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The University of Texas at Dallas
Graduate Admissions

Certificate Programs

The School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences offers seven graduate certificate programs for both degree and non-degree seeking students. Certificate programs are a valuable component of the School’s educational mission and can be an important resource for both mid-career professionals and others seeking to advance their knowledge and expertise. The Certificates are offered in: Crime and Justice Analysis, Economic and Demographic Data Analysis, Evaluation Research, Financial Economics., Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Local Government Management, and Nonprofit Management.

Graduate Certificate in City Planning

The Graduate Certificate in City Planning is a 15 credit hour Master’s level certificate. The 15 hours earned in the Certificate program will apply to the MPA degree requirements if the student meets the conditions for full admission as a graduate student to the Master’s degree. The academic focus of the certificate is the basic elements of the body of knowledge of the field of city planning. These elements include the theory and legal elements of planning, developing and implementing plans, land use management, land use law and regulation, and functional topics such as transportation and housing.   

The Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the United States. The scope and growth of this urban area create many demands for professionals whose role is to plan for and manage this urban complex. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the profession of city planning to grow by between 9%-14% by the year 2014.  The BLS further notes that, "Most new jobs for urban and regional planners will be in local government, as planners will be needed to address an array of problems associated with population growth, especially in affluent, rapidly expanding communities. For example, new housing developments require roads, sewer systems, fire stations, schools, libraries and recreation facilities that must be planned for in the midst of a consideration of budgetary constraints."

The Certificate is intended for professionals already working in city planning in the public sector, those employed in private for-profit or governmental settings who work with planning and development projects, and students without professional experience who seek to prepare themselves for careers in city planning or local government.

The 15 hours of course offerings noted below incorporate the essential knowledge base of city planning.  Students may petition the program coordinator to include other graduate courses offered by the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences as guided electives; however, courses from other institutions may not be applied to the required 15 semester credit hours. 

PA 6324 - Community Planning
PA 6330 – Basics of Development
PA 6331 – Land Use Law and Ethics

Courses 4 and 5: city planning electives, such as:

PA 6354- Transportation Planning
GISC 6381 – Geographic Information Systems Fundamentals
PA 6341 – Urban Development
PA 6342 – Local Economic Development

Graduate Certificate in Economic and Demographic Data Analysis

The Certificate in Economic and Demographic Data Analysis may be acquired by graduate degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students. For the certificate, students must complete 15 graduate hours (5 courses). Students are required to take (A) EPPS 7313 Descriptive and Inferential Statistics and EPPS 7316 Regression and Multivariate Analysis. (B) Students must choose at least one of the following courses: ECON 6306 Applied Econometrics or EPPS 7318 Structural Equation and Multilevel (Hierarchical) Modeling or EPPS 7344 Categorical and Limited Dependent Variables. (C) In addition, two other empirically oriented courses must be completed. Students should check with the Director of the Certificate Program or the program office for details as to the list of acceptable courses.

Students seeking the certificate who do not plan to seek a degree should (1) submit an application and (2) an undergraduate transcript. No GRE score is required. Note: (a) up to 15 hours of coursework taken as a non-degree seeking student can be applied later to a graduate degree (b) currently enrolled students may use up to 9 hours of courses required for their degree for the certificate. Non degree seeking students interested in continuing their graduate education must formally apply to the university and their program of interest to be considered for admission.

Graduate Certificate in Evaluation Research

A graduate-level certificate program in Evaluation Research is offered jointly by the Schools of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences and Behavioral and Brain Sciences. Students who complete this program will have an opportunity to gain competencies in the design and implementation of program evaluations in fields such as education, health care, human services, criminal justice, and economic development. The Certificate in Evaluation Research program may be incorporated into graduate degree programs in the Schools of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences or Behavioral and Brain Sciences, or may be taken on its own by non-degree seeking students. Students in the Evaluation Research certificate program are normally expected to have completed undergraduate courses in social statistics and research design; students lacking appropriate preparation may be asked to take needed courses prior to admission to the program.

In order to receive the certificate, students must successfully complete three required courses and a two-semester long evaluation research project that culminates in a final report. The courses in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences leading to the Certificate in Evaluation Research are EPPS 7313 Descriptive and Inferential Statistics for the Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, EPPS 6352 Evaluation Research Methods in the Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, an elective course approved by the Evaluation Research certificate program coordinator, and POEC 6V91 Evaluation Research (six credit hours) for a total of 15 semester credit hours. With permission of the Evaluation Research program coordinator, students may substitute appropriate courses from the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences or prior coursework taken at other institutions. This is discussed in the Behavioral and Brain Sciences section of the catalog.

Students interested in applying for admission to the Certificate in Evaluation Research program should consult the graduate advising office in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences or the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences.

Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science (GIS)

The School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences offers a certificate in Geographic Information Systems for both novice and experienced GIScience professionals. The certificate is available to both graduate degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students. The certificate requires 15 graduate hours (5 classes).

