Applied Geospatial Information Systems Certificate

Program Overview 

Mission of the College

The College of Agriculture carries out the Land Grant mandates of the University in teaching, research, and service. The major goal of the College is to satisfy the educational needs and aspirations of both traditional and non-traditional students enrolled in its academic programs. 

Department Goals and Objectives

The graduate programs in the Department of Environmental Sciences are designed to provide students with a solid and the most relevant up-to-date curriculum that blends 21st-century leadership skills and scientific knowledge to solve problems in agriculture and related areas. Students will develop the necessary set of skills and competency, and expand their knowledge, creativity, and scholastic activities through classroom, experiential hands-on learning, and networking opportunities that prepare them for today’s ever-demanding job market. 

Program Description

The Graduate Certificate in Applied GIS is an online stand-alone non-degree program designed for degree-holding individuals who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills in GIS for professional growth and career development. The program prepares individuals to meet the rapidly increasing need for graduates in the highly specialized application and use of GIS, with a focus on practical application. 

Program Outcomes

1. Enhance knowledge and skills in GIS for professional growth and career development. 

2. Prepare individuals for the specialized application and use of GIS. 

3. Develop proficiency in advanced geospatial information systems, spatial analysis, metadata, database design, and application design. 

4. Gain skills in GPS and UAS mapping in agriculture or remote sensing and image analysis. 

Admission Requirements

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education. 

• Meet Graduate School requirements for non-degree admission and retention as published in the University catalog. 

• Requests for application forms and materials should be directed to the School of Graduate Studies. 

• International Students: While not explicitly stated for certificates, international applicants would likely still need to demonstrate English proficiency via TOEFL (iBT 71) or IELTS (6.0) as per general graduate admission standards. 

• Important Dates (Refer to the official 2025-2026 Graduate School Calendar for non-degree admission deadlines if applicable, or program-specific deadlines): 

• Consult the Graduate School for specific application deadlines for certificate programs. 

Program Duration

Can be completed as a part-time student or in two semesters as a full-time student. 

Transfer of Credits

 Guidelines for certificate programs are not specified but are typically limited or not allowed. This needs clarification from the Graduate School. 

Degree Requirements

Satisfactory completion of the six required courses (18 credit hours). 

Accreditation Information

Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 

Career Opportunities

Enhanced capabilities for professionals in fields requiring GIS skills, such as environmental science, urban planning, agriculture, natural resource management, and market analysis. 

Faculty Credentials

(Faculty teaching GIS courses, as listed under the Environmental Science - Geospatial Sciences concentration). Examples include: 

• Dr. Reginald Archer (Geographic Information Science) 

• Dr. Clement E. Akumu (GIS, Remote Sensing) 

Program Website

https://www.tnstate.edu/agsciences/degrees/environmental_sciences.aspx  

Program Coordinator/Contact Information

• Department Chair: Dr. Bharat Pokharel (Associate Professor, Office: 112 Farrell-Westbrook Complex, Phone: (615) 963-6054, Email: bpokhare@tnstate.edu) 

• Graduate Coordinator: Dr. William Sutton (Associate Professor, Office: 202G Farrell-Westbrook Complex, Phone: (615) 963 7787, Email: wsutton@tnstate.edu) 

• College Dean: Dr. Chandra Reddy (Office: 213 Agricultural Biotechnology Building, Phone: (615) 963-7561, Email: creddy@tnstate.edu) 

Program of Study and Credit Hours