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Geographic information systems—they power our navigation technology, civil engineering projects, emergency response, resource management efforts, and so many other place-based industries. Maybe you already work in one of these fields and find yourself in need of additional GIS training. Perhaps you’re shifting streams and would like a quick introduction to GIS tools & technologies. Well, you’ve come to the right place!
Can You Earn a GIS Certificate Online?
Yes! Whether you prefer a large public school like Penn State or a private research university like USC, numerous reputable GIS certificate programs from accredited universities are available nationwide. Because GIS is such a technical discipline, the coursework required for a certificate can often be conducted virtually. Almost a third of the 300+ GIS certificate programs in our directory are offered online!
Undergraduate GIS certificates are usually supplemental to bachelor’s degrees (in other words, if you’re already enrolled in an undergraduate program, you can complete the GIS certificate coursework alongside your undergraduate degree and receive the certificate at graduation). Graduate GIS certificates are often standalone. You can apply to the program directly and enroll in one or two courses at a time, which is perfect for working professionals. Take two courses per semester and you’ll usually finish within a year. These are the certificates we profile in our rankings.
If you’re considering an online graduate certificate, first make sure that you’ll receive university credits for your efforts. Then ask the program coordinator if you’ll be able to transfer these credits to a relevant master’s degree within the same university. You don’t have to make a decision about the MS now, but it’s always good to leave the door open. That’s why we’ve highlighted graduate certificate -> master’s degree pathways in the profiles.
GIS Certificate Rankings Methodology
We had a number of ground rules for our rankings. To start with, all online graduate programs had to be offered by regionally accredited universities with non-profit status. We also decided to exclude any certificates that were a) at the undergraduate level; or b) non-credit bearing. That means you won’t see programs that lead to Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Once we had narrowed the field, we created an algorithm that considered both reputation and price. Each school earned points for appearing in relevant U.S. News & World Report rankings (e.g. geography, earth science, environment/ecology, or geoscience). We also gave an additional point to schools with affordable tuition prices. Take the average of these elements and you have our top 20. Because of the tuition element, you’ll notice that prestigious schools like USC rank a little lower than more affordable options.
How Rankings Changed in 2025
There hasn’t been a huge amount of movement in our rankings since last year. Remarkably, tuition prices for five GIS programs stayed the same! Even better, online graduate certificate programs at the top 4 schools are still under $10,000. The University of Wisconsin Madison and the University of Arizona held firm our #1 and #2 spots, but the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign and the University of Florida have moved up into the top 5.
The University of Arkansas and Northern Arizona cracked our top 15 for the first time. We love the fact that Oregon State and U of A’s certificates will prepare you for professional certifications (e.g. GISP). To give you a wider choice of specialties, we’ve expanded our rankings to 20 schools. For example, geospatial intelligence students could consider Texas A&M, Penn State, USC, and—new for 2025—George Mason University.
In our research, we had to exclude a number of top-tier universities that were offering GIS certificates through their Extension Schools. Excluded programs were UCLA Extension’s Online Certificate in GIS and Geospatial Technology with undergraduate-level coursework; UC San Diego Extended Studies’s Online Certificate in GIS with undergraduate-level coursework; and UW Seattle Professional & Continuing Education’s non-credit Online Certificate in GIS.
These may be great online programs for folks who are seeking initial GIS training! However, these three programs don’t lead to a graduate qualification. If you’re considering a certificate from an Extension School, take a moment to ask about credit & transfer policies. It’s a critical step for those who are considering further university education.
Top 20 Online Graduate Certificates in GIS
1 University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview | Online Certificates in GIS
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: Cartography; GIS Fundamentals; Geocomputing (GIS Fundamentals) | Spatial Databases; Interactive Cartography & Geovisualization; Spatial Web & Mobile Programming + More (Advanced GIS)
- Estimated Total Cost: $9,600
- Accreditation: HLC
Program Summary
Match your GIS coursework to your skill level. UWM offers 100% online graduate certificates in GIS Fundamentals and Advanced GIS. Both are 12-credit programs that can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis. Put your foot on the accelerator and you can finish all three asynchronous courses in one semester.
- If you’re looking to land your first GIS job, you can use the GIS Fundamentals Certificate to study foundational topics such as cartographic concepts & map design, spatial data & analysis, and coding in Python.
