
Graduate Certificate in Environmental Geographic Information Science (GIScience)
Next start date is June 6. No GRE needed and applying is free!!
Earn skills that can be applied
to a wide range of careers.
Environmental scientists can analyze and interpret environmental data while Geographic Information Systems (GIS) scientists can manage and manipulate data. Unity College’s Environmental GIScience Graduate Certificate will prepare students to meld the two by integrating spatial technologies and environmental information. Hands-on experience through online projects and research will engage students in course activities and allow for increased comprehension of the science, concepts, and skills they need to become leaders in their chosen environmental fields.
Program Overview
Unity College’s Environmental GIScience Certificate will prepare students to use remote sensing and GIS to solve environmental problems. Experiential learning through online projects and research will engage students in course activities and allow for increased comprehension of the science, concepts, and skills they need to become leaders in their chosen environmental fields.
Demand for employees trained in GIS skills is 19% higher than the national average.
Get free access to the GIS software, ArcGIS, for use in your
classes.

Program Features
+ One-on-one academic and professional advising as our world-class faculty and trained staff strive to make your professional and academic goals a reality.
+ Unity College is an accredited institution by New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
+ Experiential Online. Experiential programs are delivered 100% online with fieldwork designed with the working professional in mind.
+ Study when and where you want and finish your certificate while still working full-time.
+ Make professional connections with leaders in your field.
Learn Specialized Skills

Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing for Ecological Applications
Students will act as a geospatial analyst and are tasked with developing a research study topic. They will begin by creating a proposal for a topic of interest. They will research ways to refine the methods and data needs, and develop preliminary results.

Creating Maps and Graphics of Ecosystem Change
Story maps are a way to combine the maps you make with narrative text, images, videos, and more to tell a cohesive story. Students will pick a topic of interest that they will research and using GIS software, create a series of maps. This project will build skills that students will need to advance in their GIS career.

Modeling Our Changing World
Students will learn to use ArcGIS Pro’s Suitability Modeler software to create multi-layer maps. They will study environmental issues and learn the mapping and GIS technology advantages, limitations, and challenges. Statistical analysis will allow students to discover how to make changes for a sustainable world.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does it cost?
Your online education should be affordable and manageable. Our team of distance education concierges will work with you through the admissions process to help you plan and pay for your degree. Learn more about the costs here.
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How fast can I finish?
It depends on whether you plan on taking one or two classes per term, and if you take a term off. Our distance education concierges and academic advisors are here to help you plan and stick to your educational goals. Talk to us today!
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What courses will I be taking?
For course requirements, browse the Graduate Certificate in Environmental Geographic Information Science (GIScience). Then apply online for free to get started.
- Do you have more information that I can download?
Experts in the Field
At Unity College, our Faculty is comprised of a wide range of environmental science experts who in addition to teaching, conduct their own research and various fieldwork.

Dr. Jessica Morgan
Instructor of GIS
Dr. Jessica Morgan earned her Ph.D. in Environmental Science from the University of Rhode Island and a B.S. in Physical Geography and M.S. in Geography from Texas State University – San Marcos. Dr. Morgan completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at the EPA Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division Laboratory, where she developed geospatial models to analyze the effects of scale on land use/land cover data, in support of water quality analyses.
Dr. Morgan brings value to her students with her continued fieldwork. Her research interests include remote sensing and GIS analysis for environmental applications, ecological response to stormwater best management practices, and scaling issues in land use/land cover data analysis. Outside of academia, Dr. Morgan served as the Low Impact Development Coordinator for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for three years. She was also a whale trainer at Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut. Dr. Morgan has over 15 years of experience in environmental geospatial analysis and is passionate about working with students to help them develop the skills needed to develop solutions to complex environmental issues.
Degree Requirements
The Graduate Certificate in Environmental Geographic Information Science (GIScience) requires a minimum of 15 earned credit hours. For all degree requirements, check out the Graduate Certificate in Environmental Geographic Information Science (GIScience) or the Unity College Distance Education Course Catalog.
Find solutions to global problems
Understand and utilize geospatial data
Join a high-demand workforce
Cartographer 10-year projected growth rate
Cartographer 10-year projected growth rate
Projected 10-year growth rate of surveyor
Cartographer 10-year projected growth rate
Cartographer 10-year projected growth rate
Projected 10-year growth rate of surveyor
*Source: Burning Glass Technologies. “Labor Insight™ Real-Time Labor Market Information Tool.” Updated March 11, 2020.
Careers and Outcomes
Follow your curiosity.
Realize your potential.
Faculty Profiles
Seek out knowledge.
Learn from leaders.
Last Updated on June 17, 2022