AbstractCreating a Successful GIS Certificate Program Track: Designing GIS Curriculum for Higher Education Author(s): Karen Tuerk, Jaime Martindale A growing demand for employees with GIS skills has led to the rise of GIS certificate programs within colleges and universities across the country. Though these ‘certificates’ vary widely in their requirements and curriculum, they are generally meant to fill a niche—the void between GIS software trainings and full degree programs. This talk looks at the development, challenges and successes of the GIS Certificate Program at the University of Wisconsin. We will especially look at how the student experience in the program has been supplemented by resources and activities outside of the classroom. Outside internships and on-campus support from the Robinson Map Library, the Environmental Remote Sensing Center, and the Wisconsin State Cartographer’s Office provides students with opportunities to enrich their learning experiences and be well-prepared to enter the GIS job market. Karen Tuerk University of Wisconsin Geography 550 N Park Street Science Hall Madison, WI 53706 US Phone: 608-265-9975 E-mail: kstuerk@wisc.edu Jaime Martindale University of Wisconsin Arthur Robinson Map Library 550 N Park Street Science Hall Madison, WI 53706 US Phone: 608-264-1471 Fax: 608-265-9975 E-mail: martindale@wisc.edu |