Online GIS Certificate and Certification Programs

Students who earn a certificate in GIS typically find jobs as surveying and mapping technicians, cartographers and photogrammetrists. Online certificate programs in GIS are common. Professional certification programs require on-the-job experience.

Overview of Online GIS Certificate and Certification

A GIS (geographic information system) integrates and studies various forms of geographic data for the purpose of geographic research. GIS certificate programs train students in building and using GIS tools. Many schools offer online certificate programs in GIS, which generally take 1-2 years to complete. Online certificate programs are typically instructor led, with coursework that is to be done via the Internet.
GIS certification is conferred by a professional organization of scientific peers. Certification requires on-the-job experience in the field.

Program Information and Requirements

Students pursuing a GIS certificate are typically required to have a bachelor's degree, usually in geography or a related field. GIS certificate programs are vocational, thus students usually have to complete some field work and perform data analysis in a lab setting. GIS certificate programs are typically meant to provide students with the theoretical knowledge of cartography and computer skills needed to perform original work in the field.
In an online GIS program, students access readings and lectures from a course website. They interact with instructors and fellow students in chat rooms or on discussion boards. They may need access to specialized cartographic software for using GIS tools.

Common Coursework for a GIS Certificate

GIS certificate programs tend to place heavy emphasis on cartography, spatial analysis and statistical methods. Higher-level courses focus on analysis and theory.

Cartography Course

Students will learn how to think critically about cartography, and will learn the basic tools and skills needed to create maps. Topics covered typically focus on spatial analysis, data organization, mapping and cartographic design.

Quantitative Methods Course

This course typically focuses on statistical methods used in GIS. Non linear models, clustering methods, time series analysis and computer methods are subjects that tend to be covered.

Spatial Analysis Course

Students explore geographic abstraction and modeling. They learn about data and spatial analysis operations used in GIS.

Career Information for Graduates

The most common career options pursued in GIS are surveying and mapping technicians, cartographers and photogrammetrists. As of May 2009, the median annual wage for cartographers and photogrammetrists was $59,340, while the median for surveying and mapping technicians was $39,470, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). The BLS reported that between 2008 and 2018, job opportunities in the field were expected to grow by 19%.

Continuing Education Information

GIS certification typically requires an applicant to engage in on-job training and experience. A peer instructed examination process tests the applicant on his or her overall knowledge on a specific topic of interest and on GIS in general. Certification is offered by professional organizations such as the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (www.asprs.org).