Applied Spatial Analysis in GIS, Certificate

Certificate in Applied Spatial Analysis in GIS
Location: AU New England
Credits for Degree: 9 semester credits
Standard Mode of Instruction: Online or In Person
Standard time to completion: 10 months

Program Overview

A certificate in Applied Spatial Analysis for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provides students with the essential skills to apply GIS in a variety of professional fields. This online or in-person program meets the growing demand for qualified GIS professionals in nearly every field, including conservation and environmental sciences, urban and regional planning, resource management, marketing and business administration, sustainability, advocacy and social justice, epidemiology and public health, government and military, K12 education, and more.

Gaining specialized training in GIS is an excellent way to establish a strong foundation and develop practical skills in the field. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career as a GIS practitioner, our program can help you take the next step. Designed for both aspiring and early-career professionals-as well as those incorporating GIS into their work-this program offers a comprehensive introduction to key GIS software, processes, and best practices.

This 9-credit one-year certificate program, designed for graduate students, educators, and professionals who already possess a bachelor’s degree, focuses on practical applications of GIS, equipping participants to: 

• Understand the fundamentals of cartography and GIS.
• Process and analyze spatial, socio-economic, and environmental data from diverse sources.
• Design, interpret, and communicate insights through map visualization.
• Model landscape features and assess spatial relationships.
• Conduct applied geospatial research using advanced analytical tools. 
• Evaluate environmental and socio-economic risks, and identify target intervention areas.
• Develop proficiency in non-commercial and commercial GIS platforms, such as ArcGIS and ArcGIS Online, QGIS, Google Earth Engine, ArchGIS etc.

The specialized knowledge you gain through the GIS graduate certificate program can serve as a great jump-start for earning your 36-credit Master’s of Science in Environmental Studies program later down the line.