If you’re interested in the environment and its impact on society, or society’s impact on the environment, then an online certificate program in GIS is something you should consider. As a GIS professional you will have many opportunities to impact the way we understand the world around us as well as analyze data that affects the planet. Maybe you’ll go out in the field, collecting data, gathering and communicating the information we need to make informed decisions about our world. Or maybe you’ll work for government agencies or a private company, using geographic information systems (GIS) and geospatial technologies to create essential maps containing all kinds of custom data that can be used to make those decisions. Either way, earning an online certificate in GIS is the perfect way to develop the essential knowledge and skills you will need to excel in this profession.
This is why we’ve put together a ranking of the top ten most affordable GIS certificates online in the United States. This ranking features many fantastic schools of academic excellence offering this certificate program at either the undergraduate or graduate level for great prices. You can find out more about geo information systems in the FAQ at the end of the ranking of the top GIS certificate programs online.
Ranking the Best GIS Certificate Programs 2022
#1. California State – Fullerton
Fullerton, California
Website
First on our list of GIS certificate programs, California State at Fullerton offers a fully online GIS certificate that can be earned in just eight months. The program features required courses like introduction to GIS, GIS data analysis and formats, GIS analysis and map design, and geospatial technology. Other courses not listed here may also be required. The GIS program opens up career paths for working professionals like GIS technician, GIS specialist, and GIS analyst. (This last one is available once you gain experience and take an exam to become a certified GIS professional). Cal State- Fullerton is accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $6,967
#2. Michigan State
East Lansing, Michigan
Website
Michigan State’s GIS program has six start dates throughout the year, meaning you’re never more than a couple of months from being able to start your classes. Each of the four classes are delivered in 7-week sessions, and the entire certificate can be earned in just one semester if you take a full course load. The specialization course curriculum includes introduction to geospatial technology, GIS software (ArcGIS Pro), information systems, GIS database, and cartography.
Tuition: $14,750
#3. South Dakota State
Brookings, South Dakota
Website
Graduates from the South Dakota State online geographic information sciences certificate program will find opportunities to work for private companies and federal and state governments in jobs like GIS analyst, regional planner, and cartographer. The GIS online program is 12 credits and features courses like data creation and integration, vector and raster modeling, advanced cartography, and quantitative remote sensing. All of the courses have a lab component for hands on experience, and a capstone project may be mandated to meet the program-specific geographic information system requirements.
Tuition: $9,299
#4. College of Western Idaho
Nampa, Idaho
Website
This program is a little more expensive than the ones above, but that’s partially because it requires more credits for those students who meet admission requirements. At 18 credits it will take a little longer to complete. The certificate can be earned over the course of a year and a half taking six credits per semester. Courses include python scripting for GIS; cartography, mapping and spatial thinking; and geospatial analysis with GIS.
Tuition: $4,336
#5. Utah State
Logan, Utah
Website
Coming in at #5 on our list of online GIS certificate programs, Utah State offers an affordable GIS graduate certificate. Courses address emerging trends in the field and include geo information systems for natural resource applications, advanced geo information systems, principles of remote sensing for natural resources, and geospatial analysis. This certificate is designed to be complementary to a number of different graduate degrees and current career opportunities. Plus, the credits from this certificate can be applied to a number of graduate programs.
Tuition: $8,960
#6. Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
Website
The GIS program offered by Ohio University can be started at the beginning of any school term. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and submit a resume. Students will take courses like cartography I and II, data analysis, and principles of GIS. The program is designed to help some of the nearly 700,000 workers in the geospatial industry develop advanced competency with geospatial hardware and software.
Tuition: $12,840
#7. Park University
Parkville, Missouri
Website
Park University offers the GIS certificate online or in a traditional classroom setting. Students in the remote GIS program will take courses like spatial analysis, cartography, GIS I, and GIS II. Graduates from this GIS online program will be working professionals who have worked in fields like natural sciences, social sciences, business, and federal, state, and local government.
Tuition: $12,280
#8. University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Website
The fully online certificate program in GIS at the University of Florida can be completed in 12-15 months. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, submit a resume, and have a 3.0 GPA. Students will take courses like planning information systems, web mapping and visualization, automation for geospatial modeling and analysis, urban geospatial analysis, and geospatial visualization.
