About the Geographic Information Systems Program
Earn Your GIS Certificate Online
Our Specialized Certificate in Geographic Information Systems provides you with the skills to store, analyze, and visualize geographic and spatial data.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) allow businesses and organizations to leverage spatial and geographic data in logistics, communications, management, planning, decision-making, record-keeping, and engineering across many industries; including business, defense, urban planning, education, government, health and human services, public safety, and transportation. While map-making is the task most often associated with geographic information systems, their large range of applications means GIS professionals can have other responsibilities, including data analysis, predictive modelling, programming, and project management.
You will learn a full range of GIS capabilities in this online certificate program. Program courses begin with basic skills, such as displaying and querying data, and progress to more advanced skills, such as designing and managing databases and analyzing data for specific applications. In the program's capstone course, you will apply the skills you have learned throughout the program to create and present an in-depth research project.
Program Topics
• Coordinate systems
• Editing geographic and tabular data
• Spatial data analysis
• Geodatabase creation and design
• Geospatial information design and cartography
• 3D data display and analysis
• Basic project management techniques
Program Benefits
• Immediately applicable skills
• All courses taught online
• Program can be completed in just over a year
• Industry-neutral curriculum allows you to apply knowledge to your field of interest
• Capstone guided research project and report
Geographic Information Systems
Required Courses
Courses must be completed in the order listed
Other Courses of Interest
Not required for certificate
Conditions for Admission
Although programs are open to all adult learners, UC San Diego Extension programs are designed to best serve college-prepared working professionals. Where program capacity is limited, applicants with this profile will receive preference for admission.
Certificate Guidelines
You may enroll in the certificate program at any time. However, it is recommended that you enroll as soon as possible. The program curriculum may be updated at any time; if certificate requirements change, you must adhere to the curriculum at the time of your enrollment into the certificate.