Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Graduate Certificate Programs

Updated: Dec 25, 2023

A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Graduate Certificate is a technical qualification for a range of environmental and related professionals. These certifications impart niche skills and knowledge for jobs that might otherwise be closed.

This certificate is often relevant for ecology, conservation, archeology, and paleontology professionals, as well as those in urban planning, resource management, logistics, and mineral resource industries.

What Are the Online Geographic Information Systems Graduate Certificate Requirements?

GIS is available in many US universities as a graduate certificate, acting as a bolt-on for those with relevant qualifications elsewhere:

A bachelor's and a master's degree in a relevant subject (environmental degrees, as well as planning, public administration, etc.)
A minimum GPA of 2.5 on the 4.0 scale – however, some may ask for a minimum 3.0
Application form, along with the fee
Academic transcript copies as evidence of relevant subjects and grades
A short personal statement on what interests you about GIS and why you want to study there
You may be asked to complete a short exam question about a current matter for GIS
If you do not speak English as a primary language, certification in an official language course will be expected. Options include TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE. DuoLingo is acceptable also
Letters of recommendation: Two or three are typical. Employer references will usually be accepted if a substantial amount of time has passed

What Type of Classes Are Included in the Online Geographic Information Systems Certificate Curriculum?

GIS Graduate Certificate students will usually cover the following study areas, some are core courses, and some are electives:

Geospatial Statistics
GIS Applications
Remote Sensing
Digital Image Processing
Programming for Geospatial Applications
GIS for Emergency Management
Geovisualization and Cartography
Open-Source Solutions for Geospatial Project Management
Concepts for Spatial Thinking
Spatial Data Acquisition
Spatial Databases
Geospatial Technology Project Management
Web and Mobile GIS

What Type of Career Can I Pursue with an Online Geographic Information Systems Graduate Certificate?

Graduate Certificates in GIS provide skills that could enable you to work in the following roles:

GIS Technician: The main (and usually first) step on the career path is a GIS operative – somebody who uses the technology. You can work in conversation, minerals extraction, urban planning, and other industries.
Cartographic Technician: The presentation of digestible maps is useful in a range of industries – military, construction, regional planning, health, and census and demographics.
Land Survey Technician: Working mostly in construction, you will use a range of skills – both technical and analytical – to determine the suitability of a site for whatever purpose your employer needs it.
GIS Analyst: You may work with and manipulate GIS data, but your main task will be to interpret and report on a GIS data set, sometimes for stakeholders or the general public.
Geodesist: Your job is to measure the Earth, its features, and distances, for (typically) academic purposes. You will also use GIS systems and satellite data.
Geoint Analyst: Working specifically in the military, you will analyze satellite data, aerial photography and interpret maps for key features of interest. This is for both operational planning and monitoring purposes.
Remote Sensing Analyst: While you may use some GIS, your main job will be to use remote sensing equipment to build a data set for GIS professionals.
GIS Administrator: Rather than handling and analyzing data, you will be responsible for managing and administering the database that GIS technicians will use. More of a systems admin role.
GIS Project Manager: Oversee individual GIS projects, procuring equipment, overseeing a budget, hiring, and resource allocation for specific short-term tasks. You may also be expected to make presentations.