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I needed to get my certificate quickly to demonstrate my knowledge in the field of GIS so I could apply for GIS jobs. At Penn State I could pack in four courses per year, allowing me to finish my degree in a year, and it’s nice that I can apply the certificate courses to Penn State’s master’s program when I apply. 

Claude Banta
Certificate in GIS graduate

Industry Highlights

  • expected job growth of 19% through 2018
  • GIS specialists earn up to $35,000 to $65,000
  • people with GIS skills have excellent job prospects

Information from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Geographic Information Systems - GIS (Postbaccalaureate Certificate)

Summary

Credits Required 11
Tuition per Credit $716
Financial Aid Resources

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A GIS Certificate for the Novice and Professional

Penn State’s GIS program has been a leader in online education for more than 10 years. With the online GIS certificate you can gain firsthand experience using the most up-to-date tools and techniques available in the field of GIS today. You can choose between two tracks:

Traditional Track (four courses)

This track is designed for current and aspiring geospatial professionals who want to become more skillful users of GIS software and related tools.

  • Take three required courses covering GIS foundations.
  • Choose one elective course in an area that interests you.

The instructor-led courses are 10 weeks, and the certificate can be completed in a year.

Certified Professional’s Track

If you are a certified or licensed professional, this track allows you to bypass introductory courses and select others more appropriate for your focus.

  • You can take the first required course, The Nature of Geographic Information, and then request a waiver for the other required courses.
  • If approved, you will be able to choose elective options to create your own focus.
  • Details are available on the courses page.

A Recognized GIS Credential

Regardless of which track you select, you are connected to a well-established, award-winning program. The Sloan Consortium recognized Penn State’s online GIS program as the 2009 Most Outstanding Online Teaching and Learning Program. This renowned reputation can work for you as you prepare to enter or advance in the GIS industry.

This certificate is designed as a "stand-alone" certificate or can serve as a "step up" to the Master of Geographic Information Systems degree program. When you have successfully completed our certificate program in GIS, you may apply the credits toward the master’s degree, if granted admission to enter the program.

Geospatial Career-Oriented Course Work

All courses are online and instructor led. You will complete weekly assignments, publish projects online, take quizzes, and receive feedback from faculty. The GIS course work includes, but is not limited to, the introduction to geographic data, problem solving with GIS, GIS database development, and theory and practice of cartographic design.

Take a Look at Our GIS Courses

Familiarize yourself with Penn State’s online course work before applying to our program. Visit the Open Educational Resources website to preview some of the GIS courses.

Professional Development Courses

Penn State World Campus also offers more than 19 instructor-led online courses in which you, as a geospatial professional, may enroll to fulfill continuing professional development requirements.

Who Should Apply

Whether you are a novice or a professional — in environmental resource management, urban and regional planning, local government, facilities management, transportation planning, or another field — our online GIS certificate can help you expand your GIS skills and enrich your experience.

To apply to the program, you need to have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Penn State's online certificate in GIS can help you start or advance your career in:

  • urban and regional planning: architects, engineers, scientific researchers, managers, technical consultants, local government officials, GIS analysts
  • environmental resource management: environmental scientists, specialists, and health specialists
  • surveying and cartography: surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists, and mapping technicians

Find Out More or Apply Now

For more information on geospatial professional development courses, please contact the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences at info@gis.psu.edu.

Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, or application instructions.

Online Education at Penn State

Penn State has a history of 100+ years of distance education and more than a decade of experience in online learning. We strive to create an online learning environment that brings you as close to the face-to-face experience as possible. Learn more about Penn State World Campus.