Graduate Certificate Geographic Information Science at Arizona State University

Programme overview

Geographic information scientists have the ability to not only map out information but to provide a deeper understanding of the world and the human interactions in it. By combining the disciplines of computer science, statistics and geography, you can help answer the questions of what, where, why and how in many areas of interest in many industries.

Faculty: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | Department: School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning | Duration: 15 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Tempe, AZ, United States

What you will study

15 credit hours Required Core (3 credit hours) PAF 571 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Analysis (3) or PUP 576 GIS Workshop for Planners (3) Electives (6 credit hours) Other Requirements (6 credit hours) ABS 485 GIS in Natural Resources (3) GIS 521 Geographic Information Science Programming (3) GIS 561 Fundamentals of Spatial Optimization (3) GIS 562 Location Analysis and Modeling (3) GIS 563 Local Statistical Modeling (3) GIS 571 Spatial Statistics for Geography and Planning (3) GIS 591 Seminar: Data Mining and Data Driven Geography (3) Additional Curriculum Information Students select one of the required core courses for a total of three credit hours.

Career pathways

Professionals with expertise in geospatial information science are in high demand across sectors and industries, including consulting firms, government agencies and community organizations. Career examples: cartographer or photogrammetrist, geographic information systems technician, geospatial information scientist or technologist, geospatial intelligence analyst, mapping technician, remote sensing scientist or technologist.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they are currently pursuing a master's degree at ASU or have earned a master's degree and are currently practicing professionals. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: graduate admission application and application fee official transcripts personal statement proof of English proficiency Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. International students who need an F1 or J1 visa first need to apply to and be accepted into a graduate degree program prior to being considered for the certificate program.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,327 a year (2026-27). Arizona resident tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads Source

International applicants: USD 24,780 a year (2026-27). International tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads ar Source

Duration: 15 credit hours

Apply through the official page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

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