Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems – Online

The Geographic Information Systems Graduate Certificate gives students the necessary skills and understanding to apply GIS competently and effectively.

Anywhere

Location

Full-Time
Part-Time

Commitment

1-1.5 Years

Duration

Online

Program Format

Overview

A Geographic Information System (GIS) combines layers of data to give needed information on specific locations. Such a system can map environmental sensitivities or geological features, or can report on how best to speed emergency personnel to an accident or crime scene. Current fields using GIS include healthcare, public safety, environmental management, transportation and operations technology, real estate, and public utilities.

As a result of this certificate curriculum, students will be well versed in GIS theory, will have practical hands-on exposure to GIS software and hardware, will understand the representation of data in both mapped and tabular forms, and will know how to plan and construct spatial databases.

More Details

Unique Features

Hands on training enhances competency of GIS software and hardware
Online format allows for already working professionals to conveniently enhance or advance their career in GIS
Courses in this certificate may be applied to the Master of Professional Studies in Geographic Information Technology.

Admissions

Admissions Dates

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis, however we do recommend following the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term. If you are an international applicant, please view our international application deadlines.

Fall Term A:

Start date: September 18

Recommended Admissions Deadline: September 8

Fall Term B:

Start date: October 30

Recommended Admissions Deadline: September 18

Winter Term A:

Start date: January 9

Recommended Admissions Deadline: November 28

Winter Term B:

Start date: February 21

Recommended Admissions Deadline: January 9

Spring Term A:

Start date: April 10

Recommended Admissions Deadline: February 27

Spring Term B:

Start date: May 22

Recommended Admissions Deadline: April 10

Summer Term A:

Start date: July 10

Recommended Admissions Deadline: May 29

Summer Term B:

Start date: August 7

Recommended Admissions Deadline: June 26

Program Costs

$12.1K

Tuition

$1.6K

Avg Institutional Aid

13%

% Receiving Aid

How To Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

Requirements

Online application
Statement of purpose (500–1000 words): identifies your educational goals and expectations of the program; please be aware that the University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose
Professional resume
Official undergraduate transcripts: must be provided in a stamped and sealed envelope from the institution(s), stating degree conferral and date
Two letters of recommendation: from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities such as a faculty member, colleague, or mentor, preferably one from your current employer
English Language Proficiency Proof: students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
- Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S, stating degree conferral and date
- TOEFL, IELTS, or NU Global Exam scores

Are You an International Student?

Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Global Engagement

Learn how our teaching and research benefit from a worldwide network of students, faculty and industry partners.

Curriculum

General Requirements

Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems General Requirements

GIS 5101 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

3.00

GIS 5102 - Fundamentals of GIS Analysis

3.00

RMS 5105 - Fundamentals of Remote Sensing

3.00

GIS 5201 - Advanced Spatial Analysis

3.00

Electives

Complete two of the following:

GIS 6320 - Use and Applications of Free and Open-Source GIS Desktop Software

3.00

GIS 6340 - GIS Customization

3.00

GIS 6350 - Planning a GIS Implementation

3.00

GIS 6360 - Spatial Databases

3.00

GIS 6370 - Internet-Based GIS

3.00

GIS 6385 - GIS/Cartography

3.00

GIS 6390 - Business Applications of Geographic Information Systems

3.00

GIS 6391 - Healthcare Applications of Geographic Information Systems

3.00

GIS 6394 - Crisis Mapping for Humanitarian Action

3.00

GIS 6395 - Geospatial Analysis of Crime

3.00

GIS 6396 - GIS for Defense, Homeland Security, and Emergency Response

3.00

Experiential Learning

Northeastern's signature experiential learning model combines academics with professional practice to help students acquire relevant, real-world skills they can apply to their desired industry. Each program offers its own unique experiential learning opportunities, but they might include:

Experiential Learning at Work — Working professionals collaborate with their employer to develop a project that addresses a key business need their company has in an area they want familiarity with.
Experiential Network (XN) — Students work virtually with a sponsoring organization on a short-term project over a six-week period.
Full-Time Co-op Opportunities — Students on co-op work in a paid position in their field of study for three to six months.

Faculty

Our Faculty

Our faculty represents a wide cross-section of professional practices and in fields ranging from finance to education to biomedical science to management to the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors, and collaborate alongside students to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Cordula A. Robinson, PhD

Associate Teaching Professor

Students

By enrolling in Northeastern, you gain access to a network of more than 230,000 alumni and 3,000 employer partners, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and global NGOs. Our current students and faculty across strategically located regional campuses further foster that lifelong global community of learning and mentoring.

Below is a look at where our Computing & IT alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

Where They Work
- Dell EMC
- IBM
- Amazon
- Oracle
- Microsoft
What They Do
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Business Development
- Entrepreneurship
- Program and Project Management
What They're Skilled At
- Java
- SQL
- Software Development
- JavaScript
- HTML

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.

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College of Professional Studies

Geographic Information Systems

More Details

Unique Features

Looking for something different?

Admissions Dates

Program Costs

Requirements

General Requirements

Electives

Our Faculty

Where They Work

What They Do

What They're Skilled At

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