Geographic Information Systems (Certificate)
The Geographic Information Systems graduate certificate is offered online or on campus at the University of Denver in the evenings, or in a combination of both, to meet the needs of busy adults. University College offers the region's first complete graduate certificate program in Geographic Information Systems. Designed and delivered for busy adults, the Geographic Information Systems graduate certificate helps professionals add to their skillset with technology skills that help solve real−world problems related to GIS.
Certificate students receive applied instruction from professional practitioners who work in the fields they teach as they learn to plan, implement, and execute a GIS project through remote sensing, internet mapping, or digital image processing. The GIS certificate allows students to explore training fundamentals at a very hands−on, applied level necessary to succeed in the field.
Gain a contextual background in GIS, from the management of natural resources to public utility management, public works engineering, environmental impact assessment, and even market research. In a burgeoning integrative world, it is vital to grasp the diverse fundamentals of each topic within the Geographic Information Systems industry and gain an insider's perspective to specific fields as they each relate to GIS training. Credits earned through this graduate certificate may apply toward a master's degree in Geographic Information Systems or Information and Communications Technology.
Geographic Information Systems Outcomes
This program prepares students to:
- Understand the nature of geographic data
- Recognize appropriate applications of GIS technology to solve spatial problems
- Be able to apply GIS technology to solve real-world problems
- Be able to plan, implement, and execute a GIS project
In coordination with Title IV and the Gainful Employment Rule, certificate program data is provided for your convenience.
Required Courses
The Graduate Certificate in Certificate of Advanced Study in Geographic Information Systems requires completion of 24 credit hours (6 courses).
Concentration Courses - 8 qtr. hrsProfessional Concentration courses allow students to focus on a specific professional area within the larger industry sector in which they are working or wish to work, and master the skills needed to excel in that area.
Further Study - 16 qtr. hrs (Choose 4)
Further Studies Options allow students to customize their degrees to match their career needs by either choosing in-depth study in their concentration by selecting three of the following courses, or exploring other options by using our Degree Builder tool.
Customize your degree or certificate using our convenient online degree builder tool, which allows you to select courses that cater to your specific career needs.
Design Your Custom Plan
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Use the online degree builder tool to customize your degree or certificate. Through the Professional Options Curriculum, you´re able to create your own degree or certificate plan by selecting courses that cater specifically to your career needs. Using the online degree builder, you´ll select the program and courses necessary to graduate from University College. |
Start Customizing Your DegreeView the tutorial or start building your plan now. |
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Careers in Geographic Information Systems Certficate
Titles
GIS Specialist, GIS Analyst, Systems Architect, Developer, GIS Technician, Geospatial Analyst, Data Manager, Programming Lead, Project Manager, Geoscientist.
Duties
Content management, coordination, mapping, design, development, management, research, idea generation, servers maintenance, troubleshooting, mapping.
Outlook
GIS is considered one of the fastest growing industries, according to a 2012 report by U.S. News and World Report. The geospatial market is growing at an annual rate of nearly 35%, with commercial ventures increasing at a rate of 100% each year, according to U.S. Department of Labor’s High Growth Industry Profile report. Trends within the industry include the adoption of HTML5 as a preferred technology for online mapping, in addition to open source GIS continuing to expand, according to GISlounge.com. By 2015, the GIS industry is poised to become a $10.6 billion industry, according to 2012 Global Industry Analysts, Inc. report.
Careers In Geographic Information Systems
Locate your dream job.
Employment for geographers is expected to grow 35% through 2020, much faster than the average especially for the professional, scientific, and technical services industries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Governmental agencies provide for about 15% of surveying, cartography, and photogrammetrist jobs-primarily in Virginia, Maryland, and the D.C. area. Most GIS positions in the private sector require a master's degree.
It's all about innovation!
Future GIS professionals will need to learn to navigate and manage a culture of change within the industry as Geographic Information Systems continue to evolve and innovate, according to the 2013 industry outlook by GeoPlace.com. A rising need for professionals with technological and management experience or education is expected, as job-seekers need to demonstrate a comprehensive range of skills in this changing job market, from geographic information systems to information and communication technologies, project management to leadership acumen.
Where are they now?
GIS graduates hold job titles such as Software Engineer, GIS Analyst, Engineer III, Analyst, Research Coordinator, and Systems Security Engineer for companies and organizations including Raytheon, Visa, Flight Safety Corp., General Dynamics, Pass Time, Clayton Holdings, Jones International, and the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command.
Ready to Apply
It's time to gather your materials and apply to your program of choice. Remember to include:
Need More Information
Interested in attending University College, but need additional information before you make a decision? No problem−we're here to help. You may request additional information about a specific program and specialty, review and ask questions in our Frequently Asked Questions section, or contact University College directly.
- Request additional information
- Ask a question
- Email University College or call 303-871-2291 or 800-347-2042
Want to Take a Class
Even if you missed the application deadline, you can start taking courses for one quarter before you have to submit a completed application. We know how important it is to get started when you're ready, so review the class schedule or start the registration process now.
- View the class schedule
- Register for a class