- If you’re interested in exploring specialty areas in GIS, you can choose the Advanced GIS Certificate and select three challenging courses in a range of subjects (e.g. spatial web & mobile programming, UI & UX design, advanced spatial analysis, etc.).
Keep in mind that these are “Capstone Certificate” programs offered by the Division of Continuing Studies. Credits from these certificates won’t lead directly to a degree within the Graduate School but they can be applied to UWM’s budget-friendly Online MS Cartography & GIS – GIS Development with a capstone & practicum. For more info, examine the FAQs for Prospective Students of GIS Professional Programs.
2 University of Arizona
Overview | Online Graduate Certificate in Professional Geographic Information Systems Technology (P-GIST)
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: GIS; Remote Sensing Science; GIS Programming & Automation; Web GIS; Open Source GIS + More
- Estimated Total Cost: $7,380
- Accreditation: HLC
Program Summary
Build your own qualification with UA’s Online Graduate Certificate in Professional Geographic Information Systems Technology (P-GIST). Students are allowed to select 9 credits of graduate-level coursework in a large number of GIST subjects. Budding GIS programmers might be interested in programming and automation techniques using ModelBuilder & Python. Data lovers might wish to explore the uses of raster & vector spatial analysis. The choice is up to you!
UA is a solid name to have on your résumé. GIS programs tend to earn good reviews from alumni. GIS professors have a reputation for being helpful & proactive. And the School of Geography, Development & Environment is big enough to support some intriguing research projects—check out the work being done in remote sensing, spatial modelling, and climate adaptation. Better yet, credits from this certificate can be transferred to UA’s Online MS in Geographic Information Systems Technology (GIST).
3 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Overview | Online Certificate in CyberGIS and Geospatial Data Science
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: GIS; CyberGIS & Geospatial Data Science; Geospatial Visualization & Visual Analytics; Geospatial AI & Machine Learning; High-Performance Geospatial Computing + More
- Estimated Total Cost: $9,060
- Accreditation: HLC
Program Summary
Put yourself on the leading edge of GIS technology with UIUC’s “micro-credential.” With the Online Certificate in CyberGIS and Geospatial Data Science, you get to choose from a range of fascinating courses to create your own 12-credit curriculum. You can start with a course in GIS fundamentals or remote sensing. Or you can plunge straight into high-level work with Python, AI and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms, and advanced spatial analysis. All courses are 100% online and 8 weeks in length.
UIUC is an excellent choice for folks who have a BS in a physical science discipline. The Department of Geography & Geographic Information Science (GGIS) has a dedicated CyberGIS Center for Advanced Digital & Spatial Studies. Online courses include opportunities to interact with UIUC professors & students in labs, meetings, and group discussions. And certificate credits can easily be applied to the Online MS in CyberGIS and Geospatial Data Science. See the FAQs section for more details.
UIUC’s Online Certificate in CyberGIS and Geospatial Data Science
4 University of Florida
Overview | Online Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems for Urban & Regional Planners
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: GIS; Planning Information Systems; Web Mapping & Visualization + Elective in Urban Spatial Analysis; 3D Geospatial Visualization; Automation for Geospatial Modeling & Analysis
- Estimated Total Cost: $8,100
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program Summary
Planners will have a field day with UF’s Online Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems for Urban & Regional Planners. This 12-credit, four-course certificate is packed with coursework in GIS methods & applications. You’ll be exposed to ArcGIS, open source software such as QGIS, and more. You’ll be required to take three asynchronous courses in GIS fundamentals—including web mapping & visualization—but you can add an elective in an area such as urban spatial analysis.
This focused certificate is the result of a collaboration between UF’s Department of Urban & Regional Planning and the GeoPlan Center. So you may wish to take a moment to look at GeoPlan research projects in environmental management, land use planning, transportation planning, and public health. GIS certificate credits can be counted as electives in the Online Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP). Tuition is eminently reasonable. And the entire program takes 12-16 months to complete. See the FAQs for more info.
