Undergraduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science and Technology
ECU’s Undergraduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science & Technology helps students add practical geospatial skills to their major. Students build experience with mapping, spatial analysis, remote sensing, and geospatial problem-solving so they can use maps, imagery, and spatial data to better understand places, patterns, and change.
At a Glance
- Format: Fully online
- Credit hours: 15
- Who it is for: Undergraduate students across majors
- Structure: 9 s.h. core + 6 s.h. electives
- Focus areas: Cartography, GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, spatial data programming, and applied mapping
Dr. Hannah Sirianni
Undergraduate GIST Certificate Coordinator
ECU’s Undergraduate GIST Certificate is taught by faculty who use GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, modeling, and data science to study real environmental, social, and coastal questions. Students learn geospatial tools from faculty whose work connects mapping and spatial data to conservation, environmental inequality, climate impacts, and coastal change.
Why Study GIST at ECU?
Program Overview
The Undergraduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science & Technology is designed for students who want practical mapping, spatial analysis, and geospatial technology skills alongside their major. Students build a foundation in GIS, cartography, remote sensing, and spatial problem-solving, then choose electives in areas such as GIS programming, drone mapping workflows, conservation GIS, coastal GIS, advanced GIS, or remote sensing.
Courses
Students complete 15 credit hours through three required courses and two electives. The certificate can be completed fully online when students follow the recommended course sequence starting in fall and select electives available online.
Core Courses, 9 s.h.
All students complete:
GEOG 2420 – Cartography
GEOG 3420 – Remote Sensing of the Environment I
GEOG 3430 – Geographic Information Systems I
Electives, 6 s.h.
Students choose two approved electives, such as:
GEOG 3460 – GIS Applications Programming
GEOG 3480 – Drone Technology and Applications
GEOG 4420 – Remote Sensing II
GEOG 4430 – Geographic Information Systems II
GEOG 4440 – Coastal Applications of GIS
GEOG 4470 – GIS for Conservation
GEOG 4580 – Radar and Satellite Meteorology
Additional approved electives are listed in the catalog. Students should work with the GIST certificate coordinator to choose approved electives that fit their goals and course plan. For full requirements, see the Geographic Information Science Certificate entry in the ECU Catalog.
Career Relevance
Geospatial skills help students stand out in fields where maps, imagery, spatial databases, and location-based data are used to understand patterns and solve problems. The Undergraduate GIST Certificate can support career preparation in GIS, mapping, remote sensing, environmental studies and science, conservation, public service, emergency response, utilities, planning, consulting, and related fields.
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 major, degree level, 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% |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | Mapping project support, spatial data preparation, GPS/GNSS workflows, and support for geospatial projects | $51,940 | Faster than average, 5% to 6% |
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | Map production, photogrammetry, aerial imagery, drone-derived mapping products, and spatial data visualization | $78,380 | Faster than average, 5% to 6% |
Career 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. Some occupations may require additional education, experience, certifications, or graduate training.
How to Add the Certificate
Current ECU Undergraduate Students
Current ECU undergraduate students should work with their academic advisor or the GIST certificate coordinator to add the certificate to their program of study. The ECU Registrar provides instructions for adding or removing undergraduate certificates.
New or Non-Degree Students
Students who are not currently enrolled at ECU may apply through ECU Undergraduate Admissions. Students may apply as degree-seeking students or, if they are interested only in the certificate, as non-degree-seeking undergraduate certificate students.
Questions?
For questions about the Undergraduate GIST Certificate, contact Undergraduate GIST Certificate Coordinator Dr. Hannah Sirianni at siriannih21@ecu.edu.