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Certificate in Geographic Information Systems

Department of Physics, Geosciences & Astronomy

College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Certificate in Geographic Information Systems

Department of Physics, Geosciences & Astronomy

College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

On-Campus

Program

18 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tutition

$5,010 Per Semester

Free Books

for All Students

Transform Your Community with Geographic Information Systems

Geographic information systems (GIS) has a wide range of applications including urban planning, disaster response, and transportation planning. GIS is a computer-based system that can be used to store, analyze, and display spatial data. It can help users understand patterns, relationships, and geographic context. EKU’s certificate in GIS prepares you for a variety of challenging and rewarding career opportunities. Learn to analyze and map geographic data and produce 3D digital imaging, reports, charts, tables, overlays, and applications. Gain hands-on experience focused on real-world problems and gain the experience needed to lead future generations of geographers, astronomers, environmental geoscientists, physicists, and engineers.

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Career Outlook


Although employment growth for geography-related fields is projected to show little change until 2032, about 100 openings for geographers are projected each year, on average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Local, state, and federal governments need GIS technicians in several different agencies: the Department of Defense, the Army, the Air Force, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A GIS certificate can open the door to a wide variety of career options across the industry spectrum.

Job Titles Include:

  • Geoscientist
  • Surveyor
  • Surveying and Mapping Technician
  • Urban and Regional Planner
  • Hydrologist

EKU graduates of the Department of Physics, Geosciences, and Astronomy work in various fields and positions.

Employers Include:

  • NASA
  • Rockwell International
  • Clark County, Kentucky Public Schools
  • Danville Independent Schools

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Fast-track opportunities for students with 80 or more credit hours

Curriculum & Enrollment


Learn essential skills for today’s GIS careers. Our programs are made up of high-quality courses and taught by experienced professors. EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as GIS cartography, remote sensing, geographic data and techniques, geographic imagery, computer aided drafting (CAD), plane surveying, disaster resilience and exercises, statistical reasoning and applied statistics, web programming, Visual Basic programming, and object-oriented programming.

A minimum of 18 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit your materials noted below electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

Enrolling & Advising Information


EKU’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our college enrollment counselor today.

Photo of Aida Bermudez

Aida Bermudez

College Enrollment Counselor

859-622-2902
aida.bermudez@eku.edu


Student Stories & Features

Madeline Bentsen

EKU Forensic Science Graduate
The faculty was tough and fair, they wanted me to succeed and they pushed me to think critically and logically. However, they were very understanding and cared deeply for their students. They helped to prepare me for the field of forensics and helped me strengthen my weaknesses.
photo of Brad Rich

Brad Rich

EKU Forensic Science Graduate
The thing that I feel like many people, including myself, find surprising about the program is how encompassing it is. It’s not all chemistry or biology but also public speaking and critical thinking incorporated with mock trial and capstone that truly prepare you for the field of forensic science. After graduating I realized just how well I was prepared by the faculty in my program, making the transition from education to career seamless.

Madison High

EKU Environmental and Applied Geology Graduate
My degree provided me with the knowledge I needed to get a solid start to my career. I was able to get a job with the Kentucky Geological Survey within a few months of graduating and I am thrilled to be working for them. I also took the ASBOG Fundamentals of Geology exam shortly after graduating and passed it on my first try.

Upcoming Events

Halls Open

Residence Halls Open for the Spring 2025 semester. Front desks begin normal operating hours.

Check-In Deadline

Check-in deadline for all returning and new students for spring 2025. For late return/check-in, contact our office at 859-622-1515.

News & Updates

From EKU’s Meadowbrook Farm to Case Dining Hall

Cattle and hogs are raised at Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) 720-acre Meadowbrook Farm, located less than 10 miles from campus. The meat from the livestock is then sold to EKU […]

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Contact Information

Department of Physics, Geosciences & Astronomy

Science Building
Room 3140

859-622-1521
pgas@eku.edu