Coral Gables, Florida (January 9, 2018) – With growing market demand for professionals with geospatial data analytic skills, the University of Miami Division of Continuing & International Education will launch a 16-week Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate Program in February 2018. The high-caliber, non-credit program “is designed for professionals looking to enhance their careers or gain literacy in the increasingly important field,” explains Desiree Young, executive director of the office of professional advancement at the University of Miami Division of Continuing & International Education.
The non-credit GIS Certificate Program provides participants with a broad introduction to the fundamental concepts and techniques of GIS and related geospatial technologies. Developed in collaboration with the University’s Department of Geography and Regional Studies, the course includes modules that cover an introduction and intermediate topics in GIS. Participants will also learn how to map and analyze spatial data using GIS software with tools such as QGIS, Google Earth, Google Maps and ArcGIS Explorer. They will also learn GIS programming and scripting concepts and techniques, including lessons on using the Python scripting language for automation and tool creation with the ArcGIS and QGIS desktop frameworks.
The program is designed to accommodate working professionals, with classes held on Saturday mornings in a state-of-the-art GIS Lab on UM’s Coral Gables campus.
No previous experience in geospatial technology is needed to enroll in the GIS Certificate Program, although students must hold a bachelor’s degree in any field.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for professionals with geospatial data analytic skills has soared, with more than 41,000 job postings in this emerging field in 2016.
“Having expertise in GIS is a game-changer,” says Young. “Skilled GIS-trained professionals can capture, track, evaluate and utilize spatial data. This information can then be used to solve problems in a multitude of ways—from optimizing driving routes or determining where to open a new store location, to maximizing relief efforts after national disasters and so much more.”
GIS involves capturing, documenting, storing and analyzing data related to geographic locations. Waze, Uber, Amazon, FedEx, and NASA are among the companies that use GIS technology to optimize scheduling, fleet movements, ridesharing, and fuel usage, to name a few. Emergency managers use the technology to deliver assistance during times of crisis, including during Hurricanes Irma and Maria. In 2015, GIS enabled Miami officials to maintain a live map of Zika outbreaks.
Professionals in careers from civil engineering and software design to government and architecture use GIS to create maps; develop 3-D geographic models; provide real-time location monitoring; and capture data using satellites, drones, and aerial footage. It has become an integral part of problem-solving and decision making in fields such as urban and transportation planning, homeland security, environmental science, law enforcement, intelligence, insurance and disaster response, logistics and more.
“We’re always on the lookout for growing professions in which the Division of Continuing Education can help people start or advance their careers,” says Dr. Rebecca MacMillan Fox, dean of the Division of Continuing & International Education. “We are increasing our investment in emerging technologies so that we can offer our students these opportunities.”
Registration is Now Open
Classes begin on February 17, 2018. The tuition is $5,495 with financial assistance options available. Prospective students can find more information or register online at www.continue.miami.edu/GIS or speak with a program advisor at (305) 284-4000.
About the University of Miami Division of Continuing and International Education
The Division of Continuing and International Education at the University of Miami aims to empower people to reach their full potential through lifelong and lifewide learning. With more than 70 credit and non-credit programs, the Division focuses on creating continuous learning experiences that transform individuals, organizations, and entire communities. For more information, please visit dcie.miami.edu or call (305) 284-4000 and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
