Campus certificates are designed to provide student with a baccalaureate degree (BA or equivalent) the opportunity to improve their skills and gain a credential to advance in their chosen career path. Certificate programs are open to both graduate students who are currently enrolled in the Department of Urban Planning and Policy and to graduate non-degree students admitted to the GSAV certificate program. For more information on certificate programs, including academic policies, coursework, and how to apply, visit this page.
Geospatial Analysis and Visualization (GSAV)
The campus certificate program in Geospatial Analysis and Visualization (GSAV) will develop students’ skills in the spatial analysis and visualization of data, including analyzing the relationships, interactions, and the development of maps and models that communicate complex information to their audiences. Students in the GSAV Campus Certificate will learn visualization theory and the effective use of various visualization tools. They will also recognize when, how, and with which audience each of these tools will be most appropriately used. GSAV students will also develop basic skills in computer visualization and GIS, including knowledge of data management and manipulation, composition, spatial analysis, and cartography and map design.
All students will develop a working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems, and each student will develop more advanced skills in a particular aspect of geospatial analysis and visualization (advanced visualization techniques, Geographic Information Systems, or complexity-based modeling for planning and policy). Students will be able to develop skills in specific computer technologies and software packages currently used in professional settings (including image processing, agent-based modeling, and web authoring tools) and will also be able to effectively address both the conceptual and technical issues of how to make complex information clear and effective for diverse audiences.
Public Transit Planning and Management (PTPM)
A 12-credit, three course campus certificate focused on the design, funding, and operations of public transit systems, including paratransit. The Public Transit Planning & Management (PTPM) Certificate is designed for persons interested in a public transit career, public transit professionals who wish to receive state-of-the-art instruction in transit finance and funding, management, planning and methods and advance along a chosen career path within public transit agencies and non-profit organizations.
The PTPM certificate curriculum focuses on how each function operates within a transit system, the dynamic interrelationship between the functions in the management of public transit systems, the complicated context of a transit agency, and how to effectively communicate within that context.
Knowledge and skills developed:
- Funding and finance of transportation projects
- Federal legislation and state, regional and municipal planning and government bodies in development,
- Transportation and land use
- Bus, rail, and paratransit scheduling, demand management, commuter benefits and marketing strategies
- Data collection and management issues
- Performance evaluation methodologies
- Safety and security issues
- Human resources and labor relations
Interdepartmental Graduate Concentration
in Survey Research Methodology
The Department offers students the opportunity to participate in CUPPA's Survey Research Laboratory's Interdepartmental Graduate Concentration in Survey Research Methodology. This provides UIC graduate students state-of-the-art knowledge and skills in scientifically grounded survey research methodology.
Using a multidisciplinary strategy that draws upon survey research resources across the UIC campus, the GCSRM provides a unique opportunity for systematic, integrated study of the conduct of professional survey research
For more information about this program, visit the Survey Research Laboratory's website.