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Press Release - August 18, 2004
Penn State Upgrades Online GIS Program
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
To help keep pace with growing industry demands, Penn State recently upgraded its online geographic information systems (GIS) instruction. The University has converted its noncredit certificate into a postbaccalaureate certificate and will now offer an online master's degree program in GIS.
David DiBiase, director of e-education for Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, explains the principle behind the update: "Adult learners were expressing a desire to gain more advanced training, but with busy work and family schedules, they simply didn't have the time to attend traditional classes. Our programs give them a chance to earn an advanced GIS degree at times that are convenient for them."
Participants are expected to hail from a range of organizations, including local, state and federal governments; environmental engineering and natural resource management; utilities; transportation; and other fields that require expertise in geographic information technologies.
Students can earn the 11-credit certificate in GIS in one year by successfully completing three required courses and one elective. Those credits can be applied toward the 35-credit master's degree, which can be earned by part-time students in three years by taking one course at a time and four courses per year.
Penn State is banking the success of these programs on its reputation of providing comprehensive GIS instruction. "GIS professionals want a solid background in the fundamentals of geography that extends beyond a particular software program's capability or features," says Janet May, Penn State GIS program manager. "Our programs do exactly this. Students taking our courses find that tasks become easier to understand and analyze, while their professional stock increases."
More information about the master's degree program in GIS can be found at http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/pub/gism
More information about the postbaccalaureate certificate program can be found at http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/pub/gisc
Editor contact: Deborah A. Benedetti; 814-238-4895; dab12@outreach.psu.edu
Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.
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