Geographical Information Science Certificate

Program Objective

The Geographical Information Science (GIS) certificate program is a structured interdisciplinary program offered through the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning. Students earn the certificate through GIS coursework taught at ASU. The program complements existing degree programs. Students who earn the certificate will exit the program with standardized skill sets based on "learning outcomes" associated with each required course. This program provides students with the training and experience necessary to compete, work, and teach in the GIS arena in both public and private sectors.

See a description of the program in the 2011 Surface Matters Graduate GIS Guide (pdf) -- a publication of the Arizona Geographic Information Council.

Admission Criteria

The program is designed for students enrolled in a graduate degree program at ASU. Students interested in a one-year nonthesis graduate degree program in GIS should consider the Master of Advanced Study in GIS. Students qualify for admission to the certificate program by maintaining good standing in a cooperating school or department and completing the GIS certificate application available through the Graduate College. The application must be completed at least one semester prior to taking the capstone course.

Completing the GIS Certificate Program

• Once you are registered for 50% of the total credit hours required for completion of the certificate, you must complete a Plan of Study (iPOS). It will be reviewed and approved by the School of Geographical Sciences & Urban Planning as well as the Graduate College.
• Before the end of your final semester of certificate coursework, you may apply for graduation using the MyASU website. You must be enrolled in the semester that you graduate. Please see http://graduate.asu.edu/graddeadlines.html for graduation deadlines and procedures.