UF’s Online Graduate Certificate in GIS for Urban & Regional Planners
5 Texas A&M University – College Station
Overview | Online Certificates in GIS & Geoscience Topics
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: Choose from: GIS; Geospatial Intelligence; Geoscience Data Management
- Estimated Total Cost: $15,048-$18,810
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program Summary
Take advantage of Texas A&M’s size and reputation by earning a 100% online graduate certificate. In the 12-credit Geographic Information Science (GIS) program, you can build up your skills through introductory, intermediate, and advanced-level GIS coursework. Or you could opt for the 15-credit Geospatial Intelligence program offered by the College of Geosciences and the Bush School of Government and Public Service. Or the 12-credit certificate in Geoscience Data Management with coursework in data quality & governance. Each to their own!
Texas A&M’s Department of Geography is known for its connections to petroleum, its interest in coastal resources & landscape and urban planning, and its commitment to GIST research. Because of this, we recommend you ask the program coordinator whether you can collaborate with any industry partners during your course projects. The university has plenty of ties to big Texas companies. Thinking about using these credits for a graduate degree? Check out the Online Master of Geoscience (MGsc).
6 Oregon State University
Overview | Online Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science (GIScience)
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: Introduction to GIS; Remote Sensing + Electives in Geospatial Intelligence; Satellite Image Analysis; Programming for Geospatial Analysis; Internship + More
- Estimated Total Cost: $10,849
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Program Summary
Oregon State has studded their 19-credit Online Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science (GIScience) with unique features. In addition to learning the fundamentals of GIS and remote sensing, you’ll be able to select three electives in a range of topics. You can opt to participate in a 10-week internship and complete a relevant work project. And you can apply certificate credits to the GISP (Certified GIS Professional) credential or the Online Master of Natural Resources (MNR).
Plus you’ll be earning your qualification from an up-and-comer. Oregon State’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences has an outstanding reputation in oceanography. It’s a member of the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS). And faculty are doing some fascinating research work in geospatial technologies. This certificate is open to candidates with a bachelor’s degree in any field, but applicants should have at least two years of experience working in a field or organization related to GIS.
7 Pennsylvania State University – World Campus
Overview | Online Certificates in GIS & Geospatial Topics
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: Choose from: GIS; Geospatial Intelligence Analytics; Geospatial Programming & Web Map Development; Remote Sensing & Earth Observation
- Estimated Total Cost: $12,324-$15,405
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Program Summary
You’ll be a kid in a GIS candy store at Penn State. The university offers all sorts of Online Certificates in GIS & Geospatial Topics—from remote sensing to programming, you’re sure to find something in your area of interest. For instance, GIS newcomers might wish to start by following the traditional track in the 12-credit Postbaccalaureate Certificate in GIS. But current GEOINT professionals should definitely check out the 15-credit Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence Analytics that’s accredited by the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF).
Penn State’s graduate certificates in GIS & geospatial topics are 100% online. You can study full-time or part-time and apply your credits toward Penn State’s graduate degrees, including the Online Master of GIS (MGIS) and Online Master of Science in Spatial Data Science. Penn State is not cheap, but it does have a sturdy academic reputation in GIS circles. The Department of Geography participates in the Esri Innovation Program (EIP) and it’s doing some challenging research in geospatial big data analytics and spatial modeling & remote sensing.
8 University of Southern California
Overview | Online Graduate Certificates in GIST & Geospatial Topics
- Availability: 100% Online; Online + Fieldwork Excursion for GIST
- Program Focus: Choose from: Geographic Information Science & Technology (GIST); Geospatial Intelligence; Geospatial Leadership; Remote Sensing for Earth Observation (RSEO)
- Estimated Total Cost: $35,904
- Accreditation: WASC
Program Summary
USC’s Spatial Sciences Institute is one of the “big guns” in GIS, so it makes sense to see it offering a number of specialist qualifications with in-depth curricula. You’ll have the option to apply for one of four credentials:
- The Online Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) is aimed at folks who are new to the field of GIS and would like training in modern GIS software, applications, and techniques. It includes fieldwork on Catalina Island.
- The USGIF-accredited Online Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence explores how GIS is deployed in the context of military, humanitarian, and government work. Note that USC was an Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence (IC CAE) from 2019-2024.
- As the title suggests, the Online Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Leadership has been created for folks who aspire to leadership & management roles. It includes work in the geospatial project lifecycle, risk management, and more.
- The Online Graduate Certificate in Remote Sensing for Earth Observation (RSEO) is saturated in remote sensing data. You’ll study its use in human security and environmental applications and design & implement a GIS-based project.
