Frequently Asked Questions about the Certificate in GIS Science & Technologies
Can I complete the Certificate in one semester or one year?
The Certificate was not designed to be completed in one semester. The 5 or more GIS courses are usually taken over three to four semesters alongside other degree coursework. Students may be able to complete the coursework in one year with careful planning, especially if they have already completed an Introductory GIS course. However, we caution our Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ against taking more than 2 GIS-related classes in one semester due to the amount of lab work required. Many of our courses are 3 hours of lecture and 2 hours of lab each week required.
Is the Certificate able to be completed online?
Not currently. While several of our elective courses are available remotely, we seldom have the required courses offered in that format. During the pandemic, we temporarily did so but UM is focused on in-person education for almost all programs.
How do I apply?
For current Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, there is no application, you simply need to ask your regular academic advisor to add it in DegreeWorks. If your advisor is not familiar with the Certificate, you can also contact the advisor listed on the main GIS Certificate page. For returning Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, you may need to . For potential Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, you will need to be admitted to the University as either an undergraduate, transfer, visiting, post-baccalaureate, or graduate student. There are separate processes for each of these outlined on the (post-bacc and visiting should follow the link for Other applicants). There are differences in the cost of classes to Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ enrolled as undergraduate and graduate Ñý¼§Ö±²¥. More information is available at the Financial Aid website.
How can I get a course waived?
Transfer credits are evaluated when you are admitted. GIS courses within the Montana University System will be handled automatically. For courses from other universities, Admissions may email the Certificate Coordinator for individual evaluation of courses. Once accepted, transfer credits will appear on your UM transcript. If courses were not accepted as equivalent but you think they should be, then contact the Certificate Coordinator, provide a syllabus from that course, and they may or may not approve it to count towards requirements or electives for the Certificate. Courses more than five years old are generally not accepted due to changing technology. More than half of the credits for any program must be completed at UM for it to be conferred.
I am in a major at UM other than Geography or Forestry. Can I still do the Certificate?
Yes! This Certificate was designed for just that situation. The student only has to complete the required courses and the Certificate is conferrable, without having to minor or major in either Forestry or Geography.
What is a “Post-Secondary” Certificate?
That means that this Certificate can only be awarded at the same time or after the awarding of a bachelor’s degree.
Are graduate Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ eligible for the Certificate?
Yes. Your transcript will simply say that you have received a Certificate GIS Science & Technologies. Some of the GIS Courses are not offered for graduate credits and so may not count towards your degree – see a Certificate Coordinator about which ones may “double-dip.”
What's the difference between the GIS Certificate and the graduate option in Cartography and GIS?
The M.S. in Geography with an option in Cartography & GIS is a much more rigorous program. You should contact the Geography M.S. Program Director for more information. If you complete the requirements for the graduate option, you will automatically satisfy the Certificate requirements. Be sure to file an Application for Certificate with your graduation paperwork.
Can I get the Certificate without enrolling for another Bachelor’s or a Graduate Degree?
Yes. For someone with a bachelor's degree, you would need to be admitted as a post-baccalaureate student with the University and then register for classes.
Will I be eligible for Financial Aid as a returning student?
Unfortunately, only those enrolled in degree programs are generally eligible for Financial Aid. The Financial Aid Office has more details. There are differences in the cost of classes and the types of aid available to Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ enrolled as undergraduate and graduate Ñý¼§Ö±²¥. Students who qualify for the state’s Vocational Rehabilitation should contact the Office of Disability Equity, as they may have more resources for navigating application, financial aid, etc. Veterans should contact the Military and Veteran Services Office for more information and resources.
How much does the Certificate cost?
Cost varies depending upon your plans and if you complete more than the required 18 credits – often Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ finish with 20 or so credits. UM Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ may be able to complete the Certificate as part of the undergraduate or graduate degrees with all courses counting towards both programs so there is essentially no additional cost. Post-baccalaureate Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ may enroll and pay for all of their course work. Costs differ for undergraduate and graduate Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, as well as in-state and non-resident Ñý¼§Ö±²¥. Current tuition information is available at the Financial Aid office.
What computer would I need to run GIS software outside of the computer labs?
GIS software tends to be computationally intensive. ESRI’s products are among the more intensive to run and most other software will run fine on a machine that meets their suggestions. list minimum, recommended, and optimal specifications. If you are buying a new system, it should meet the recommended standards if you expect to use the system for several years. Dell has a student discount program, .
Computers may be available for loan through the UM Library. The ODE and TRIO also may have some available for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ in those programs though the equipment varies and may or may not meet the recommended specs for GIS. Contact them directly.
If I use Arc Online while I am at UM, what things should I do before I leave to ensure that I can still access my products?
The UM Solutions Center has some guidance for this, and it is good to think about the long-term plans for a project (such as a StoryMap for an organization) before you begin as transferring files and projects within the ESRI environment is often challenging and time-consuming. and scroll to the “When you leave the University” section. If you are developing StoryMaps for an outside organization or something which will be identified with UM, check out the with suggestions on things such as storage and accessibility.
How can I hear about scholarship and internship opportunities? Or hear about jobs and upcoming GIS conferences for professional development?
For UM opportunities, sign up for the Geography List-Serv.
To Join:
1) Send an e-mail to: GEOGRAPHY-subscribe-request@LISTS.UMT.EDU This must be sent from the e-mail account that you wish to be on the Listserv
2) Leave the subject line blank
3) In the body of the e-mail type this:
Subscribe "your name" Geography
You will receive an e-mail message confirming your subscription.
For professional development, sign up for the Montana Association of Geographic Information
If you are looking for GIS positions outside of Montana, check to see if that state doesn’t have an organization that is similar – most states have something which encourages the local community to share info and resources, though MAGIP is an awesome group and hard to replicate!