Program Overview
The Undergraduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) prepares students to harness the power of geospatial technologies to solve real-world problems. Through hands-on learning with industry-standard software such as ArcGIS and ArcGIS Pro, students gain the ability to collect, visualize, and analyze spatial data used in fields such as environmental science, urban planning, business analytics, public health, and education.
Open to students from any major, this 15-credit interdisciplinary program builds the technical and analytical skills needed for success in today’s data-driven and globally connected world. Graduates develop a strong foundation in geospatial thinking, positioning them for leadership in the rapidly growing geospatial workforce.
Why Choose the GIS Certificate at UMSL?
- Gain practical, high-demand skills in mapping, spatial analysis, and data visualization.
- Learn from experts at the UMSL Geospatial Collaborative, a regional leader in geospatial education and research.
- Apply GIS across diverse disciplines — from Data Science, Computer Science, and Environmental Studies to Supply Chain, Marketing, Economics, and Biology.
- Build a professional portfolio of real-world projects using cutting-edge software and datasets.
- Prepare for careers with government agencies, research institutes, environmental organizations, and technology firms.
Who Should Enroll
- Want to enhance their degree with spatial analysis and geodata management skills.
- Are majoring in fields such as Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, Supply Chain, Marketing, Economics, Biology, Environmental Studies, or Education.
- Seek interdisciplinary tools to address global challenges related to climate, urbanization, health, and sustainable development.
Curriculum Structure
Total Credit Hours: 15
The GIS Certificate consists of three required core courses and two elective courses. This updated curriculum takes effect in Fall 2025 for all new students. Students enrolled prior to Fall 2025 will complete the previous 13-credit-hour version.
Core Courses (9 Credit Hours)
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GIS 1000 | Exploring Geospatial Thinking and Technology | 3 |
| GIS 2301 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Sciences | 3 |
| GIS 4303 | Advanced Geographic Information Systems and Sciences | 3 |
Elective Courses (6 Credit Hours Total)
Students choose one Methods/Visualization elective and one Broadening elective from the lists below.
Methods / Visualization Electives (Choose One – 3 Credits)
- GIS 4490 – Internship or Capstone in GIS
- GEOG 1001 – Introduction to Geography (MOTR GEOG 101)
- HONORS 2002 – Topics in Information Literacy
- SCMA 3331 – Data Visualization for Business Applications
- POL SCI 3350 – Political Parties and Elections
- CMP SCI 3411 – Introduction to Data Visualization
- SOC 3501 – Social Mapping for Change
- INFSYS 3830 – Data Programming
- MATH 4470 – Statistical Data Analysis for GIS
- CMP SCI 4420 – Digital Image Processing and Computer Vision
Broadening Electives (Choose One – 3 Credits)
- GEOG 1002 – World Regions (MOTR GEOG 101)
- GEOG 2001 – Cultural Geography
- HONORS 2020 – Inquiries in the Fine and Performing Arts
- HONORS 2040 – Inquiries in Mathematics and Computing
- POL SCI 2600 – The Geography of Governance
- HIST 4142 – Inquiries in U.S. History
- ECON 4160 – Geospatial Analysis in the Social Sciences
- CMP SCI 4200 – Python for Scientific Computing and Data Science
- PHIL 4460 – Topics in Logic
- SOC WK 4755 – Poverty, Human Rights, and Social Justice
- MGMT 5634 – Sustainability Management
Career Pathways
- Government and Defense: Mapping, geospatial intelligence, infrastructure planning
- Environment and Natural Resources: Conservation, climate modeling, resource management
- Health and Human Services: Public health mapping, service access analysis
- Business and Industry: Market analysis, logistics, and location intelligence
- Education and Research: Curriculum development, academic research, and data visualization