1. What is spatial analysis?
We define spatial analysis as a broad term that reflects the skills, tools, and techniques required to rigorously reason about spatial patterns and interactions, i.e., how absolute and relative location of phenomena and events affects them. These include tools for measurement (remote sensing), representation and visualization (including GIS), and analysis (spatial statistics).
2. Are there jobs in this field?
Yes. The Department of Labor produced a study (2004) that identified geotechnology as one of the three most important emerging and evolving fields (along with biotechnology and nanotechnology).* There are an increasing number and diversity of employment opportunities for people who know how to make the most of these technologies.
*Gewin, V. (2004) Mapping opportunities. Nature, 427:
376-377.
3. Why should I enroll in the certificate program?
The certificate is offered as a supplement to another graduate degree, not as a stand-alone program. You should take the certificate program if you are interested in adding this particular set of valuable and marketable skills to your education and training within a primary field of study. The diversity of applications of geospatial technologies means that students in nearly any field can benefit from the certificate program. Current and recent students have come from the following fields: Anthropology, Geology, Information, Natural Resources and Environment, Public Health, Political Science, Urban Planning, Ecology, and Economics.
4. Am I eligible for the program?
To be eligible you need to either (a) currently be enrolled in a UM graduate program, or (b) have finished a graduate degree at an accredited university within the last 5 years. So, if just finished an undergraduate program and are not currently enrolled in a graduate program, you are not eligible. Also, if you have been out of graduate school for more than 5 years you are not eligible.
5. How do I apply?
If you are already in a graduate program, you need to submit a “Change of Program” form to the Rackham Graduate School. If not, you need to submit a regular graduate admissions form. Along with the form we need your transcripts, GRE scores, and a statement expressing your interest in the program (this statement should be signed by your major advisor if you are already in a graduate program). Be sure to include in your statement an indication of the area (remote sensing, GIS, or spatial statistics) in which you wish to focus. Most students focus on GIS.
6. I see there are application deadlines, what if I miss the deadline?
For the 2005/06 academic year, we will adhere strictly to the deadlines. This means that we will be reviewing applications only 2 times during the year, i.e., after the Oct 1 and Feb 1 deadlines.
7. What if I want to talk to somebody about the admissions process itself?
Call, email, or stop by the Office of Academic Programs in the School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE). They can provide you with a packet of information and application materials and answer questions.
SNRE Graduate
Admissions
1520 Dana Building
430 East University
Ave
Ann Arbor, MI
48109-1115
P [734] 764-6453
F [734] 936-2195
snre.gradteam@umich.edu
http://www.snre.umich.edu
8. What if I submitted most materials to the university for my application to my primary program?
If you are already a graduate student in the University of Michigan, the admissions staff can have your primary department or School forward materials you’ve already submitted into SNRE. You will still need to prepare a statement and have it signed by your adviser.
9. How many credits do I need to take?
The program requires 15 credits from courses on the approved list (see flyer and website).
10. Can I do the program in a year/semester/1.5 years/2 years?
How long the program takes depends on what semester you start and, to some degree, on the schedule of course offerings. The best way to know if you can do the program within a certain time frame is to look through the course schedule and make a tentative plan. It’s a good idea to run your plan by the program director to see if they have suggestions or additional information.
11. Are there course sequencing issues I should be aware of?
Yes.
If you want to take the GIS sequence in urban planning, you should do UP 406 first. Similarly, in SNRE you should start with NRE 531. Though there may be some added value in it, we do not recommend that you take both UP 406 and NRE 531. UP 507 and NRE 540 are good second courses in GIS, as they focus more on project work.
NRE 534 and 543 both have NRE 531 as a prerequisite.
You should take or have taken a statistics course before starting the spatial analysis courses.
SNRE students find NRE 531 and NRE 441 to be a good complementary pair of courses to take in the winter term.
12. Are there any specific requirements for which courses I should take?
There is only a general structure. Three courses need to be in your primary focus area (remote sensing, GIS, or spatial statistics). The other two courses can be in any of the areas, though we do require that at least one of the courses be in one of the areas other than your primary area (for breadth).
13. Can I double count credits?
Yes. The limit on double counted credits is 1/6 of credits in your primary program. So, if you are in a 36-hour master’s program, you may count 6 of those credits toward the certificate, provided they are courses from the approved list. If you are in a 45-hour master’s program, you can count 7.5 of those credits toward the certificate program, provided they are courses from the approved list.
14. What if I know of a course that has substantial spatial analytical content that is not on the list?
You can propose that the course be approved for inclusion in you program. Provide a syllabus to the program director with a description of your own rationale for including the course. Courses get approved officially when you apply for the certification once you’ve finished all the courses, but you should get approval from the program director before you take the course.
15. Can independent study courses count?
Yes, provided the courses contain significant spatial analytical content. The course should be approved by the program director.
16. Can I transfer courses from another university?
No. All courses for the certificate need to be taken at the UM. It is possible to take courses within the CIC (Committee for Institutional Cooperation) institutions, i.e., all big ten schools plus U of Chicago, for UM credit. So, if you see a spatial analysis course at any of these institutions, it can be taken in a way that it can count, as long as you enroll at UM through the CIC program.
17. Can I take a course Pass/Fail (S/U) and have it count for the program?
No. Courses taken S/U cannot be counted towards requirements of a graduate degree program.
Graduating
18. What happens when I’ve finished the program?
The program director will verify that you’ve completed the program requirements. You can complete the program any time, relative to your primary program. The certification will appear on your official transcript from the University as an awarded degree.