Tuition: $6,381
#9. University of Colorado
Boulder, Colorado
Website
It’s important to note that if you plan to earn your GIS certificate online at the University of Colorado you will need to meet the course prerequisites for all courses offered in the certificate program. You will take courses like intro to GIS software, GIS spatial database development, GIS project management, relational databases, advanced remote sensing, and interactive web mapping for GIS.
Tuition: $12,496
#10. University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
Website
This remote GIS certificate program is designed for students who want to switch careers, move into a higher paying field, increase their value to their current employer, or apply the techniques and methods of GIS to their current work. While students in this capstone program may transfer the credits into a graduate degree at a later date, they cannot simultaneously be enrolled in this capstone program and a graduate degree program at the University of Wisconsin.
Tuition: $10,720
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Geographic Information System?
Geographic information systems (GIS) are an essential part of understanding the world in which we live. They are a powerful tool that allows us to record and reference vast amounts of information about the geography of our planet using spatial data. They are essential in the fields of earth sciences, biology, and resource management just to name a few. The complex and thorough data stored in geographic information systems allows professionals in these fields to make projections about everything from pollution to the likely locations of rare plants. Geo information systems can be used to record everything from the locations from which scientific samples were taken, to where all the manhole covers are located in a given city. One basic example of a geo information system you might use regularly is an ATM locator on your bank’s website or on their mobile app. GIS are also often used to create custom maps for researchers, city planners, and scientists looking to study specific subjects. Maps can be either general or highly specific.
Needless to say, this is an essential field that promises to grow in importance as the United States prepares to take on massive infrastructure projects. Geo information systems will be an essential tool for planning and executing infrastructure projects. For instance, if one wished to create a public works project to renovate bridges in need of repair, one could create a map with all the nation’s bridges included, sortable by their current condition and their maintenance history, and maybe even traffic flow reports, and then use that map to set priorities for which bridges to work on at each different point in the project.
Is this a promising career choice?
The GIS Certification Institute estimates that there are 675,000 geospatial professionals employed in the United States currently. Most (56%) work in government on some level. There are a wide variety of jobs available within the GIS field. If you prefer to work indoors using spatial analysis techniques and putting together information and maps for a variety of purposes then there are jobs for you in the industry. If you want to get outside and see the world and explore, tracking wildlife and natural phenomena, then there are jobs for you too! Maybe you’re not that interested in the countryside or the wilds but instead have a passion for infrastructure. In that case, you should explore your options in the career of urban planning. These skills will give you the ability to make a difference in the world through your career.
These GIS certificate programs online are incredibly affordable! But they still cost a lot of money. Any tips for funding them?
Yes! First, if you are already working in a related career, check with your employer about professional development funds. These funds are often overlooked and can be a great way to pay for some or even all of your continuing education on your employer’s dime!
Depending on when you are taking the courses for the certificate, you maybe be able to simply pay for them with your regular college financial aid. If you are just taking a certificate program, however, financial aid may be more limited, though there should be some available. I would ask the university you’re planning to attend about financial aid options for students in GIS certificate programs online.
Of course, you can also take out student loans. Though, as you might imagine, it’s generally better to minimize the amount of student debt you accrue. And honestly, some of these GIS online programs are so cheap you can probably just take a year and save up the money to pay out of pocket if none of these other financial aid options work out for you.
Should I look at GIS certificates online at the undergraduate or graduate level?
This depends on your level of familiarity with the field. If you aren’t directly familiar with GIS, it would be better to earn the undergraduate certificate first. This will let you access program benefits and provide you with the fundamental skills you can then build on through the experience you gain working or further education. However, if you work in the field and have some familiarity with the fundamental technologies, GIS software, and practices of GIS, and you already have your bachelor’s degree, then the graduate certificate is a great choice!
CVO Staff
Sources
- What Is Geographic Information Systems?
- Top 25 Master’s in Information Systems Online
- PhD Programs in Information Systems
- 30 Online Bachelor’s in Computer Networking Programs
- Best Online Colleges
- Cheapest Associate’s Degrees Online
- Best Degrees for the Future
This concludes our ranking of the best GIS certificate programs online.