Admissions | Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Graduate Certificate

PSU’s graduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provides introductory and in-depth study into the design and application of GIS technology. Students can be admitted solely to the certificate program, or concurrently enrolled as master’s and doctoral students in a degree program at PSU.

The PSU GIS certificate and the individual courses offered as part of the certificate count towards the national GIS certification programs. These programs include the GISP (Certified GIS Professional) certification administered by the GIS Certification Institute and the ASPRS Certification programs by the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS).

Admissions Requirements

  • Meet PSU’s minimum requirements
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (if your GPA is between 2.75-3.0, you can be admitted conditionally)
  • Current PSU graduate students must be in good academic standing

Deadlines

Students can be admitted in the fall, winter or spring terms.

Fall Term start: May 1
Winter Term start: Oct. 15
Spring Term start: Jan. 15

How to Apply

  • New Students: New students who have not yet applied to PSU must first apply to PSU.
  • Current PSU Graduate Students: If you are currently enrolled in a PSU graduate program, you do not need to submit the online university application. Instead, fill out a GO-19 Request for Change of Program form and submit it with the program application materials.

Application Materials

Below is the list of the information and materials you will need to provide as part of your application. We recommend preparing these materials in advance of submitting your application.

  • Statement of Purpose: Explain your reasons for choosing to undertake the Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems and, if applicable, state your background in geography, cartography, or other GIS-related fields.
  • References: Submit contact information for at least one individual who can comment on your academic performance or attest to your skills as they pertain to your selected program of study. Portland State University will contact your references and provide them with instructions for submitting recommendation forms.
  • Copies of transcripts from each college or university attended
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency (if applicable)

Contact

If you have questions, contact Geoffrey Duh at jduh@pdx.edu.