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What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

2 semesters (Fall and Spring or Spring and Fall)

Where will I take classes?
Atlanta Campus, Online

All required coursework to earn the certificate can be completed online. Course are taught asynchronously. There may be opportunities for workshops or tutorial session on campus.

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

  • Fall: March 1 and June 1 (late deadline)
  • Spring: October 1
  • Summer: March 1

Early applications are encouraged.

Geographic Information Science, Professional Certificate

Geographic Information Science (GIS) technology is used every day, most often for mapping points of reference and data related to points on the Earth’s surface. GIS jobs are plentiful and growth in the industry is expected to continue in the coming years.

With the Georgia State GIS graduate certificate, you will be able to start or advance your career in:

  • Urban and regional planning
  • Environmental resource management
  • Surveying, cartography and mapping
  • Geospatial data analytics

The faculty and staff in the Georgia State University Department of Geosciences are well networked in GIS-related industries and firms in the Atlanta area and beyond. Through applied projects, students will gain real-world experience in utilizing mapping and geospatial technologies to address pressing social and environmental concerns.

Our faculty have expertise in GIS, geography and geology, and we specialize in the social and environmental dimensions of water, environmental geochemistry, global climate change and solving urban environmental problems.

All courses required to earn the certificate can be completed online. Courses are taught asynchronously. There may be opportunities for workshops or tutorial session on campus.

Program Details

Admission and enrollment in the online certificate program will require enrollment at Georgia State along with:

  • B.A. or B.S. in a related field
  • A statement of intent
  • Transcripts
  • Introduction to GIS with a grade of at least a C

Students who lack an appropriate background may be required to take prerequisite courses. Students are required to have completed, with a C or better, an Introduction to GIS course or equivalent. Professional experience can also be substituted for the prerequisite; to be approved by the Director.

The Certificate Program consists of a minimum of 14 credits.

  • Digital Cartography (GEOS 6518) - 3 credits
  • Introduction to Remote Sensing (GEOS 6530) - 4 credits
  • Advanced GIS (GEOS 65314) - 4 credits
  • 1 GIS elective - TBA - 3 or 4 credits

For more details, visit the Graduate Course Catalog.

This program provides both new users of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from a variety of disciplines and existing professionals seeking additional skills with the certificate to open career opportunities. The Professional Certificate in GIS complements coursework and expertise developed in geosciences, urban planning, sociology, public health, and policy studies, among others.

Description

Careers

Geographic Information Science is a rapidly growing discipline, with applications in many fields. There is a strong demand for proficient users of geospatial technology.

Contacts

Admissions and Curriculum Inquiries

Department Offices
38 Peachtree Center Avenue
Langdale Hall, Suite 730
Atlanta, GA 30303

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 404-413-5750
Fax: 404-413-5768

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 3965
Atlanta, GA 30302

GIS Certificate Program Coordinator
Dr. Caroline McClure
[email protected]

College of Arts & Sciences Lockup25 Park Pl NE #2500
Atlanta, GA 30303

The information shared here provides an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For official details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more, refer to the university catalogs.