Two students at a computer in a classroom lab

UVM is a leader in the use of geospatial technologies and research, ranging from creating new information data sets to applied research in support of decision making. Our courses emphasize a deep understanding of core concepts and an engagement with real world applications and the latest technologies.

Geospatial technologies provide new and evolving expertise for addressing the major challenges of our time by transforming data into geographically-referenced information. The applications are unlimited and the market for this technology is booming.

Knowledge of these technologies will provide students with the skills needed to meet the demands of their diverse careers in the global workplace.

News

Vermonters now eligable for GIS and Data Communications courses for free through Upskill Vermont! Learn more here

UVM's professional Certificate Program in GIS and Data Communication celebrates its first graduate! Read more here

Job Opportunities Related to Geospatial Technologies

There are almost limitless applications for Geospatial Technologies. Recent graduates of UVM's Geospatial Technologies programs have majored in Anthropology, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Education, Environmental Science and Studies, Food Systems, Forestry, Gender and Women's Studies, International Development, Political Science, Natural Resources, Plant and Soil Sciences, and Wildlife and Fisheries Biology. Potential job opportunities include:

  • Anthropologist
  • Geologist
  • Business Analyst
  • Geospatial Developer
  • Cartogropher
  • GIS Specialist
  • Consultant
  • Health Informatics
  • Data Scientist 
  • Image Analyst
  • Environmental Analyst or Technician
  • Intelligence Analyst
  • Field Technician
  • Software Developer
  • Forester
  • Urban Planner
  • Geographer
  • Remote Sensing or UAS Scientist

 

Undergraduate Minor in Geospatial Technologies (GST)

A minor in Geospatial Technologies provides knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and spatial analyses. The tools offered by these technologies are essential in the acquisition, integration, and analysis of geographically-referenced data and applicable to a wide array of environmental issues at local to global scales. Training in Geospatial Technologies will complement many major fields of study at UVM.

GST-related Courses & Requirements for GST Minor

University course requirements for the minor >>

 

Requesting an Exception or Credit for Independent Study

The GST Curricular Committee reviews all requests for exceptions or credit for independent studies. Submit your request in writing to the GST Minor Director detailing your request. For independent studies, please identify your project and skills, as well as expected deliverables that you have agreed upon with your faculty mentor. Once reviewed and approved by the GST Curricular Committee, your college will be sent notice to count the experience or course towards your degree.

 

Coordinating Faculty

 

Participating Faculty

GST Faculty Listing >>

Professional Certificate (non-degree) in GIS and Data Communication

Are you looking to enter the growing fields of GIS and geospatial analysis? Already working in GIS but looking to expand your skillset?

This Certificate program covers Geographical Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, geospatial computation and data communication. Both for those new to the industry or those looking to advance in their career, the program is focused on developing critical thinking and applied problem solving skills including developing conceptual knowledge, technical skills and applied uses of geospatial analysis.

Affordable, flexible, and conveniently offered fully online, UVM’s Professional Certificate program is taught by industry professionals who have a wide range of applied experience in the course material, including work with research enterprises, software companies, consulting firms, and NGOs.

 

The Program

This 4-course, non-credit, fully online Geographic Information Systems and Data Communication Professional Certificate serves professionals with different academic backgrounds and a variety of disciplines. Students enrolling will build skills to gain a promotion, or in some cases, a career change. The program emphasizes knowledge of concepts and theory for critical problem-solving.

While the program focuses on a handful of software tools, the introductory course will help students adapt to new or preferred software. Students will also increase their understanding of data collecting in the field with GPS and apps, problem solving with spatial analysis in GIS, map-making through cartography and data visualization, and environmental modeling.

Learn more about the Certificate Program >>

 

Certificate Courses

The certificate is designed to be completed within one year. All courses are on 8-week schedules, with the potential to complete the certificate in as short as 8 months depending on the courses selected.

Course offerings include:

  • Introduction to GIS
  • Advanced GIS
  • Geospatial Computation
  • Data Visualization and Communication
  • Remote Sensing Foundations
  • Independent Study

Learn more about courses and learning objectives >>

 

GIS and Data Communication Certificate Faculty and Instructors

Instructors for the Certificate are experts in their field with applied experience to share with students. They have both a deep knowledge of the subject area and excellent skills in teaching.

 

Skills relevant to employers provided by this certificate include:

  • Geographical Information Systems (GIS, ArcGIS)
  • GPS technology
  • Map-making, data visualization and communication
  • Database management
  • Remote sensing
  • Web mapping
  • Workflow programming with code (e.g., Python, R)

 

By the end of this program, you will have gained the skills to:

  • Understand important conceptual underpinnings of GIS and their practical applications
  • Harness remote sensing as a tool for environmental or landscape problem-solving
  • Analyze data to reveal patterns and relationships to better inform decision-makers
  • Create impactful maps and visualizations of large and complex datasets that encourage comparison and visual analysis by the viewer
  • Go beyond “off the shelf” buttons towards the ability to customize workflows, scripts, or models in Python and R

Learn more about the curriculum>>

Questions?

Visit our FAQ page and request more information >>

Scholarships and Internships

This is a collection of funding and experiential opportunities for students seeking support or skill building in Geospatial Technologies. There are many more opportunities you may find through your own networks and connections.

Consider how an internship may fit into your GST minor. For summer internship funding, inquire with your college or major advisor. Many of UVM's colleges have funding opportunities for interns or will help you network to find an internship. Speak to other students to learn how they've found internships. Don't be shy to approach an organization working in your area of interest; you could gain valuable interviewing skills or even a job!

Graduate Scholarships

Undergraduate Scholarships