Department of Geography Introduces New Online Certificate
Fullerton College recently welcomed the new Geospatial Technologies Certificate to its curriculum. Developed by Department of Geography Professors Joseph Diminutto and Aline Gregorio, this fully online certificate teaches students the core foundation of geospatial science with the focused goal of gaining a professional, competitive edge.
Students who enroll in the four-semester certificate program learn how to think spatially and conduct data analysis with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) while developing the knowledge and fluency of data entry, management and more.
“GIS continues to be instrumental in helping leaders address environmental hazards, track disease outbreaks, improve public transportation and safety and inform policy decisions,” said Gregorio. “Students earning this certification recognize that GIS is much more than mapping: it is a powerful framework for understanding the intersections of data, geography, technology and society.”
So far, Fullerton College students Alison Cover, Daniel Lee and Pete Plass have earned the certificate, forming the program’s first-ever cohort.
“I decided to pursue this certificate to formally develop technical skills in GIS and spatial analysis to complement my professional background in legal research and litigation,” said Lee. “I was interested in how geospatial technologies can be applied to real-world problem-solving, data visualization and regulatory or investigative work. The certificate provides a structured pathway to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical application.”
The program’s online modality is also an example of Fullerton College’s strategic efforts to provide flexible options for students with busy schedules.
“The remote flexibility has allowed me to take this class when I normally wouldn’t be able to,” said Plass, a professional who earned the certificate in efforts to advance his career. “I’ve enjoyed the gradual encouragement of creativity in our projects. They parallel the work assignments I have.”
“Asynchronous online courses allow GIS education to be more flexible by allowing students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. It may also be considered more accessible and inclusive compared to traditional face-to-face modalities because asynchronous formats often provide more accessible learning opportunities for individuals with disabilities,” said Diminutto. “Each of the GIS courses offered at Fullerton College provide hands-on training with industry-standard tools like ArcGIS Pro, allowing students to gain practical experience with geospatial software, as well as geographic data collection, analysis, modeling and presentation.”
The GIS Technologies Certificate is unique to the California Community College system due to its online presence, pushing the boundaries of traditional academic pathways. While the certificate program is available to current Fullerton College students, it is also open to working professionals looking to advance their careers and expand their capabilities.
Students who complete the certificate go on to careers in public health, law enforcement, urban planning and much more.
“This certificate will increase my success and make me a more valuable employee. I can also command a higher salary,” said Cover. “I intend to continue earning certificates at Fullerton College to become more well-rounded and support my career.”
Learn more about the GIS Technologies Certificate on the Department of Geography’s website.
