Mar 28, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Catalog

Earth and Environmental Science: Geographic Information Systems Skills Certificate


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Schoolcraft program code #CRT.00376

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are programs that incorporate both geospatial and tabular data to create products that help in understanding real-world issues and finding solutions to them. GIS is used by professionals in all levels of government, aviation, business, engineering, public health, utilities, education, transportation, emergency management, the space industry, and other various fields. Disciplines that employ GIS as a tool include anthropology, biology, civil engineering, criminal justice, environmental science, geology, geotechnical engineering, history, political science, sociology, and many more.

Students who wish to enroll in this program can use it to supplement their skill set for employment or to prepare for higher-level GIS courses at four-year institutions and gain advanced certification in the future. Students who satisfactorily complete the requirements for the Geographic Information Systems skills certificate will have a basic understanding of GIS and the variety of its applications and will qualify for a certificate of program completion.

Not all courses are offered each semester. Students should work with an academic advisor to develop a schedule that will work for them. Students planning to transfer should check the transfer institution’s requirements/guides or discuss their options with an academic advisor or counselor. Number of credits may vary depending on the course selection.

Sample Schedule of Courses


First Year


Total Credits: 9

Total Credits: 9-12

Please note: 

  • EARTH 240  is offered during even Winter semesters.  
  • EARTH 250  is offered during odd Winter semesters.
  • EARTH 294  is initiated by the student with guidance from instructors in the department.  Students are expected to contact an instructor in the department at least one semester before they decide to pursue this directed study course and apply their Geographic Information Systems skills to complete a project or internship

Program Total: 18-21 Credits


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