The USC online Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) program provides a core foundation in spatial thinking, while giving students an introduction to the practical, hands-on experience to become adept spatial science practitioners across business, military and academic research.
With training in spatial thinking, graduates will be able to think critically about problems in the geospatial sciences. The program also offers a selection of electives, so students can gain more specialized expertise in an area such as spatial econometrics, spatial data acquisition and databases, and geospatial technology project management.
Experiential Learning Requirement
Our online Graduate Certificate in GIST program will take students on a weeklong fieldwork excursion to the USC Wrigley Marine Science Center — a half-acre research and educational campus on Catalina Island.
GIST Career Options
- Individuals who successfully complete the GIST graduate certificate program will be well-equipped to enter a GIS career, or pursue master’s degrees in the spatial sciences and geospatial intelligence.
- GIST professionals can pursue careers in public, military, private and nonprofit organizations. They make critical decisions, ranging from where to build new roads to planning response strategies for natural disasters and terrorist threats.
- GIST professionals leverage a variety of tools, such as GPS, image analysis software and remote sensing technology. However, one of the most important traits of successful GIST decision makers and leaders is that they are adept problem solvers. They leverage spatial thinking to create actionable solutions, going beyond the technology to form answers to their organizations’ toughest challenges.
Earn your Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science and Technology online.
