
Admission Requirements
Two groups of students are served by this certificate program: new students who wish to apply directly to the geographic information science and technology graduate certificate program, and students currently matriculated in a USC master’s or doctoral degree program (other than the M.S. in geographic information science and technology).
Candidates for admission among the first group must have: (1) a B.A. or B.S. degree or its international equivalent; (2) a minimum 3.0 GPA (A=4.0). All course work taken at the undergraduate level is used to calculate the GPA. Exceptions will be made in cases of very high GRE scores or some other compelling evidence of potential to excel in graduate studies (e.g., outstanding letters of recommendation). Preference will be given to candidates with significant professional experience working with geographic information systems and related geospatial technologies.
Application Procedures
Those interested in learning more about this program should visit gis.usc.edu or click here to download a free program brochure, or if already a student at USC, visit Kate Kelsey, the GIST Student Program Advisor at: University of Southern California, Spatial Sciences Institute, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF B55, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0374, tel: 213-740-8298.
The graduate certificate program utilizes a rolling admissions and enrollment based on the standard academic calendar. This means that students may start the program in either the fall, spring or summer semesters.