The Department of Geographical and Sustainability Science offers two undergraduate certificates: Geographic Information Science (GISci) and Sustainability.

Certificates enhance and enrich undergraduate academic programs and broaden students' opportunities for post-graduation employment or graduate studies. Certificates are interdisciplinary and draw on courses offered by multiple departments to craft a broad foundation on each subject.  

Geographic Information Science (GISci) Certificate

• Requires a minimum of 19 s.h. of credit. 
• The certificate may be earned by any student admitted to the University of Iowa who is not concurrently enrolled in a UI graduate or professional degree program. 
  • Students who major in geography (Geographic Information Science track) or who earn a minor in Geographic Information Science cannot earn this certificate. 

Students completing the Certificate in Geographic Information Science will be able to understand how:

• Geographic patterns and processes are captured and represented using computer technologies. 
• Spatial analytical methods are used to address challenges associated with the study and management of urban, natural, and agricultural systems. 
• Geospatial technologies (e.g., geographic information and remote sensing systems) can be used to conduct spatial analyses. geovisualization is used to communicate the results of spatial analyses. 
• To work on collaborative project teams address complicated geographic issues. 

Learn more about program requirements and coursework for the GISci Certificate here.
 

Sustainability Certificate

• Requires 24 s.h. of credit 
• Students who major in sustainability science cannot earn the certificate
• Certificate students may count a maximum of three courses in a single department/program toward the certificate

Sustainability embraces many disciplines, methodologies, and institutional practices. Certificate students must have knowledge of the interdisciplinary nature of the field, which is represented by the program's breadth electives: dynamics of natural systems; dynamics of human systems; and communication, ethics, and interpretation. They also must have experience with analyzing real-life problems in and outside of the classroom and in working collaboratively to solve such problems. Learn more about program requirements and coursework for the Sustainability Certificate here.

Academic Advising

Hannah Whitcomb serves as Academic Advisor for Geographical, Sustainability Sciences, and Environmental Policy & Planning students. For advising questions, you can view Hannah Whitcomb's contact information on our Undergraduate Academic Advising page.