Why Geographic Information Science?
Why study GIS?
Consider the increasing prevalence of geographic technology in everyday life. From location based services such as Google Maps to Global Positioning Systems, technology everywhere is becoming increasingly dependant on spatial information. Students in this program learn the science behind the creation and analysis of these spatial data.
With a growth rate estimated at between 35 and 40 percent per year, the job market lacks qualified and experienced professionals to help design, implement, operate and manage these G.I. Systems. In addition, the job descriptions of an increasing number of positions in both government agencies and private businesses are being rewritten to require employees to use GIS and related technologies. People knowledgeable in GIS can expect to be increasingly in-demand in a variety of fields including energy, public health, urban planning, civil engineering, environmental science, archaeology and landscape architecture.
"Across the country, tens of thousands of trained [geospatial] workers are needed to fill positions that are going begging."—Emily Stover DeRocco, Assistant Secretary, Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
The UWF GIS certificate program and certificate program online are designed to provide students with the conceptual base and technical skills necessary to develop, manage and implement GIS projects for a wide range of applications. Students will also gain experience using industry-standard software packages such as ESRI ArcGIS and ERDAS Imagine.
More information on GIS
See our links page for more GIS related websites.