Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science and Technology
ECU’s fully online Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) helps students and working professionals build practical skills in GIS, cartography, remote sensing, spatial analysis, public health research, and conservation.
At a Glance
- Format: Fully online
- Credit hours: 12
- Core: 6 s.h.
- Electives: 6 s.h.
- Who it is for: Graduate students and working professionals across disciplines
- Focus areas: GIS, cartography, remote sensing, spatial analysis, public health research, and conservation
Dr. Hannah Sirianni
GIST Certificate Director
ECU’s Graduate GIST Certificate is taught by faculty who use GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, modeling, and data science to study real-world environmental, social, and coastal challenges. Students learn from faculty whose work connects geospatial tools to conservation, environmental inequality, climate impacts, coastal change, and mangrove forest monitoring.
Why Study GIST at ECU?
Program Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) is designed for students who want to build practical skills in working with spatial data, maps, imagery, and geospatial technologies.
The certificate is a strong fit for current graduate students who want to add spatial methods to their thesis, dissertation, or applied research, as well as working professionals who want to strengthen their technical skills or move into geospatial roles.
Because spatial data is used across many fields, the program is intentionally interdisciplinary. Students learn applied geospatial skills that can support research, planning, environmental decision-making, public service, consulting, nonprofit work, and private-sector applications.
Courses
Students complete 12 credit hours through two core courses and two electives. Students with limited undergraduate training in GIST should consult the certificate director before enrolling.
Certificate Curriculum
Core — 6 s.h.
Electives — choose 6 s.h.
- GEOG 6150 — Quantitative Methods in Geography
- GEOG 6340 — GIS for Public Health Research
- GEOG 6400 — Seminar in Geographic Information and Analysis
- GEOG 6410 — Advanced Cartography
- GEOG 6420 — Advanced Remote Sensing
- GEOG 6440 — Spatial Analysis of Coastal Environments
- GEOG 6450 — Python for Geographic Data Analysis
- GEOG 6460 — Advanced Digital Terrain Analysis
- GEOG 6470 — Seminar in GIS for Conservation
For complete requirements, see the Geographic Information Science and Technology Certificate entry in the ECU Catalog.
Career Relevance
Geospatial skills are used across many careers, not just traditional GIS positions. In the Graduate GIST Certificate, students build skills in mapping, spatial analysis, remote sensing, programming, visualization, and interpreting drone-derived mapping products.
These skills help students examine spatial patterns, relationships, and change across landscapes, communities, and environments. GIST training supports work in applied research, environmental and social analysis, public-sector decision-making, consulting, and other fields where spatial data informs action.
The occupations below are examples of career areas where GIS, remote sensing, mapping, and spatial data skills may be useful. They are not a complete list of career outcomes, and actual job paths vary by degree level, prior experience, employer, location, and additional training or certification.
| Example O*NET Occupation | Why It Fits GIST Skills | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians | GIS analysis, spatial databases, mapping, geospatial applications, and spatial data management | $108,970 | Much faster than average, 7% or higher |
| Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | Satellite, aerial, and drone imagery; environmental monitoring; image analysis; and geospatial intelligence | $117,960 | Slower than average, 1% to 2% |
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | Map production, photogrammetry, aerial imagery, drone-derived mapping products, and spatial data visualization | $78,380 | Faster than average, 5% to 6% |
Occupation data obtained from O*NET OnLine, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data reflect 2024 national median wages, and projected growth reflects 2024–2034 national employment projections.
How to Apply
The Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) is offered fully online and requires admission to the ECU Graduate School. Applicants must have an undergraduate bachelor’s degree.
Current ECU Graduate Students
Current ECU graduate students who want to add the certificate to their existing program of study should visit the ECU Graduate School forms page and complete the form titled “Request to Add a Certificate” under Students – Online Forms.
New Students Applying Directly to the Certificate
Students who are not currently enrolled in an ECU graduate program should apply through the ECU Graduate School and select the Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science and Technology as their intended certificate program. ECU’s Graduate School application process is completed online.
Questions?
For questions about the Graduate GIST Certificate, contact GIST Certificate Director Dr. Hannah Sirianni at siriannih21@ecu.edu.