GIS Certificate
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The University of West Florida’s online Certificate in Geographic Information Science combines a comprehensive foundation in the geosciences with hands-on experience in GIS technologies. Whether you are a working professional or working from home, this affordable, fully online certificate program provides the flexibility you need to advance your career in this fast-paced, growing field.
With expert faculty who have extensive GIS experience, your coursework goes beyond simple how-to guides to ensure you have the skills needed to improve your current work or to begin entry-level positions in GIS. In fact, we are constantly developing and updating our course content to meet the needs of the industry and to stay up-to-date with the latest versions of all software. Expectations are reviewed upfront, so you can expect transparency and consistency in course load and required technology. Our expert faculty will guide you through tools including ArcGIS Pro, and Python programming—required software is available remotely, eliminating the need to buy and install expensive programs. Each course follows a similar course design or format so that you can focus on content and practice.
Even though our GIS Certificate program is entirely online, you can still receive individualized attention via virtual meetings with instructors, personal advising appointments, and get connected with necessary resources such as technical assistance and tutoring. Instructors, and even graduate teaching assistants, are invested in your success. When it comes to your internship, we will help connect you with partners and advisory board members who will find the right position for you.
A UWF GIS undergraduate certificate opens many doors in the field of GIS whether you are looking to begin a career in GIS or for advancement in your current GIS position. Students obtaining an undergraduate certificate in GIS can work in a variety of positions, including GIS Technicians, GIS Coordinators and more.
Florida state employees are eligible to receive the state employee tuition waiver for the UWF GIS undergraduate certificate.
Candidates for This Program Include:
- Students with at least a high school diploma who wish to enter the field of GIS
- Students who wish to apply knowledge to research and graduate study involving spatial analysis
- Full-time employees learning new skills
- Those seeking in-demand technical experience using industry-standard geospatial software
- Anyone interested in learning GIS
You Will Be Able To:
- Recognize and practice using GIS technologies
- Analyze and interpret large amounts of data collected by GIS technologies
- Gain real-world experience through a required GIS internship
Refer to UWF Cost of Attendance Estimates and Financial Literacy for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.
Courses and Requirements
To complete the GIS Certificate program, you must take 24 credit hours of courses that incorporate the latest technology, including ArcGIS Pro and Python Programming. Students enrolled in the Certificate (GIS) program are required to complete a one-semester internship experience, under the direct guidance of a qualified mentor and under the supervision of the GIS 4944: Internship course instructor. Students currently employed in a GIS position may elect to use their current position for an internship experience. A directed study course option is available for students who wish to complete a guided project in lieu of an internship.
Geographic Information Science is a field that requires basic computer literacy. An understanding of basic computer skills, website navigation and tool utilization skills, internet and cloud services, email and computer ethics are a must in order to succeed in this program. Applicants will have to confirm that they have these competencies prior to course registration.
- GIS 4043+L - Geographic Information Systems (plus lab)
4 Credit Hours
Geographic Information Systems (plus lab)
This course teaches fundamental concepts and techniques of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It covers basic concepts such as map projections, spatial data models, relational databases, spatial analysis, and visualization of spatially distributed data and phenomena. By the end of the course, students are expected to have an understanding of elementary GIS theory, working knowledge of ArcGIS, and the ability to develop GIS-based solutions to geographic modeling and analysis tasks. For most exercises, students will use real-world GIS data in order to learn how to overcome typical problems encountered by GIS practitioners. The last three weeks of the course will focus on the development, execution and presentation of a final GIS project. Prior to enrollment, students should be competent with Windows operating system including: storage, copying and management of multiple data types, managing multiple windows and applications, and saving files to local drives; a basic familiarity with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Materials and Supply fee will be assessed. Co-requisite: GIS 4043.