Students seeking the GIS certificate must have completed an undergraduate degree in some area relevant to GIS. Primary admissions requirements are: (1) an application to U.T. Dallas, and (2) an undergraduate transcript. Applicants for the certificate program do not need a GRE (Graduate Record Examination) score. They should apply as "non-degree-seeking" students to the Geospatial Information Sciences program. Admissions requirements are the same for students who would simply like to take one or more of the related courses without pursuing certification.

The Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science requires the following three courses.

GISC 6381 Geographic Information Systems Fundamentals

GISC 6382 Applied GIS

GISC 6387 Geographic Information Systems Workshop

And two courses from:

GISC 6301 Geospatial Data Analysis Fundamentals

GISC 6317 Computer Programming for GIS

GISC 6325/GEOS 5325 Introduction to Remote Sensing

GISC 6383 GIS Management and Implementation

GISC 6384 Spatial Analysis and Modeling

GISC 6388 GIS Application Software Development

GISC 7310 Regression Analysis with Spatial Applications

GISC 7360 GIS Pattern Analysis

GISC 7361 Spatial Statistics

GISC 7363 Internet Mapping and Information Processing

GISC 7365/GEOS 5326 Remote Sensing Digital Image Processing

GISC 7366 Applied Remote Sensing

GEOS 5322 Global Positioning System Satellite Surveying Techniques

GEOS 5324 3D Data Capture and Ground Lidar

Other courses in Geosciences, Computer Science, Management, or Economic, Political and Policy Sciences may be applied to the certificate at the discretion of the Director of the Certificate Program. All courses applied to the Certificate must have been taken within the three year period prior to the award of the Certificate. No more than two courses can be transferred from another institution.

Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence (GeoInt)

Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) is a rapidly evolving field that demands certain technical skill sets, the ability for individual rapid critical thinking and a global awareness of supporting information for national security and other intelligence activities.  This certificate program produces graduates that have met the requirements for such professionals set forth by the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF).  

Classes are offered through the state of the art facilities housed within the Geospatial Information Sciences program in the school of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences.  The certification requires 15 graduate hours (5 classes) detailed below.  All courses taken as part of this certificate also count toward the Master of Science in Geospatial Information Sciences degree, and can be taken in conjunction with the Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems and the Graduate Certificate in Remote Sensing.  

Mission Statement

The mission of the Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence is to provide students with a broad set of skills in the areas of geographic information systems, remote sensing, geospatial statistical analysis, intelligence gathering and global positioning systems.  Courses will emphasize these skills along with the ability to find and interpret data, conduct accurate analysis, work in a professional and collaborative environment and communicate effectively. UTD geospatial intelligence certificate graduates will have demonstrated to the intelligence community that they have acquired the basic skills needed for employment in this high growth industry.  

Admission Requirements

Students seeking the Geospatial Intelligence certificate must have completed an undergraduate degree and should apply to the graduate school as "non-degree seeking" students. Admissions paperwork requires only:  

You may complete and submit an application for admission online. You should apply as a "non-degree" student to the MGIS program. You do not need a GRE (graduate record examination) score or letters of reference for admission to the certification program.   

Although applicants are not required to submit GRE scores, TOEFL scores (for International Students), or 3 letters of recommendation, but doing so will strengthen their chances of being accepted.  Competence in microcomputer use and familiarity with MS Windows and file management (directories, copying, etc.) is expected. Up to 15 hours of course work taken in the certificate program can be applied later to a graduate degree should you desire to pursue such a degree.  

Registration by Current UTD Students

Graduate students in any degree program within UT Dallas may register for GISC courses using standard registration procedures. Undergraduate students eligible for the Fast Track program may also enroll. See your program adviser regarding degree-plan credit assignment. Courses are listed under geospatial information sciences (GISC) in the UTD Class Schedule, with additional offerings under Geosciences (GEOS) and Political Economy (POEC).  

Required Courses

Five courses are required to earn the certificate:

 

Individuals experienced with GIS may have the introductory course (GISC 6381) waived at the discretion of the Certificate Director, but must take an additional course from the topics courses listed above. No more than two courses may be transferred from another institution. Courses for the Certificate must be completed within a 3-year period with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security

The graduate Certificate in Homeland Security is a 15-semester credit hour Master’s level certificate. The fifteen (15) semester credit hours in Homeland Security can be applied toward the Master of Public Affairs, the Master’s in Criminology or the Master’s in International Political Economy degree. Students must complete all requirements for full admission as a graduate student to apply these courses to a Master’s degree.

Strengthening the preparedness of the U.S requires a body of trained professionals in homeland security. The relative novelty of homeland security as a field of practice and study further strengthens the need for expanding the training and educational needs of both current homeland security professionals and other professionals with an interest in moving in to a career in homeland security. The certificate is directed to homeland security professionals and those aspiring to such employment in both government and business.

The certificate in Homeland Security emphasizes the strategic dynamics of prevention and response with a special emphasis on intelligence-led policing. This approach requires increased collaboration and information sharing across organizations and jurisdictions. This approach also requires information sharing across both public and private entities to move intelligence to end-user and responders in a rapid manner. Finally, intelligence led policing requires strong analytical tools and effective planning to effect successful security of the nation.

Requirements for admission to the certificate program are the same as for a non-degree seeking graduate student.

