Certificate

GIS and Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Gain insight into one of the fastest growing areas of GIS: the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, for mapping and analysis. In this specialized GIS graduate certificate, you’ll start by building your foundational knowledge in geographic information systems, then learn to operate UAS and the science behind preparing aerial photography collected from drone platforms for use in GIS.

Certificate of Advanced Study in GIS and Unmanned Aircraft Systems image

At a Glance

Classes Begin
June 12
Format
Online or HyFlex
Term Length
10 Weeks or 5 Weeks
Admission
No GRE or GMAT
4 Course Certificate
Tuition
$12,896
Time
As few as 6 months
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Top-Ranked University

U.S. News & World Report Rankings
Brian Cicero
Talk to an Enrollment Manager

Brian Cicero



Free Application


University College is committed to educational access, and given the difficult circumstances currently impacting millions of people, we are waiving application fees.

Skills You'll Learn


Cultivate a working knowledge for the safe and efficient use of UAS


Conduct several aircraft maneuvers while collecting data


Execute aerial mapping for use in GIS

Curriculum

Specialized Graduate Certificate in Certificate of Advanced Study in GIS and Unmanned Aircraft Systems requires completion of 16 credit hours (4 courses).

All students are required to complete a zero-credit Student Success Course.

4
Concentration Courses

Sample Schedule

Finish a graduate certificate in as few as six months or take up to a year. Choose your time to completion to get a better sense of what your schedule will look like during your certificate program. Note this sample schedule is for the four-course Graduate Certificate.

Time to Completion
Year 1 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Classes 2 2 0 0

Take a Course Before You Apply


We know how important it is to get started when you're ready and that's why you can enroll in a course before you officially apply.

Career Outcomes

Predicted outcomes for graduates of GIS and Unmanned Aircraft Systems


From helping to clean up environmental incidents to scouting for new businesses, aerial imagery obtained via unmanned aircraft systems can make an impact across industries.


Fill the skills gap! Drone pilots who specialize in GIS and mapping are hard to come by, according to Market Watch, which indicates specialization will keep you in high-demand.


The FAA estimates that by 2022, nearly half a million registered drones will be in use in the United States, much of that for commercial use for GIS purposes.

Job Titles

GIS and Drone Mapping Specialist
Aerial Survey Sensor Operator
GIS Technician
GIS Analyst
Aerial Geomatics Technician
Land Surveyor

GIS Specialist Salary: National Average

$59,956
(Salary.com)

Get Ahead with Career Services


One-on-one career coaching and mock interviews


Job database dedicated to DU students and alumni


Résumé and cover letter guidance

Hear from Our Students

Theme: Job Satisfaction
Flexible Online Classes

Flexible Online Classes

We understand the demands of balancing work, friends and family, and school can be challenging. That's why at University College, you can complete your program entirely online. Our online learning platform makes it easy to work anywhere at any time.

Featured Instructors

Accreditation

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Higher Learning Commission

University College programs maintain the highest level of accreditation offered by The Higher Learning Commission, one of the regional accrediting bodies recognized by the federal government. The University of Denver and all of its academic programs are regionally accredited by this commission, and regional accreditation is the highest standard for universities in the United States.

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