GIS Undergraduate Certificate

Program Details

Next Start Date: January 8

Credit Hours: 24

Course Length: 8 weeks

Estimated Program Length: 12 months

A UWF Geographic Information Science Undergraduate Certificate opens many doors in the field of GIS whether you are looking to begin a career in GIS or for advancement in your current GIS position.

Why Study GIS at UWF?

The University of West Florida’s online Certificate in Geographic Information Science combines a comprehensive foundation in the geosciences with hands-on experience in GIS technologies. Whether you are a working professional or working from home, this affordable, fully online certificate program provides the flexibility and skills including ArcGIS Pro and Python programming that you need to advance your career in this fast-paced, growing field.

Even though our GIS Certificate program is entirely online, you can still receive individualized attention via virtual meetings with instructors, personal advising appointments, and get connected with necessary resources such as technical assistance and tutoring. Instructors, and even graduate teaching assistants, are invested in your success. When it comes to your internship, we will help connect you with partners and advisory board members who will find the right position for you.

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What You Will Learn

With expert faculty who have extensive GIS experience, your coursework goes beyond simple how-to guides to ensure you have the skills needed to improve your current work or to begin entry-level positions in GIS. In fact, we are constantly developing and updating our course content to meet the needs of the industry and to stay up-to-date with the latest versions of all software. Expectations are reviewed upfront, so you can expect transparency and consistency in course load and required technology. Faculty will guide you through tools including ArcGIS Pro, and Python programming—required software is available remotely, eliminating the need to buy and install expensive programs. Each course follows a similar course design or format so that you can focus on content and practice.

By completing this certificate, you will be able to:

Recognize and practice using GIS technologies
Analyze and interpret large amounts of data collected by GIS technologies
Gain real-world experience through a required GIS internship

Courses

Undergraduate-level courses can be applied to the GIS foundational requirement for the Geographic Information Science Administration, M.S. program.

Florida state employees are eligible to receive the state employee tuition waiver for the UWF GIS Undergraduate Certificate program.

Courses & Requirements

To complete the GIS Undergraduate Certificate program, you must take 24 credit hours of courses that incorporate the latest technology, including ArcGIS Pro and Python Programming.

In order to participate in our online GIS courses, students must have access to their own laptop or personal computer, speakers, microphone or headset, and consistent broadband internet access (high-speed). A mouse is highly recommended for those using a laptop.
Access to required software is provided through Argo Apps for GIS virtual machines.
Consistent access to the internet is required to participate in online courses.
Optionally, students may install ArcGIS Pro software locally which is used in all GIS certificate courses. Students’ computers should meet the minimal hardware requirements for Esri ArcGIS Pro 2.8 software (see the most current version of the software). Please note: ArcGIS Pro runs natively on Windows OS. Mac users can use ArcGIS Pro on Argo Apps or run ArcGIS Pro via Bootcamp.
Previous knowledge or experience in GIS is not required but it’s important to possess both Minimal Technology Skills and Requirements and Basic Computer Skills for GIS. This is a very technical program and we will not have time to teach basic skills.
Certain aspects of GIS software require students to have sight and hand-eye coordination (certain abilities) to practice GIS and use the software (any GIS software). If you have a disability that impacts full participation in a course please contact Student Accessibility Resources at 850.474.2387 or by email at sar@uwf.edu for additional support.
All materials and communication will be conducted in the English language. A guide for GIS students on how to Get Help Faster is provided as part of the GIS User Training to demonstrate good communication in our online courses. Instructors may request a specific communication protocol for their courses which will be provided on the course syllabus or course site. Adhering to basic computer ethics and professionalism is expected.