Certificate coursework is delivered through the university’s own DEN@Dornsife platform and practical exercises with ArcGIS Pro can be accessed through virtual desktops & servers. All 16-unit certificates can be finished in 8 months on a full-time schedule. If you’re worried about the hefty price, take a look at the financial aid section and ideas for scholarships.
USC’s Online Graduate Certificates in GIST & Geospatial Topics
9 University of Connecticut
Overview | Online Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Availability: 100% Online or Hybrid
- Program Focus: GIS Fundamentals; GIS Applications + Electives in Web GIS; Mobile GIS; GIS for Health & Environment; Spatial Data Analysis + More
- Estimated Total Cost: $11,100
- Accreditation: NECHE
Program Summary
Do you have little or no experience in GIS? Are you interested in acquiring GIS skills for your current job or research work? Check out UConn’s 12-credit Online Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It contains two courses in GIS fundamentals & applications (e.g. ArcGIS, spatial analysis, cartographic production, etc.) and two electives in GIS fields. You might opt for a field-specific course like GIS for Health & Environment or focus on technical skills (e.g. Python).
Have a look at the faculty profiles and FAQ section to learn more about the program. Courses are taught by professors within UConn’s Department of Geography and credits can be applied to the Online Master of Energy and Environmental Management (MEEM). Since it’s only 12 credits, you’ll be in & out quickly. This online certificate can be dusted off in one year with two courses per semester or two years with one course per semester.
10 University of Arkansas
Overview | Online Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Technologies
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: Geospatial Data Analysis; Geospatial Technologies Computational Toolkit; Spatial Analysis (ArcGIS); Geospatial Data Mining; Geodatabases; Geospatial Applications & Info Science or Geospatial Data Science in Public Health
- Estimated Total Cost: $8,930
- Accreditation: HLC
Program Summary
U of A’s Online Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Technologies features everything we love about a certificate program. It’s 18 credits, but up to 6 hours can be waived through proficiency exams. It will prepare you for three professional certifications: GISP, Esri’s Certified ArcGIS Desktop Associate, and Geospatial Intern recognition through ASPRS. And it’s packed with hands-on training in programming and geospatial skills based on GTCM standards.
This certificate owes its existence to U of A’s Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies (CAST), which focuses on research, education, and outreach related to geoinformatics and geomatics. View the faculty directory to learn about your potential professors. Or browse through CAST’s project websites and research capabilities. If you take three courses per semester, you can finish in two semesters. However, you may wish to space your calendar out to part-time study.
U of A’s Online Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Technologies
11 University of Wyoming
Overview | Online Graduate Certificates in GIS, UAS & Remote Sensing
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: Choose from: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with Electives; Remote Sensing with Electives; Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
- Estimated Total Cost: $6,435 (UAS) – $8,775
- Accreditation: HLC
Program Summary
It’s all hands on deck—or, at least, on geospatial data—at UW. This wilderness university offers 15-credit online certificates in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing, as well as a practical 11-credit online certificate in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) with drone training and a 2-credit, field-based flight school. The GIS and Remote Sensing certificates are a mix of core courses (e.g. programming, spatial modeling, remote sensing & GIS data integration, etc.) and relevant electives in GIST topics. Either can be completed in one year.
Sounding useful? Have a look at the Wyoming Geographic Information Science Center (WyGISC) and the Wyoming Geospatial Hub to see if it feels like the right fit. It’s worth mentioning that UW is a member of the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS) and the AmericaView Consortium for remote sensing education and research. Credits from the GIS and Remote Sensing certificates can also be applied to UW’s Online Professional MS in Geospatial Information Science and Technology (GIST).
UW’s Online Graduate Certificates in GIS, UAS & Remote Sensing
12 Northern Arizona University
Overview | Online Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: GIS & Map Design; Spatial Analysis & GIS Applications; Programming for GIS; Geovisualization; Geographic Data Analysis; Enterprise Geodatabases & GIS Project Management
- Estimated Total Cost: $11,036
- Accreditation: HLC
Program Summary
At NAU, you can customize the Online Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to suit your level of expertise! For example, GIS newbies may wish to take two foundation courses in GIS and spatial analysis before opting for credits in relevant skillsets (e.g. programming). But anyone involved in large-scale projects might wish to consider studies in GIS project management and geovisualization. Four courses/16 units are required for graduation.
