Add High-Demand GIS Skills to Your Degree Program
The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Geospatial Technology Certificate complements many majors, giving you in-demand skills to boost your value in the job market.
A Geographic Information System is a computer-based system for managing and analyzing spatial data. With technological advances and new data sources such as IoT sensors, aerial surveys, and smart devices, organizations must solve spatial problems in near real-time. The data may describe the locations, characteristics, and spatial features of roads, parcels, infrastructure, natural features, human behavior, and more in a timely manner. During the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have used GIS to map the spread of COVID and develop strategies for fighting it.
The GIS industry is booming, at least partially because the technology is instrumental in so many fields. Here’s just a partial list:
- Location Intelligence
- Agriculture
- Archaeology
- Civil engineering
- Defense
- Emergency management
- Homeland security
- Insurance
- Marketing
- Natural resource management
- Oil and gas development
- Public health
- Renewable energy
- Supply chain management
- Telecommunications
- Transportation
- Urban planning
According to P&S Intelligence, the global GIS industry will reach $24.6 billion by 2030, an increase from $8.18 billion in 2020 for a compound annual growth rate of 11.6 percent. The key reasons for growth include increasing investments, spatial data access, cloud technology, and the global need for GIS solutions in transportation applications. In the U.S., the average salary for GIS professionals is about $73,000.
The GIS and Geospatial Technology Certificate program at the University of Michigan-Flint blends hands-on training with foundational GIS concepts. You’ll learn spatial thinking and data visualization skills that will help you understand how geospatial technology and GIS can enrich analysis and improve decision-making in various fields.
The GIS certificate program consists of five courses that total 17-18 credits, which will be enough to qualify for entry-level job placements. Most classes are offered online, but some are in mixed-mode or face-to-face formats.
The four required courses focus on spatial analysis, cartographic design, data management, remote sensing, and spatial intelligence. You can choose an elective course on project management, geospatial modeling, spatial data science, environmental GIS, health GIS, spatial statistics, web mapping, or Python coding.
Career Opportunities in GIS and Geospatial Technology
Your GIS and Geospatial Technology Certificate from UM-Flint will boost your prospects in a wide variety of careers. Consider these job projections for just a few possibilities from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
- Job growth through 2030: 3 percent
- Job openings annually through 2030: 1,000
- Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary: $68,900
- Database Administrators and Architects
- Job growth through 2030: 9 percent
- Job openings annually through 2030: 11,500
- Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary: $101,000
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists
- Job growth through 2030: 5 percent
- Job openings annually through 2030: 7,800
- Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary: $76,530
- Market Research Analysts
- Job growth through 2030: 19 percent
- Job openings annually through 2030: 99,800
- Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary: $63,920
- Surveyors
- Job growth through 2030: 0 percent
- Job openings annually through 2030: 3,800
- Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary: $61,600
- Urban and Regional Planners
- Job growth through 2030: 4 percent
- Job openings annually through 2030: 3,800
- Typical entry-level education required: Master’s degree
- Median annual salary: $78,500
I graduated from UM-Flint in May 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Energy and Sustainable Systems. I’ve used Geographic Information Systems in both of my positions post-graduation. The GIS Certificate and the subsequent coursework that accompanies it have helped me gain relevant experience that I have utilized in my day-to-day work since graduating. The in-class lectures and lab assignments provided comprehensive guidance through the ArcGIS Software. I greatly benefitted from having dedicated time in class to go through exercises along with my classmates. This gave me an opportunity to ask questions to my classmates and professor.”
Zachary Hayes
Energy and Sustainable Systems 2018
Boost Your Market Value With GIS Skills
To learn more about increasing your job prospects by adding the GIS and Geospatial Technology Certificate to your degree program, contact Cydnee Weirauch, the dedicated GIS academic advisor, at [email protected] or 810-762-3052. You also can contact Dr. Greg Rybarzyk, the GIS program director, at [email protected].