Transform your understanding of real-world problems with Geographic Information Systems.
Program Overview
Our Postbaccalaureate Certificate in GIS is designed to advance the skillsets of aspiring and experienced professionals in geospatial and related fields. Through courses that explore fundamental spatial concepts, trends in geospatial technology, and problem-based GIS applications, students will become more knowledgeable and skillful users of geographic information technologies.
Understand how GIS software integrates geographic data compiled from various sources, and gain skills in data entry and database creation.
Learn how GIS facilitates data analysis and communication that address real-world geographic problems and applications.
Use geospatial technology and maps as a story-telling medium, and demonstrate how and why GIS matters.
Prepared for the Future
Graduates of this program will have a strong foundation in geographic information analysis and the tools to apply to a variety of fields. Many students continue their studies in one of our online master’s degree programs.
Curriculum
The Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems is a 12-credit, fully online certificate program. Credits earned in the program can be applied toward the Master of GIS and Master of Science in Spatial Data Science degree programs. The certificate consists of a combination of required courses (9 credits) and an elective course (3 credits). There are two tracks in the certificate curriculum: traditional, and one for more experienced professionals in the field.
The typical student course load is one course per 10-week session. At that pace, students can complete the certificate in less than one year. Time off can be taken between courses if necessary.
COURSE NUMBER | TITLE | NEXT OFFERING | TECHNOLOGY |
---|---|---|---|
GEOG 482 | Making Maps that Matter with GIS | Fall 2, 2024 | ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Story Maps, Python |
GEOG 483 | Problem Solving with GIS | Fall 2, 2024 | ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Story Maps |
GEOG 484 | GIS Database Development | Spring 1, 2025 | ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro, ModelBuilder |
Each of these courses is worth three credits.
Electives: Students can take any of the course offerings listed in our class catalog (including GEOINT courses) to satisfy the elective(s) for the GIS Certificate (with the exception of GEOG 594A). Please check with us at info@gis.psu.edu if you are interested in a particular class that you don’t see on this list. You can also contact your advisor.
COURSE NUMBER | TITLE | NEXT OFFERING | TECHNOLOGY |
---|---|---|---|
GEOG 482 * | Making Maps that Matter with GIS | Fall 2, 2024 | ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Story Maps, Python |
GEOG 483 ** | Problem Solving with GIS | Fall 2, 2024 | ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Story Maps |
GEOG 484 ** | GIS Database Development | Spring 1, 2025 | ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro, ModelBuilder |
GEOG 581 * | Spatial Data Science Ethics | Summer 2025 |
Each of these courses is worth three credits.
* Students must take GEOG 482 OR GEOG 581 in order to earn the GIS Certificate.
** Students may waive these requirements if they possess the knowledge and skills to successfully complete final projects in each course. To determine if you possess necessary skill sets, visit the GEOG 483 and/or GEOG 484 syllabi, and contact your advisor. Students who waive one or both of these courses will complete an additional 3 or 6 elective credits.
Electives: Students can take any of the course offerings listed in our class catalog (including GEOINT courses) to satisfy the elective(s) for the GIS Certificate (with the exception of GEOG 594A). Please check with us at info@gis.psu.edu if you are interested in a particular class that you don’t see on this list. You can also contact your advisor.