Purpose: This program is designed to help students develop both the theoretical knowledge and a practical facility with GIS. Students who already hold a baccalaureate or master’s degrees will acquire the requisite skills and knowledge to switch careers, or to apply spatial analysis in their present workplaces. Students will be positioned to pursue additional coursework toward an associate degree and/or transfer to a four-year institution for further study in the geospatial, environmental or physical sciences; in civil engineering; in information technology; or in business/marketing at a four-year institution.
Recommended Preparation: Students are expected to understand fundamental computer applications and concepts before enrolling in GIS courses.
All first-time students must take a one-credit SDV course prior to enrolling in their 16th credit at NOVA.
To be credited toward the certificate, a minimum grade of “C” for each class is required.
1 May be met by ENG 111 or other ENG courses approved by a student’s advisor, or by CST 100, CST 110, CST 115, CST 126, CST 227, or CST 229.
2Elective must be chosen from the following disciplines: BIO, CHM, EGR, ENV, GEO, GOL, HIS, IT, MKT, MTH, and PHY.
3 GIS 200-level course not specified in the certificate; GEO 200; GEO 210; ITD 110 (or higher ITD); ITN 101 (or higher ITN); ITP 112 (or higher ITP); MTH 163; or MTH 241.