For questions about any of our programs, please contact gisonline@uwf.edu 

GIS programs at UWF:

  • GIS Minor (undergraduate degree-seeking)
    • Program Advisor: Charito Lyster
  • GIS Certificate (undergraduate non-degree seeking)
    • Program Advisor:  Amber Bloechle
  • Graduate GIS Certificate
    • Program Advisor: Amber Bloechle
  • MS GIS Administration
    • Program Advisor: Kylie Tate and Amber Bloechle


What is GIS? https://www.esri.com/en-us/what-is-gis/overview

I encourage you to review this page to learn more about what GIS is and how it's used to help solve real-world problems. We will use geospatial data and software to conduct analysis and create visualizations. Maps aren't always necessary outputs of GIS but we do spend quite a bit of time on them in courses. GIS continues to grow and evolve, especially as the world becomes more connected. It's a rewarding profession, especially for those who want to make a difference in their corner of the world. 

Where GIS is being used and how? Review the Esri GIS industries list/page to explore various industries and applications of the software. There are many! If your interests and career goals align with the examples here then I'd encourage you to pursue GIS. https://www.esri.com/en-us/industries/index  One of the largest groups of users falls under the government at all levels. Local county and city offices use GIS to help manage assets and provide access to the public (as required by law). Here's a link to our local Escambia County, FL GIS map for an idea of the types of data being managed and made available to the community. The property appraiser's office uses GIS to keep track of the daily changes to land parcel ownership, just for example. Google search your local county name with GIS and see what returns. 

Can I find a job with a GIS Certificate alone? GIS Jobs - You'll find that a GIS Certificate or similar is listed in the minimum qualifications for most GIS Tech positions. You can use the provided links below and job titles to conduct a search on your own to get a sense of the job market in FL or your area.  Our GIS Certificate and GIS Minor programs require an internship that allows for professional development and hands-on work experience which are really important for finding a career in GIS. Sometimes internships lead to full positions but at the very least, they provide valued experience and hopefully a good recommendation.  I also encourage students to join local GIS user groups to network and stay on top of technology and the evolution of GIS. An undergraduate GIS certificate including a GIS internship experience will prepare students for an entry-level position doing GIS. GIS technician is the most common entry-level position title but there are others.  Graduate GIS Certificate holders will carry more weight due to the extra work and commitment involved.

Further exploration: 

Esri offers free limited access to ArcGIS Online where we can create interactive dashboards, web maps, and apps. From Esri Resources: You can create a public account with an ArcGIS login or create a public account with a social login to access ArcGIS Online. An ArcGIS public account is a free account for personal, noncommercial use. Once you've created an account, you can use it to sign in to ArcGIS Online.  UWF GIS students have access to all of our Esri site license resources including our ArcGIS Online Organization and training courses.


The following pages will provide new and prospective students with more details about the program, application process, and advising resources specific to their program of interest:




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