Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Environmental Biology, Certificate

Program Director: Kristin Fisher, Ph.D.; fisher@hood.edu; 301-696-3652

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are a special class of information systems that are used for processing and analyzing geographically referenced (georeferenced) data. Georeferenced data, a special category of spatial data, have two crucial properties. First, georeferenced data are registered to an accepted geographical coordinate system of the Earth’s surface so that data from different sources can be cross-referenced and integrated. Second, georeferenced data are represented at geographic scale and must be generalized and symbolized. Understanding and using georeferenced data will require study of the fundamental principles of cartography.

Students will gain practical knowledge in the following areas:

• Current theory and fundamentals in GIS
• Application and analysis of GIS data from all fields of environmental biology
• Ability to propose relevant GIS research for current environmental issues
• Proficiency in remote-sensing theory and practices

Application Requirements

Students applying for the certificate in GIS program must complete an essay (550 words or less) that includes background experience and future goals. All official transcripts must be submitted. Two letters of recommendation are suggested but not required. A minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA is required for admission to the Graduate School and to the Environmental Biology program, however a GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred.  It is recommended that entering students have completed undergraduate coursework in the following: Biology (2 semesters, with lab), Chemistry (2 semesters, with lab), and Mathematics (1 semester).