GIS Graduate Certificate
Gain tools and skills to advance your GIS career.
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Request InfoGIS Online Graduate Certificate Overview
The University of West Florida’s fully online Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science is a student-centered program emphasizing the latest GIS trends. 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. Because GIS is a constantly evolving field, it is imperative to stay up-to-date with the latest technology. 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. Faculty offer weekly virtual meetings and one-on-one advising where you can ensure you are on track. 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.
Extending beyond GIS software, our GIS graduate certificate program provides a solid background in the fundamentals of geography and geospatial science. Your coursework will apply to many different disciplines, including geography, environmental sciences, urban planning, archaeology, business, defense and intelligence, information technology services and public health/safety in the information age. With your knowledge from the GIS graduate certificate program, you can increase your salary or advance your career in a shorter time frame than a full degree.
Most of our graduates obtain a career in the field after they finish the program. You will be marketable as a GIS technician, GIS analyst and GIS manager in several industries including geography, environmental sciences, archaeology, business, information technology services, defense and intelligence and public health/safety.
Florida state employees are eligible to receive the state employee tuition waiver for the UWF GIS graduate certificate.
Master’s in GIS Administration Option
For those without a background in geography, completing the GIS Graduate Certificate program satisfies the foundation requirement for the MS GIS Administration degree at UWF. It also makes it possible for the qualified applicant to complete the MS GIS Administration degree at UWF in no more than two years.
Candidates for This Program Include:
- Students with at least a bachelor’s degree who wish to enter the field of GIS
- 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 Graduate Certificate program, you must complete four Foundational Proficiencies courses including geographic information systems, cartography and photography and remote sensing. Core and foundational courses provide expertise in GIS programming, archaeological impacts and special topics of your choice.
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.
Foundational Proficiencies
One of the following:
- 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 5050 & 5050L - Geographic Information Systems and Geographic Information Systems Lab
4 Credit Hours
Geographic Information Systems and Geographic Information Systems 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. The applications of GIS are presented. Future issues for GIS and state-of-the-art technology are also discussed. 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. Graduate students will be assigned additional work. Materials and supply fee will be assessed.
One of the following:
- 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 5007 & 5007L - Computer Cartography and Computer Cartography Lab
4 Credit Hours
Computer Cartography and Computer Cartography 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.
One of the following:
- 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 5027 & 5027L - Aerial Photography and Remote Sensing and Aerial Photography and Remote Sensing Lab
4 Credit Hours
Aerial Photography and Remote Sensing and Aerial Photography and Remote Sensing Lab
This course is designed to familiarize students with the fundamentals of remote sensing and photo interpretation through hands-on techniques with aerial photographs and satellite imagery based on real-world applications. Both active and passive sensors will be discussed in lecture. The course is broken up into two distinct sections. The first five weeks are spent interpreting digital aerial photographs; the rest of the semester is spent examining and manipulating digital data from satellites and other remote sensors. The lecture will focus on the history, technology, concepts, processes and applications of aerial photography and remote sensing. The lab will focus on techniques for the practical use of digital aerial photography and satellite imagery using both Erdas Imagine and ESRI ArcGIS. The labs are structured to complement the material and readings assigned in lectures. Please consult with the course instructor for any questions regarding these prerequisite concepts. Introduction to GIS, GIS4043 or GIS5050 with lab is recommended prerequisite. Offered concurrently with GIS 4035, graduate students will be assigned additional work.
Core Courses
- GIS 5103 - GIS Programming
3 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 4102 where graduate students will be assigned additional work. Permission is required. Credit may not be received in both GIS 5103 and GIS 4102. Basic competency with ArcGIS software is required. Completion of GIS4043 with lab or GIS5050 with lab is recommended.
Choose one of the following: (3 credit hours)
- GIS 5265 - 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 Introduction to GIS (GIS 4043 or GIS 5050 with lab) is recommended.
- GIS 5100 - Applications in Geographic Information Systems
3 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 and regional (even global) 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 social and management issues that concern GIS. A generic process for applying GIS techniques in problem solving is introduced, and several case studies of GIS applications in environmental and social domains will be analyzed. Material and supply fee will be assessed. Credit cannot be received for both GIS 5100 and GEO 5157. Basic competency with ArcGIS software is required. Prior coursework including Introduction to GIS (GIS 4043 or GIS 5050 with lab) is recommended.
Choose one of the following: (3 credit hours)
- GIS 5935 - Special Topics in Geographic Science
3.0 Credit Hours
Special Topics in Geographic Science
Geographic information systems (GIS) today are being used by everyone from scientists to everyday citizens to solve geographic problems ranging from the very simple to the extremely complex. As the use of GIS and the availability of digital data increase, GIS users need to be aware of how the data being put into a GIS affects the reliability of the information products being produced from a GIS. Producing new and useful information from spatial data requires a thorough understanding of their limitations and the methods used to process them. Students explore GIS theory and practice related to the visualization, measurement, transformation, and optimization of spatial data. An underlying theme that uncertainty is an inherent characteristic of spatial data is thoroughly examine and students learn how to identify it, measure it, and live with it. By the end of this course, students will have gained extensive knowledge about various GIS analysis techniques, methods, outputs and uncertainties as they relate to specific problems experienced by many cities (large and small) around the world. Combining lessons learned in previous GIS courses with more in-depth techniques presented in this course gives students the opportunity to piece together previous knowledge and gain a greater sense of understanding for what it means to conduct GI Science. Offered as both a stand alone course online and concurrently with GIS 4930 at the Pensacola Campus where graduate students will be assigned additional work. Permission is required. Material and supply fee will be assessed. Competency with GIS topics and ArcGIS software is required. Prior coursework including GIS4043 or GIS5050, GIS 5100 and GIS 5103 are recommended.
- GIS 5938 - 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 students in the online GIS Certificate program. Offered concurrently with GIS 4938; graduate students will be assigned additional work. Competency with ArcGIS software is required. Prior coursework including GIS 4043 or GIS 5050 with lab and GIS5265 is recommended. Prerequisite: GIS 5265
Choose one of the following: (3 credit hours)
- GIS 5945 - 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 4944; graduate students will be assigned additional work. Permission is required.
- GIS 6905 - GIS Directed Study
3 Credit Hours
GIS Directed Study
May be repeated indefinitely for credit.
- 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 graduate degree or non-degree-seeking student.
How to Apply
Once accepted as a graduate non-degree-seeking student, students should speak to the GIS coordinator about course availability and scheduling, and complete the online Graduate 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. Up to 6 credit hours will be considered for UWF credit
Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Contact our graduate admissions team at gradadmissions@uwf.edu. If you are a current UWF student, please reach out to the department academic advisor.
Costs & Financial Aid
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $630.00 per credit hour | $15,120.00 |
| Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 6) | $630.00 per credit hour | $11,340.00 |
Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes up to 12 months to complete, depending on transfer credits.
* 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 and PayScale.
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.
Geoscientists
Geoscientists study the biology and structure of the Earth in order to understand its history and predict its future. They date historical events, collect evidence, administer field studies, construct accurate maps and conduct laboratory research. In 2018, geoscientists earned a median annual salary of $91,130. Jobs for geoscientists are expected to increase 6 percent through 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.