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 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 as well as in many government agencies at the local, state and national levels.
Students who pair this geographic information science certificate with their degree program will have added knowledge and abilities in the following highly desirable skills:
- analysis
- computer programming
- problem solving
- statistics
These skills are applicable to many fields, 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
Environmental Restoration Planners
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: 76480
Geographers
- Growth: 1.1%
- Median Salary*: 88900
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
- Growth: 9.7%
- Median Salary*: 98740
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
- Growth: 5.1%
- Median Salary*: 87480
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.
Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
To add a minor, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
To add a certificate, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