Before applying, investigate NAU’s Department of Geography, Planning & Recreation, its remote sensing work in the Sonoran Desert, and its Online Master of Science in Geographic Information Science with Remote Sensing. The graduate certificate can be pursued & completed concurrently with a degree program or as a standalone qualification. If you’re willing to commit to two 4-unit courses per semester, you’ll be able to finish in two semesters.
13 Utah State University
Overview | Online Certificate in Geographic Information Science (GIS)
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: GIS for Natural Resource Applications; Python Programming for GIS; Principles of Remote Sensing of Natural Resources; Geospatial Analysis for Natural Resource Management
- Estimated Total Cost: $6,744
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Program Summary
Pay attention to the course descriptions in USU’s affordable Online Certificate in Geographic Information Science (GIS). In this 12-credit program from the Quinney College of Natural Resources, there’s a fair amount of emphasis on natural resource management & data, including vegetation and habitat classification, soil mapping, and land use. Having said that, you’ll still receive plenty of practice in general GIS applications, raster/vector analyses, remote sensing, and programming with Python.
Complete all four courses successfully and you can finish this highly affordable online certificate in one year. Stick it on your shortlist if you’re interested in jobs in science & resource management, conservation, forestry, and environmental consulting. You may be able to select electives offered through the Natural Resources Distance Learning Consortium. Certificate credits can also be applied toward USU’s Online Master of Natural Resources (MNR).
14 University of Memphis
Overview | Online Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Availability: 100% Online or Hybrid
- Program Focus: GIS; Advanced GIS; Capstone Project + Elective Or Internship
- Estimated Total Cost: $7,752
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program Summary
You’ll gain plenty of practical experience in UofM’s 12-credit Online Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In addition to standard training in GIS applications & methods, the four-course curriculum features a “modular” elective that focuses on work within a variety of GIS domains (e.g. mapping and visualization, analytics, scripting and development, etc.) or an internship. You’ll finish with a mandatory capstone GIS project.
Intrigued? Pay a quick visit to UofM’s SAGE Laboratory to learn more about the university’s GIS credentials and current research projects. It’s done some in-depth work on the geographic spread of COVID-19 and public health. You may also want to browse through the FAQ section and alumni profiles. Unlike other certificate programs, UofM accepts up to 9 credits of experiential learning for current GISPs. That means the only remaining requirement for certified professionals is a capstone!
15 Ohio University
Overview | Online Graduate Certificate: GIS & Cartography
- Availability: 100% Online
- Program Focus: Principles of GIS; Cartography & Web-Mapping Technologies
- Estimated Total Cost: $6,372
- Accreditation: HLC
Program Summary
New to GIS? Be sure to investigate OU’s introductory Online GIS Certificate: GIS & Cartography. It includes fundamental coursework in GIS principles and cartography, including common web-mapping technologies (e.g. Javascript, ArcGIS Online, MapBox, etc.), and no prior background in GIS is required for admission. If you take one course per semester, this certificate will take three semesters to complete.
Ohio University’s Department of Geography isn’t as big as some of the other research powerhouses in our rankings, but it has a highly affordable tuition rate and a low student-to-faculty ratio. You may find you get a little more attention in your online classes than you would in other programs. In addition, professors from the Department and environmental specialists from the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service present at the university’s GIS Day each year.
Best Online Graduate Certificate in GIS Rankings Continued: #16-20
| 16. | Miami University Ohio | Online Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science (GIS) | $18,896 |
| 17. | George Mason University | Online Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence | $32,063 |
| 18. | North Carolina State University | Online Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) | $20,740 |
| 19. | University of Denver | Online Graduate Certificates in GIS Topics | $13,344 |
| 20. | East Tennessee State University | Online Graduate Certificate in GIS | $9,666 |
Online vs. On-Campus GIS Certificates
Coursework for GIS certificates involves developing proficiency with GIS and remote sensing software, but gone are the days where you have to go to an on-campus computer lab to finish your homework! Because GIS is such a technical discipline, labs & projects can usually be completed virtually.
Part of the onboarding for online programs involves setting up licenses for you to access GIS software on your personal computer. Then you’ll enroll in classes that you can participate in right from the comfort of your home.
