Geospatial Information Systems Graduate Certificate

About the Online Geospatial Information Systems Graduate Certificate

In today’s technology-driven world, geospatial information is widely used in a diverse array of applications—as consumers and corporations alike demand real-time, location-based information. Organizations around the globe—from the energy industry to the telecom industry, from health care to business—are developing innovative ways to use spatial data to make critical strategic decisions. As a result, a wide range of industries have a need for professionals with the ability to gather, synthesize and apply geospatial concepts and insights into their working environments.

The 15-credit hour GIS graduate certificate offers a cross-disciplinary curriculum that focuses on the real-world use of geospatial information to address organizational challenges. Students learn to use tools that enable the integration of visual, spatial, temporal, social and contextual information into the working environment to more effectively solve complex issues. Our online GIS certificate provides a geospatial foundation that includes the following:

  • An understanding of geospatial principles and practices.
  • Working knowledge of ArcGIS and open-source GIS tools and data sources.
  • An understanding of the primary approaches and strategies used in developing enterprise-level geospatial strategies to meet organizational needs.
  • Familiarity with the ethical and legal issues around the use of geospatial data.
  • The ability to collect, access and use geospatial data across multiple disciplines.

Unlike many GIS certificates, American Sentinel’s graduate certificate does not focus solely on the technology and software behind GIS. Our cross-disciplinary program is ideal for individuals who seek the analytical skills needed to incorporate geospatial tools and strategies into the modern-day working environment and enhance critical decision making and problem solving.

Program Details

American Sentinel offers an online study format that allows GIS certificate students to fit their GIS course work into their busy schedules. Features of the program include:

  • 100 percent online classrooms and course work.
  • 15-credit hour program that takes approximately six months to one year to complete.
  • Only five eight week-long courses.

Eligibility

To be considered for admission to the GIS graduate certificate program, students must submit the following:

  • A completed application selecting the GIS certificate option.
  • A resume, curriculum vitae or list of professional accomplishments.
  • Official transcripts from each institution attended. The institution(s) must send the transcripts directly to American Sentinel University. In addition, students must have:
    • A bachelor’s degree (does not have to be a GIS degree) from a recognized four-year institution.
    • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale), as shown on the degree transcripts.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the GIS graduate certificate will be able to:

  • Develop an understanding of geospatial principles and practices.
  • Develop a working knowledge of ArcGIS and other GIS related tools used in developing and implementing geospatial strategies.
  • Collect, store, access and use geospatial data across multiple disciplines.
  • Develop an enterprise-level geospatial strategy.
  • Understand the ethical and legal issues associated with the use of geospatial data.
  • Understand similarities and differences in geospatial strategies between specific disciplines.
  • Present geospatial information in a clear and professional manner.
  • Present their ePortfolio as evidence of academic achievement.

Career and Industry News

Information Technology

American Sentinel University IT Blog:
Subscribe for updates to via RSS OR by Email

Disclosure Information on Gainful Employment

Take the next step:

Request More Information
Admissions Live Chat
Apply Now

Success Story

GIS Graduate Certificate
Read Gregg's story >> >>
Read Gregg's story >> >>

TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS SUCCESS

Complete the form below and an
admissions advisor will contact you.

NEWS AND EVENTS

Online Open House
Weds., Jun 12, 1 p.m. EDT

Thinking about earning your degree online? Join our Online Open House for answers to many of your questions about distance learning.

Register Now!

QUICKLINKS

Curriculum

Students graduating with an online GIS certificate complete 15 credit-hours.

Students may be eligible to transfer up to six credit hours that meet the course learning objectives and program outcomes of GIS500 and GIS510. Students successfully completing the online GIS certificate may transfer these credits into the Master of Geospatial Information Systems program.

Required Courses (all courses are three credit hours) CREDIT HOURS*
GIS500 GIS Principles and Practice 3
GIS510 Geospatial Practicum Using ArcGIS 3
GIS515 Geospatial Data 3
GIS520 Developing an Enterprise Level Geospatial Strategy 3
GIS525 GIS Accuracy, Ethics, and the Law 3
* Credit hours are equivalent to semester hours

Career and Industry News

Information Technology

American Sentinel University IT Blog:
Subscribe for updates to via RSS OR by Email

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, geospatial technology is a high-growth industry, with the market growing at an annual rate of nearly 35 percent* (and the commercial subsection growing 100 percent annually according to the Geospatial Information and Technology Association*). The use of mobile devices is proliferating exponentially, with high consumer usage and a growing mobile workforce that relies on mobile communication technologies. More and more, businesses worldwide are using location-based data for better business intelligence—and geospatial fluency is becoming an in-demand skill that helps organizations identify problems and provide solutions.

Several industries project growth for geospatial information technicians and analysts, including governmental, scientific and technical services industries, while other industries are increasingly seeking professionals with geospatial capabilities, including the agricultural, health care, travel and tourism, urban planning and environmental fields.

Job Outlook

The geospatial industry is continuing to grow at a rapid pace. Consumer markets and enterprise segments alike demand geospatial solutions to everyday issues, resulting in a surge of demand for professionals from various career fields with geospatial skill sets and GIS degrees. American Sentinel's GIS graduate certificate prepares students with the geospatial competencies needed to work in a variety of occupations, including geospatial technologist, geospatial technician, remote sensing technologist and roles in which geospatial knowledge is an integral component, such as business intelligence analyst, operations research analyst and other positions.

Learn more about the job responsibilities, wages and occupational outlook of geospatial information scientists and technologists, remote sensing technologists, GIS technicians and agriculture technicians.

Disclosure Information on Gainful Employment