This technical, non-degree certificate focuses on producing expert Geographic Information Systems (GIS) practitioners who are prepared to use geographic information systems technology in the workplace.
Students who successfully complete this will be prepared to seek careers in cartography, GIS analysis, GIS management, surveying, remote sensing, landscape architecture, community planning and other fields that use geospatial data analysis.
Please be aware that federal financial aid is not available for some certificates if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program). See the “Details” tab for additional information.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 16 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
Purpose Statement
The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate focuses on producing expert GIS practitioners who are prepared to use geospatial technologies in the workplace. GIS is a framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing data. Rooted in the science of geography, GIS integrates many types of data. It analyzes spatial location and organizes layers of information into visualizations using maps and 3D scenes. Students gain experience and an advanced skillset that can be applied to careers in urban and regional planning, cartography, remote sensing, and environmental resource management. This is a post-graduate certificate that is well suited for students who want to enter the field of GIS or apply geospatial techniques and analysis to their desired discipline. Coursework for the GIS Certificate provides students with the principles of GIS, advanced analysis in enterprise geodatabases, geospatial programming, and web-based GIS. Upon successful completion students will be able to enter the workforce with a competitive edge for jobs in landscape architecture, local government, scientific research, community health analyst, mapping technician, photogrammetrist, land surveyor and many more fields.
Student Learning Outcomes
The program provides training in advanced GIS technology and geospatial problem-solving ability. Upon completion, students will be able to
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Take the following 16 units:
This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Under both circumstances, federal financial aid can be used for this certificate.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.