Before you commit to a program, find out if the certificate courses are offered in an asynchronous, study-in-your-own-time format or have synchronous, real-time components (e.g. Zoom meetings). Ask the program coordinator if you will have to pay for any of the software. A number of schools have licensing partnership agreements with Esri. And see if you can “sit in” on a class or take a tour so you can understand how technical coursework is taught.
There are some benefits to in-person learning. For instance, you may prefer direct interaction with professors and classmates, hands-on experiences with equipment, and dedicated computer lab space to complete your assignments. To address this, some GIS certificate programs offer a blended or hybrid approach to their curriculum. Local students have the option to attend in person, while the coursework is simultaneously broadcast online to students at home, or even recorded to be viewed at a more convenient time.
What Makes an Online GIS Certificate Program Worthwhile?
An online GIS certificate is worthwhile only to the degree that it teaches you material that you couldn’t have learned on your own. There are plenty of GIS courses & tools that are cheap or free to the public. What you’re looking for is a program that will show you how to apply those skills to your chosen industry. Keep an eye out for certificates that include fieldwork, capstones, internships, and/or practicums in the curriculum.
Remember, too, that paying for a GIS certificate at a university gives you access to all of that institution’s resources, including departmental connections with industry partners. If you skim through the profiles in our rankings, you’ll notice that each program has unique selling points. Think of elements like:
- Specific majors (e.g. Geospatial Leadership) that are backed by work being done within GIS institutes at the university (e.g. USC’s Spatial Sciences Institute).
- GIS electives that are taught by faculty who are leading research projects in that area (e.g. University of Florida and urban planning).
- The option to train for professional certification (e.g. GISP) at the same time as you are earning graduate credits.
Even with online studies, the university’s location does make a difference! For example, you might consider Oregon State and USC for oceanography work, the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University for desert & climate adaptation projects, and Utah State University for forestry studies.
When in doubt, talk to recent alumni. (Many folks list their university qualifications on their LinkedIn profiles). Ask them if the online curriculum was up-to-date, the faculty were still working in the field, and if the GIS certificate led to better job offers & opportunities.
Sample Curriculum for an Intro-Level GIS Certificate
Let’s say you’re a GIS novice who would like to earn an online certificate in order to get baseline training in the field. Here are three common foundational courses that you might be required to complete:
- Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis: You’ll need preliminary training in how to use the software upon which this discipline is built. The curriculum will also include some examples of how to apply that training to spatial problems. Some certificate programs will even require students to take a course like this as a prerequisite.
- Database Management, Data Visualization, or Cartography: You’ll learn about different data types in your introductory course, but in order to become proficient with GIS, you need a deeper understanding of how to store, manage, organize, and display geospatial data.
- An Introduction to Remote Sensing: Remote sensing is the study of satellite-derived data and imagery. Raster data is a large component of the GIS discipline, and it’s important to understand metrics on satellite types (including revisit periods, resolution, and bands) and pixel data (like land use/land cover, digital terrain models, elevation and slope, etc.).
In addition to these basic courses, GIS certificates will usually require one to three more advanced electives. Choose your program carefully based on whether it offers electives that appeal to you. Examples of further coursework include:
- Spatial Statistics: Being able to calculate complex metrics on spatial data is often a key component of analytics in the real world.
- Web GIS, Mobile GIS, or Open-Source GIS: A course like this will expand your understanding of geospatial platforms.
- Programming and Scripting for GIS: Learning automation of spatial processes and how to develop advanced web map applications will take your GIS education to the next level. Python is one of the most popular topics.
Why Choose a Certificate in GIS?
A GIS certificate may be right for you if you’re an architect, a local government employee, a utility or resource manager, an environmentalist, forester, farmer, or anyone interested in developing a relationship between technology and their surrounding landscape. Your busy schedule, long commute, or tight budget may prevent you from going back to school full time, but an additional qualification could take your career to the next level.
What’s more, an online graduate certificate gives you chance to test the waters without committing to a full-length degree. At top-tier schools, you’ll learn from professors who are experts in their field and you’ll collaborate with switched-on students who can then become part of your widening professional network.
Perhaps best of all, because the university isn’t charging you for the use of on-campus resources, the tuition rates are considerably more affordable. Most colleges don’t even differentiate between in-state and out-of-state students for online programs. If they do, the price difference is often negligible for certificates. Some programs charge per course (e.g., Michigan State University charges $875 per core course and $500–$1,000 per specialized elective) whereas others will charge per credit hour (e.g., Penn State costs about $1,000 per credit).