- GIS 4006+L - Computer Cartography (plus lab)
4 Credit Hours
Computer Cartography (plus lab)
The course focuses on the fundamentals of cartography, spatial statistics, thematic mapping techniques and web-based mapping. Students will gain an interdisciplinary understanding of cartographic representation and visualization with hands-on applications using cutting-edge GIS and graphic design software to create purpose tailored maps. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to interpret and appropriately communicate spatial data; developed a personalized cartographic style; created a professional GIS portfolio for current/potential employers; and most importantly developed a keen appreciation for maps and spatial awareness. Prior to enrollment, students should be competent with Windows operating system including: storage, copying and management of multiple data types, managing multiple windows and applications and discipline to save work frequently; basic competence with ArcGIS and Microsoft Excel is recommended.
- GIS 4035+L - Photo Interpretation and Remote Sensing (plus lab)
4 Credit Hours
Photo Interpretation and Remote Sensing (plus lab)
Applied skills emphasizing the fundamentals of aerial photograph interpretation and basics of multiband spectral reconnaissance of the environment-multispectral photography, infrared, microwave scanning and multifrequency radar systems. Application includes their uses in the study of cultural and biophysical phenomena. Material and supply fee will be assessed for corresponding lab.
- GIS 4102 - GIS Programming
3.0 Credit Hours
GIS Programming
In today?s technology driven world we are fortunate to have access to many tools with which to analyze and explore digital spatial data. During this course students will learn to use programming techniques to create applications that perform fundamental spatial analysis and automation tasks, such as geoprocessing, editing, database management, projecting data, and map creation. The course will focus primarily on using the Python programming language within the context of Esri?s desktop GIS environment. Offered as a stand-alone course online and concurrently with GIS 5103 where graduate students will be assigned additional work. Permission required. Credit may not be received in both GIS 4102 and GIS 5103. Prerequisite: GIS 4043/L
Choose from the following (3 credit hours)
- GIS 4048 - Applications in Geographic Information Systems
3.0 Credit Hours
Applications in Geographic Information Systems
The Applications in GIS course strives to provide a balance between the "how-to" of using ArcGIS 10 and the "why" of GIS by explaining the roles GIS technology plays in analyzing local, regional, and international problems. The course builds upon topics covered in Introduction to GIS (GIS 4043). Major components of the course include computer representation of geographic information, the construction of GIS databases, spatial analysis with GIS, application areas of GIS, and management issues that concern GIS. Examples include the study of geohazards, natural disasters, urban planning, homeland security/law enforcement, and marketing or location decisions. Laboratory exercises, case studies and course projects use true-to-life datasets to solve real-world problems. Prerequisite: GIS 4043/L Offered both as a stand-alone course online and concurrently with GIS 5100 at the Pensacola Campus where graduate students will be assigned additional work. Permission is required. Material and supply fee will be assessed. Credit cannot be received for both GIS 4048 and GEO 4152. Basic competency with ArcGIS software is required. Prior coursework including Introduction to GIS (GIS 4043 with lab) is recommended.
- GIS 4260 - GIS Applications for Archaeology
3.0 Credit Hours
GIS Applications for Archaeology
This course will serve as an introduction to archaeological applications of GIS technology and data management and analysis. Students will learn how to compile, transform, analyze and present sources of archaeological and historical data, and will utilize this information in GIS for cultural resources interpretation, management and predictive modeling. Additionally, this course is designed to reinforce best practices for collecting spatially-related data on anthropological archaeology projects. Restricted to students in the online GIS Certificate Program. Basic competency with ArcGIS software is required. Prior coursework including GIS4043 with Lab Introduction to GIS is recommended. Prerequisite: GIS 4043/L
Choose from the following (3 credit hours)
- GIS 4930 - Special Topics in Geographic Information Science
3.0 Credit Hours
Special Topics in Geographic Information Science
The Special Topics in GIS course examines scientific methods used to derive useful information from spatial data in real-world situations. We will visit various problems faced by GIS managers and analysts. Students can expect to conduct research, plan projects, import and process various types of data in a GIS, analyze and explore data based on commonly accepted methods, and report conclusions and present results where various formats are explored. Offered as both a stand alone course online and concurrently with GIS 5935 at Pensacola campus where graduate students will be assigned additional work. Permission is required. Material and supply fee will be assessed. Basic competency with ArcGIS software is required. Prior coursework including GIS 4043, GIS 4048 and GIS 4102 is recommended. Prerequisite: GIS 4043/L
- GIS 4938 - Special Topics in GIS for Archaeology
3.0 Credit Hours
Special Topics in GIS for Archaeology
This course will serve as an advanced approach to archaeological applications of GIS technology and data management and analysis. Students will learn how to compile, transform, analyze and present sources of archaeological and historical data, and will utilize this information in GIS for cultural resources interpretation, management and predictive modeling. Additionally, this course is designed to reinforce best practices for collecting spatially-related data on anthropological archaeology projects. Restricted to the online GIS Certificate program. Basic competency with ArcGIS software is required. Prior coursework including GIS 4043, GIS 4260 and GIS 4102 is recommended. Offered concurrently with GIS 5938; graduate students will be assigned additional work. Prerequisite: GIS 4260
Choose from the following (3 credit hours)
- GIS 4905 - Directed Study
1.0-12.0 Credit Hours
Directed Study
May be repeated indefinitely for credit.
