Geographic Information Science, Certificate




At a Glance: program details

Certificate Map

  • Location: or
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No
Learn to use technology with geographic information science to help companies innovate and navigate the world.

Program Description

The geographic information science undergraduate certificate program pairs the practical skill of geographic information science with the conceptual knowledge of geographical problem-solving and spatial thinking.


Program Requirements

The certificate requires 20 credit hours with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher. At least 12 of the 20 credit hours must be upper division.
Geographic Information Science Core -- 11 credit hours
Upper Division GIS Electives -- 6 credit hours
Upper Division Related Coursework -- 3 credit hours
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

Enrollment Requirements

ASU degree-seeking students
The BS program in geographic information science is incompatible with this certificate program.

Nondegree-seeking students
This certificate is available through the Pathways for the Future program. Applicants without a bachelor's degree are eligible to apply for, and receive, this certificate through the Pathways for the Futures program. Applicants who already hold a bachelor's degree should apply to ASU and this certificate program as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.


Career Outlook

Geographic information science is one of the fastest-growing segments of the economy, and employment possibilities can be found across the private sector and in many government agencies at the local, state and national levels.

Graduates who have paired this geographic information science certificate with their degree program have added knowledge, skills and abilities in these highly desirable areas:

  • analysis
  • computer programming
  • problem-solving
  • statistics

These skills are applicable to many fields and sectors, including:

  • health care
  • nonprofit organizations
  • real estate
  • retail
  • utilities

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists


  • Growth: 5%
  • Median Salary*: 71890
  Bright Outlook

Environmental Restoration Planners


  • Growth: 6.1%
  • Median Salary*: 76480
  Bright Outlook

Geographers


  • Growth: 1.1%
  • Median Salary*: 88900

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians


  • Growth: 9.7%
  • Median Salary*: 98740
  Bright Outlook

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers


  • Growth: 5.1%
  • Median Salary*: 87480
  Bright Outlook

Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists


  • Growth: 2.1%
  • Median Salary*: 107970

Traffic Technicians


  • Growth: 3.5%
  • Median Salary*: 50050

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.



Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.