Once you decide to opt for a university qualification, you’ll be spoiled for choice. There are scores of accredited GIS certificate programs in our rankings and directory, so start exploring your options today!
All Online GIS Certificate Programs
104 Schools Found
Alabama
Auburn University at Montgomery
Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences
Montgomery, Alabama
Samford University
Department of Geography & Sociology
Birmingham, Alabama
Troy University
Continuing Education and Outreach
Troy, Alabama
Arizona
Arizona State University
School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning
Tempe, Arizona
Northern Arizona University
Department of Geography, Planning, and Recreation
Flagstaff, Arizona
University of Arizona
School of Geography, Development, and Environment
Tucson, Arizona
Arkansas
University of Arkansas
Department of Geosciences
Fayetteville, Arkansas
University of Central Arkansas
Department of Geography
Conway, Arkansas
California
California State University-Fullerton
Department of Geography & the Environment
Fullerton, California
Foothill College
Department of Geographic Information Systems Technology
Los Altos Hills, California
Humboldt State University
Department of Environmental Science & Management
Arcata, California
Geospatial Certificate of Study
Offered Online
Mount St. Mary's College
Department of Sociology
Los Angeles, California
Palomar College
Department of Earth, Space, and Environmental Sciences
San Marcos, California
San Bernardino Valley College
Department of Geographic Information Systems
San Bernardino, California
San Francisco State University
College of Professional and Global Education
San Francisco, California
University of California-Los Angeles
Department of Geography
Los Angeles, California
University of California-San Diego
Extended Studies
La Jolla, California
University of Redlands
Department of Geographic Information Science
Redlands, California
Graduate Certificate in GIS
Offered Online
University of Southern California
Spatial Sciences Institute
Los Angeles, California
Colorado
Colorado School of Mines
Geology and Geological Engineering Department
Golden, Colorado
Graduate Certificate in GeoInformatics
Offered Online
University of Colorado Boulder
Ann and H.J. Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences Department
Boulder, Colorado
Graduate Certificate in Remote Sensing
Offered Online
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences
Denver, Colorado
University of Denver
University College
Denver, Colorado
Connecticut
University of Connecticut
Department of Natural Resources & the Environment
Groton, Connecticut | Stamford, Connecticut
Florida
Brevard Community College
Department of Computer Information Technology
Cocoa, Florida
The University of West Florida
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Pensacola, Florida
University of Florida
Geography Department
Gainesville, Florida
Georgia
Georgia State University
Department of Geosciences
Atlanta, Georgia
University of West Georgia
Department of Geosciences
Carrollton, Georgia
Idaho
Boise State University
Department of Geological Information Systems
Boise, Idaho
College of Western Idaho
Department of Geography
Nampa, Idaho
Illinois
Harper College
Department of Geography
Palatine, Illinois
Northern Illinois University
Department of Geographic and Atmospheric Sciences
Dekalb, Illinois
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Department of Geography & Geographic Information Science
Champaign, Illinois
Indiana
Ball State University
Department of Geography and Meteorology
Muncie, Indiana
Iowa
Upper Iowa University
Department of Science and Mathematics
Fayette, Iowa
Kansas
Fort Hays State University
Department of Geosciences
Hays, Kansas
Kentucky
University of Louisville
Department of Geography and Geosciences
Louisville, Kentucky
Western Kentucky University
Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Maine
Unity College
Distance Education
Unity, Maine
University of Maine at Machias
Division of Environmental and Biological Sciences
Machias, Maine
University of Maine
School of Computing and Information Science
Orono, Maine
University of Southern Maine
Geography-Anthropology Department
Portland, Maine
Maryland
Montgomery College
Applied Technologies Department
Rockville, Maryland
University of Maryland-College Park
Center for Geospatial Information Science
College Park, Maryland
Massachusetts
Northeastern University
College of Professional Studies
Boston, Massachusetts
Tufts University
Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning
Medford, Massachusetts
Michigan
Calvin University
Department of Geology, Geography, and Environment
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Eastern Michigan University
Department of Geography and Geology
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Ferris State University
School of Engineering and Computing Technology
Big Rapids, Michigan
Lansing Community College
Technical Careers Division
Lansing, Michigan
Michigan State University
Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences
