CGS Geospatial Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics

Program Overview

The University at Albany's 15-credit Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) equips professionals and graduate students with technical skills in GIS applications and spatial analysis. The program covers statistical methods, GIS principles, remote sensing, advanced cartography, and real-world problem-solving. Graduates are prepared for careers in environmental consulting, urban planning, natural resource management, and other fields requiring geographic data analysis.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The University at Albany offers a 15-credit Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This program is designed to provide working professionals and graduate students with valuable technical training in problem-solving GIS applications and methods of spatial analysis.

Objectives:

• Participants will gain proficiency in cartography, GIS, remote sensing, and statistical analysis.
• Participants will gain knowledge in the applications of these methods in various fields, including environmental, urban, and land use analysis; planning; and resource applications.
• Qualified students are encouraged to participate in advanced internships and practical experiences.

Program Description:

The GIS certificate program provides hands-on experience with geospatial technologies and associated artificial intelligence techniques and big data analysis. The five-course curriculum covers:

• Responding to urban emergencies
• Tracking environmental change
• Predicting natural disasters
• Identifying emerging social issues
• Studying socioeconomic and market trends

Supplemental Degree Program:

This certification can be added as a supplemental degree through the MyUAlbany portal for students enrolled in specific UAlbany programs, including:

• Anthropology MA, PhD
• Atmospheric Science MS, PhD
• Criminal Justice MA, PhD
• Environmental Health Sciences MS, PhD
• Epidemiology MS, PhD
• Information Science MS, PhD
• Public Health MPH, DrPH
• Sociology MA, PhD

Outline:

Program Content:

Structure:

The program consists of five graduate-level courses, each requiring 3 credits. Students can complete the program in one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study.

Course Schedule:

The program offers courses in the fall and spring semesters.

Individual Modules:

• Statistical Methods:
• Introduction to statistical analysis concepts
• Descriptive statistics
• Inferential statistics
• Hypothesis testing
• Regression analysis
• Introduction to GIS concepts and principles
• Data collection methods
• Spatial analysis techniques
• GIS software applications
• Cartographic principles
• Remote Sensing II:
• Advanced remote sensing techniques
• Image interpretation
• Land cover classification
• Change detection
• Hyperspectral remote sensing
• Advanced Cartography:
• Advanced cartographic methods
• Thematic map design
• Geographic visualization
• Cartographic production techniques
• Seminar in Geographic Information Systems:
• Applying GIS to real-world problems
• Project management
• Communication and presentation skills

Assessment: The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Exams
• Assignments
• Projects
• Presentations
The specific assessment criteria for each course are determined by the instructor.

Teaching: The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in GIS, remote sensing, and spatial analysis. The teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Hands-on labs
• Group discussions
• Independent research
The program also utilizes a variety of software applications, including ArcGIS, ERDAS Imagine, and ENVI.

Careers: Graduates of the program will be prepared for careers in various fields, including:

• Environmental consulting
• Urban planning
• Natural resource management
• Public health
• Market research
• Geographic data analysis

Other:

Admission Requirements:

• Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Applicants must demonstrate their interest in using geographic data to support their academic or professional work.