GIS 4043+L - Geographic Information Systems (plus lab)
GIS 4006+L - Computer Cartography (plus lab)
GIS 4035+L - Photo Interpretation and Remote Sensing (plus lab)
GIS 4102 - GIS Programming
GIS 4048 - Applications in Geographic Information Systems
GIS 4930 - Special Topics in Geographic Information Science

Choose one of the following:

GIS 4905 - Directed Study
GIS 4944 - GIS Internship

To begin the online Certificate in Geographic Information Science, interested students need to fill out a non-degree-seeking student application and provide the additional required materials listed below. Once accepted, students are required to meet with the GIS academic advisor prior to enrollment. In addition to the University admission requirements, the department bases decisions for regular admission on a holistic review of credentials. You should also:

Submit a letter of intent demonstrating motivation and writing abilities to gisonline@uwf.edu. Discuss your interest in the field of GIS, why you chose to apply, and how your career goals match with the UWF online GIS Certificate.
Students may transfer one class (3 or 4 credits) into the undergraduate GIS Certificate program providing the transfer criteria are met. The class must be an upper level undergraduate class from a regionally accredited U.S. university. Email gisonline@uwf.edu an unofficial transcript and relevant course syllabi for consideration.
Agree to possess the prerequisite skills, hardware, access, and abilities for GIS.
International non-degree seeking applicants must meet the English proficiency requirement established by the University.

Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Contact the GIS team at gisonline@uwf.edu.

Students enrolled in the Certificate (GIS) program are required to complete a one-semester internship experience, under the direct guidance of a qualified mentor and under the supervision of the GIS 4944: Internship course instructor. Students currently employed in a GIS position may elect to use their current position for an internship experience. A directed study course option is available for students who wish to complete a guided project in lieu of an internship.

Full Course Descriptions Registration Requirements

Careers & Outcomes

With a GIS Certificate, you can go on to other degree programs or pursue advancement in a variety of occupations in industries including Education, Manufacturing, Health and Human Services, Government, Sustainability, Real Estate, Environment, Utilities and more.

Job Titles

GIS Technicians
GIS Coordinators
Geographers
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Surveying and Mapping Technicians
GIS Analysts

Career Outlook

5 million US employees rely on geospatial services to do their job on a regular basis
GIS and the related geospatial economy have a yearly global value of $350 billion
The median salary for GIS professionals in the US is $74,000

Source: Esri, 2023

Tuition Rate Per Credit Hour

GIS Online Undergraduate Certificate Tuition
Component	Cost	Total
In-state Tuition	$218.98 per credit hour	$5,255.52
Full Out-of-state Tuition	$648.37 per credit hour	$15,560.88
75% Out-of-state Tuition	$341.67 per credit hour	$8,200.08

Starting Fall 2024, the online GIS certificate tuition will be based on residency, as shown above.

Tuition waivers cover up to 75% of the non-resident portion of your tuition and are available to non-Florida residents (including international students) admitted to online campus programs and registered for online courses in active pursuit of that degree or certificate. You must pay all other assessed tuition and fees. The renewal of Online Campus Out-of-State Tuition Waivers is not automatic. Waiver requests must be submitted every semester and are not retroactive for previous semesters. Review Tuition Waiver Information to learn more.

Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted.

Refer to UWF Cost of Attendance Estimates and Financial Literacy for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.

* Review current Tuition & Fees for the Undergraduate GIS Certificate.

Alabama, Military & Financial Aid

Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition

Residents of Alabama are eligible for Alabama Differential Tuition, a reduced out-of-state tuition rate. To verify residency status for tuition purposes, new undergraduate students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and new graduate students should contact the Graduate School. Current enrolled students should contact the Office of the Registrar. See more about Tuition Waivers.

Military & Veterans

The UWF Military & Veterans Resource Center (MVRC) serves as the campus advocate for military, dependents and veteran students. Contact the MVRC to learn more about the various military and veteran education assistance or tuition waiver opportunities and eligibility requirements.

UWF Financial Assistance

The University of West Florida provides eligible students with an alternative to paying the full amount of tuition at the beginning of each term in the form of an installment payment plan or a short-term loan. See more about Financial Aid and Education Funding Opportunities.

UWF GeoData Center

UWF is the only University in Florida designated as an ESRI Development Center (EDC). The EDC program confers special status and benefits upon a select few leading university departments that challenge their students to develop innovative applications based upon the ArcGIS platform. Learn more about current GIS student projects and research opportunities available with the UWF GeoData Center.