East Lansing, Michigan
Michigan Technological University
College of Engineering
Houghton, Michigan
University of Michigan-Flint
College of Innovation & Technology
Flint, Michigan
Minnesota
Itasca Community College
Department of Science
Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Department of Resource Analysis
Winona, Minnesota
Saint Paul College-A Community and Technical College
Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Mississippi
Mississippi State University
Department of Geosciences
Mississippi State, Mississippi
Missouri
Northwest Missouri State University
Department of Humanities and Social Science
Maryville, Missouri
Park University
College of Liberal Arts and Science
Parkville, Missouri
Washington University in St Louis
Department of Geographic Information Systems
Saint Louis, Missouri
Montana
The University of Montana
Department of Geography
Missoula, Montana
Nebraska
Southeast Community College Area
Information Technology
Lincoln, Nebraska
New Hampshire
Antioch University-New England
Department of Environmental Studies & Sustainability
Keene, New Hampshire
New Mexico
Central New Mexico Community College
School of Skilled Trades & Arts
Albuquerque, New Mexico
New York
Monroe Community College
Department of Chemistry and Geosciences
Rochester, New York
North Carolina
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
College of Natural Resources
Raleigh, North Carolina
Ohio
Columbus State Community College
Department of Geographic Information Systems
Columbus, Ohio
Kent State University at Kent
Department of Geography
Kent, Ohio
Miami University-Oxford
Department of Geography
Oxford, Ohio
Ohio University
Department of Geography
Athens, Ohio
Certificate in GIS & Cartography
Offered Online
Sinclair Community College
Department of Geography
Dayton, Ohio
Oklahoma
Tulsa Community College
School of Science and Aeronautics
Tulsa, Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability
Norman, Oklahoma
Oregon
Oregon Institute of Technology
Geomatics Department
Klamath Falls, Oregon
Oregon State University
Department of Geography and Geospatial Science
Corvallis, Oregon
Portland State University
Department of Geography
Portland, Oregon
Western Oregon University
Department of Earth & Environmental Science
Monmouth, Oregon
Pennsylvania
Harrisburg Area Community College-Harrisburg
Geospatial Pathway
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Diploma in Geospatial Technology
Offered Online
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Department of Geography
University Park, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
Department in Geospatial
University Park, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Western University
PennWest Global Online
California, Pennsylvania
Certificate in Remote Sensing
Offered Online
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Department of Life
West Chester, Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
University of Rhode Island
College of the Environment and Life Sciences
Kingston, Rhode Island
Tennessee
East Tennessee State University
Department of Geosciences
Johnson City, Tennessee
Tennessee State University
Department of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
Nashville, Tennessee
Graduate Certificate in Applied GIS
Offered Online
University of Memphis
Department of Earth Sciences
Memphis, Tennessee
Texas
Houston Community College
Department of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
Houston, Texas
Sam Houston State University
Department of Environmental and Geoscience
Huntsville, Texas
Texas A & M University-College Station
Department of Geography
College Station, Texas
The University of Texas at El Paso
Geological Sciences Department
El Paso, Texas
Utah
Snow College
Department of Geology
Ephraim, Utah
Utah State University
Department of Environment and Society
Logan, Utah
Virginia
George Mason University
College of Science
Fairfax, Virginia
Radford University
School of Artis College of Science and Technology
Radford, Virginia
Certificate in Geospatial Science
Offered Online
Geospatial Intelligence Certificate
Offered Online
Washington
Eastern Washington University
Natural Science Department
Cheney, Washington
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Professional & Continuing Education
Seattle, Washington
West Virginia
American Public University System
School of Security and Global Studies
Charles Town, West Virginia
Marshall University
Department of Geography
Huntington, West Virginia
West Virginia University
Department of Geology and Geography
Morgantown, West Virginia
Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Department of Geography
Madison, Wisconsin
Certificate in Advanced GIS
Offered Online
Certificate in GIS Fundamentals
Offered Online
Wyoming
Casper College
School of Science
Casper, Wyoming
Central Wyoming College
Department of Outdoor And Environmental Science
Riverton, Wyoming
University of Wyoming
Department of Geospatial Information Science & Technology
Laramie, Wyoming
Graduate Certificate in GIS
Offered Online
Graduate Certificate in Remote Sensing
Offered Online