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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate

Projected outlook for some certified GIS experts:

12,000Number of Jobs, 2019

$65,470Median Pay per year, 2019

4%Job Growth, 2019-2029

*U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook - Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Earn A CSUF Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate in 8 Months

Earn your GIS certificate in 8 months and integrate geography, data and systems to solve a wide range of problems for government, business, healthcare, insurance, law enforcement and other industries.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Program Benefits:

With a GIS certificate, you will be able to:

  • Collect, analyze, model and present geographic data.
  • Integrate geography, data and systems to solve problems.
  • Serve industries such as business, healthcare, insurance and law enforcement.

Program Stats:

  • Four required, project-based courses (84 hours of lecture).
  • 100% online.
  • 8 months long.
  • 8.4 continuing education units (CEUs).

GIS career paths according to Dr. Karen Underhill, GIS instructor at Cal State Fullerton:

  • GIS Technician - Immediately out of the program (entry level GIS work).
  • GIS Specialist - Sometimes immediately out of the program or about a year experience.
  • GIS Analyst - With more experience, they can apply and take the exam to become a certified Geographic Information System Professional (GISP).

Check out the full interview with Dr. Underhill to see what else she has to say about earning your GIS certificate online.

For optimal viewing of the course schedule below, please view on a tablet or desktop
Please note: Note: Click on the course title to view all available course sections. Hover over the colored labels to view where the course will be offered.
Course Title
Winter / Spring 2021
Summer
2021
Fall
2021
Introduction to GIS
O

No sections available. Sign up and stay connected. View the course description.

GIS Data and Formats
O

 
Learn More
Days Date Time Location
04/12/21-06/06/21 Online Online-Variable
Fee
$910.00
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GIS Analysis and Map Design
O
O

 
Learn More
Days Date Time Location
06/21/21-08/15/21 Online Online-Variable
Fee
$910.00
Register
GIS Project
O

O
 
Learn More
Days Date Time Location
04/05/21-05/16/21 Online Online-Variable
Fee
$695.00
Register

At the conclusion of the certificate program, graduates will be able to:
- Provide a general definition and understanding of the key concepts and topics of GIS including a brief history of the industry;
- Understand the major components of a Geographic Information System including hardware, software and data;
- Identify the role and functions of the GIS Specialist in both the public and private sectors;
- Understand GIS database principles and build a GIS database, data type and data sources;
- Understand the fundamentals of ArcGIS and its related applications; and
- Complete a capstone project integrating the student's GIS knowledge and skills accumulated over the course of the certificate program.

- Recent Baccalaureate graduates across many disciplines
- Employees of organizations either utilizing or planning to utilize GIS
- Career changers - IT Professionals
- Retirees - second career

It is recommended that participants who reside outside of United States and whose first language is not English possess English language proficiency equivalent to:
A minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper) or 80 (iBT) or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5
There is no need to send the test score to the University.  It the participant's responsibility to demonstrate English language proficiency necessary to fully participate in the class lectures and discussions. 

Jaime M Alas
Programmer/Analyst GIS, Information Technology Services, Downey Regional Medical Center
John C Carroll
Chair, Department of Geography, College of Humanities, California State University, Fullerton
Julie Cooper
Crime Analyst, Irvine Police Department
Lauren Henderson
Program Developer University Extended Education California State University, Fullerton
David Holt
Strategic Planner Health Care Systems, VA Loma Linda Health Care System
Paul Horvath
Director, Information Technology TC3 Health
Josephine M Jenneskens
GIS Analyst, City of Carson
Kari A Knutson Miller
Dean, University Extended Education and AVP, International Programs & Global Engagement University Extended Education, California State University, Fullerton
Lew Nelson
Manager, Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice Industries, ESRI
Yong-Tae Park
Professor, Department of Information Sciences and Decision Sciences, Cal State Fullerton
Kurt Smith
Community Analysis and Technology, Director, Redlands Police Department
Karen K Underhill
GIS/Database Supervisor, Orange County Water District
Seth Waife
Representative, Health Care Industries, ESRI

Program Details

Location: Online
Length: 8 months
Cost: $3,210*
Next Start: Fall 2021

*Cost is approximate and subject to change

View Schedule

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Non-California Residents

It is recommended that participants who reside outside of United States and whose first language is not English must possess English language proficiency equivalent to a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper), 80 (iBT) or IELTS score of 6.5.

It is the participantís responsibility to demonstrate English language proficiency necessary to fully participate in the class lectures and discussions.

Professional Licensure and Certification

*Have a question? Please contact us.