Geographic Information Science, Certificate
Harness technology and geographic information science to help companies innovate and navigate the world. Along the way, you'll tackle real geographic problems, including how to solve challenges in spatial sampling.
Quick facts
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Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Certificate description
Geographic Information Science undergraduate certificate description
Geographic information scientists do more than create maps; they uncover patterns, relationships and insights that help us better understand the world and how people interact within it. By combining elements of computer science, statistics and geography, you are equipped to answer complex questions about what is happening, where it's occurring, why it matters, and how to respond.
The certificate program in geographic information science combines geospatial tools, spatial reasoning and practical analysis to solve real-world problems. You work in multiple GIS platforms as you build a strong foundation in spatial analysis, geovisualization, remote sensing, cartography and spatial modeling. The curriculum balances technical training with conceptual insight, helping you understand not just how to work with geographic data, but how to analyze, interpret it and communicate your findings to others.
This program prepares you to apply GIS tools and spatial reasoning to pressing challenges such as climate change, population dynamics, public health, and sustainable urban development. Through applied coursework and class projects, you learn how to collect, manage, analyze, and interpret spatial data, turning raw information into actionable insights.
Why earn a geographic information science undergraduate certificate at ASU?
Built on a foundation shaped by world leaders and innovators in the discipline, ASU's geographic information science program keeps its curriculum current, reflecting where the industry stands today rather than where it was five years ago. Faculty hold deep ties to professional and industry networks, so the skills you learn are the ones employers are actively seeking. Designed to complement any undergraduate major, this certificate gives you a flexible way to add GIS knowledge, skills and abilities to your degree.
Additional details
You can enhance your education, build community and grow professionally through ASU YouthMappers, an international university consortium focused on mapping for resilience.
Courses
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Solve a geographic problem in spatial analysis.
- Solve a geographic problem in spatial sampling.
Solve a geographic problem in spatial analysis.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
ASU degree-seeking students Nondegree-seeking students
The BS program in geographic information science is incompatible with this certificate program.
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.
Explore expanded study opportunities
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this geographic information science undergraduate certificate prepares you for
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
Designed to complement any undergraduate major, the certificate program supports graduates pursuing work fields such as:
- business
- computer science
- environmental science
- health care
- nonprofit organizations
- real estate
- retail
- transportation
- urban planning
- utilities
- visual arts
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning
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COOR 5681
SGSUP.advising@asu.edu
480-965-7533
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