- GIS 4944 - GIS Internship
1.0-3.0 Credit Hours
GIS Internship
Supervised application of Geographic Information Science (GIS) in business, government, non-profit, educational or other environmental organizations. Offered concurrently with GIS 5945; graduate students will be assigned additional work. Permission is required. Prerequisite: GIS 4043/L
- GIS 4043+L - Geographic Information Systems (plus lab)
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the University of West Florida’s online GIS Certificate program, you must be admitted to the University as a degree or non-degree seeking student.
How to Apply
Once accepted as a degree or non-degree seeking student, students should speak to the GIS Coordinator about course availability and scheduling, and complete the online Undergraduate Certificate Declaration Form on MyUWF.
In addition to the University admission requirements, the department bases decisions for regular admission on a holistic review of credentials. You should also:
- Submit a GIS Certificate program application
- Submit a letter of intent describing relevant experience and reasons for pursuing the certificate program, including how the certificate relates to career goals
- Submit unofficial transcripts for any relevant GIS coursework
Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Contact our undergraduate admissions team at admissions@uwf.edu. If you are a current UWF student, please reach out to the department academic advisor.
Costs & Financial Aid
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $330.00 per credit hour | $7,920.00 |
Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and course availability. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes up to 12 months to complete.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
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Military Students
UWF is a Military FriendlyⓇ School proudly serving active-duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.
See How We Can Serve YouFinancial Aid
Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.
Learn More About Financial AidCareer Outcomes
With a GIS Certificate, you can go on to other degree programs or pursue advancement in a variety of careers.
* Salary and job outlook information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Geographers
These crucial employees study the geographic history of Earth, as well as the effects humans have had on the planet. They utilize expansive technologies to measure the Earth’s surface, create maps, collect large amounts of data, write reports and present findings to stakeholders. Geographers earned a median annual salary of $80,300 in 2018, and jobs are expected to grow 3 percent through 2028.
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Because maps are necessary for any sort of government or environmental planning, cartographers and photogrammetrists will experience job growth of 15 percent through 2028, which is faster than the average for most other occupations. These employees use GIS technology to collect, measure and interpret geographic information in order to create and update maps and charts. Cartographers and photogrammetrists earned a median annual salary of $64,430 in 2028.
Surveying and Mapping Technicians
These employees work in the field and in a lab to gather and organize data about the Earth’s surface using GIS technologies. Then, surveying and mapping technicians use that data to create maps and charts that are used in many industries. The median annual wage for surveying and mapping technicians was $44,380 in May 2018, and jobs are expected to grow 5 percent through 2028.
GIS Analysts
A GIS analyst is the most common job title that UWF students will acquire after leaving the GIS program. GIS analysts who concentrate on solving problems with geography are sometimes also classified as geographers; these positions had median annual earnings of $80,300 in 2018. GIS analysts or developers who create new software or design databases are sometimes classified as computer applications software engineers or database administrators; these positions made a median annual wage of $90,070 in 2018.