Students receiving the certificate may choose to sit for the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Certificate in Emergency Management. The Homeland Security Certificate is housed in the Public Affairs program within the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences.  

The Homeland Security Certificate requires completion of five (5) graduate courses (15 credit hours) from among the following six offerings.  

PA 6351 Introduction to Homeland Security

PA 6353 Emergency Management
PA 6371 Pre-emptive Strategies and Tactics
PA 7307 Information Sharing and Communication
PA 7308 Social Networks and Intelligence-Led Policing
PA 7309 Protecting Critical Resources and Infrastructure

Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management

The School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences offers a Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management for local government professionals and for MPA students who desire to broaden their knowledge of important issues and approaches employed by professional local public administrators.  Local governments in the United States play an important role in our democratic system.  They are the place in our democratic system where citizens have the most direct contact with elected and appointed officials on numerous issues. 

Local government managers operate in a complex legal and political environment.  They are responsible for the provision of varied services directly to citizens, such as land use planning, law enforcement, water and sewer services, and recreation.  Both the method and quality of service delivery are greatly influenced by managers who are hired by elected officials.  The management of cities and counties has become increasingly professional over the past several decades.  How the professional staff delivers services to the public within the political environment in which it works is the topic of many of the courses in this program.

Requirements for admission to the certificate program are the same as for a non-degree seeking graduate student. 

The Local Government Management Certificate requires completion of five (5) graduate courses (15 credit hours) in local government management. The courses taken for this certificate will apply to the MPA degree requirements if the student meets the conditions for full admission as a graduate student to the Master’s degree. Permission of the Public Affairs Program advisor must be obtained for the two elective courses.  

Course 1: Human Resource Management (PA 6345)

Course 2: Government Financial Management and Budgeting (PA 6321)

Course 3: Local Government Management (PA 6344)

Courses 4 and 5: Two local government electives, such as:

Local Economic Development (PA 6342)

Quality and Productivity in Government (PA 6300)

Information Systems in Policy Environments (PA 6318)

Community Planning (PA 6324)  

Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management

Nonprofit organizations constitute an increasingly significant sector of the American economy as well as an essential element in American civic life. Nonprofits are found in such diverse fields as health care, education, human services, and criminal justice, as well as in cultural and civic activities. Faced with resource constraints and rising demands for accountability, nonprofit organizations require professional managers with an understanding of both administrative principles and techniques and of the distinctive legal, economic, and social environment within which nonprofits operate.

The Certificate in Nonprofit Management is designed to provide an overview of the nature and context of nonprofit organizations combined with skill-based courses to develop the competencies needed by nonprofit managers. The Certificate is intended for professionals already working in the nonprofit sector, those working in private for-profit or governmental settings who would like to work or volunteer in the nonprofit sector, and students without professional experience who seek to prepare themselves for nonprofit careers.

Completion of fifteen (15) semester credit hours are required to attain the Certificate in Nonprofit Management. Requirements include three core courses and two guided electives from the list below. Students may petition the program coordinator to include other graduate courses offered by the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences as guided electives. Courses from other institutions may not be applied to the required fifteen semester credit hours.

Core Courses – Nine (9) Hours

PA 6316 Leadership in Public and Nonprofit Organizations
PA 6380/SOC 6380 Nonprofit Organizations
PA 6382/SOC 6381 Nonprofit Management

Guided Electives – Six (6) Hours from the following:

EPPS 6352 Evaluation Research Methods in EPPS

PA 6311 Public Management

PA 6320 Organizational Theory
PA 6345 Human Resources Management
PA 6374 Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations
PA 7v63 Research Workshop in Nonprofit Organization

SOC 6340 Domestic Social Policy

Graduate Certificate in Remote Sensing

The Remote Sensing Certificate is administered jointly by the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences and the Department of Geosciences. The American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (1997) defines remote sensing as the art, science, and technology of obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment through the process of recording, measuring and interpreting imagery and digital representations of energy patterns derived from non-contact sensor systems. Remote sensing involves a powerful set of computerized software and hardware, and sophisticated mathematical, statistical and logical techniques for extraction and presentation of information acquired via non-contact sensors. It provides reliable and cost-effective means of studying the Earth’s surface for urban planning, natural resources management and protection, and a wide variety of other fields. Government and non-government organizations continuously seek qualified professionals to use remote sensing for a wide range of applications.

Students seeking the Remote Sensing Certificate must have completed an undergraduate degree in some relevant area. Primary admissions requirements are: (1) an application to U.T. Dallas, and (2) an undergraduate transcript. Applicants for the certificate program do not need a GRE (Graduate Record Examination) score. They should apply as "non-degree-seeking" students to the Geospatial Information Sciences program. Admissions requirements are the same for students who would simply like to take one or more of the related courses without pursuing certification.

The Graduate Certificate in Remote Sensing requires 15 credits earned through the following courses:

GISC 6325/GEOS 5325 Introduction to Remote Sensing

GISC 6381 Introduction to GIS

GISC 7365/GEOS 5326 Remote Sensing Digital Image Processing

GISC 7366 Applied Remote Sensing

GISC 7367/GEOS 7327 Remote Sensing Workshop

 

Last Updated: September 28, 2011