The graduate certificate Geographic Information Systems is PSU’s most sought-after graduate certificate, and for a good reason. We have access to more data, and more need for data analysis now than ever before. Your classes in GIS will put you in a good position to work as a data scientist when you graduate. The Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems provides an introductory and in-depth study into the design and application of geographic information systems (GIS) technology. You can be admitted solely to the certificate program or concurrently as a Masters or Doctoral student at PSU. Our program provides a rich, engaging, and flexible learning environment that will prepare you for a GIS career.
In addition to receiving guidance from faculty members who conduct active research, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with the vibrant GIS communities and professionals in experiential learning activities in the Portland metropolitan area. You can engage in campus life with like-minded peers through the student GIS club and regional conferences, such as the GIS in Action conference, Portland Cartography Symposium, and Resistance GIS conference.
Students who enroll in the GIS Graduate Certificate may also wish to learn more about our GIS Master's program.
Portland State has a unique partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey, which is located at the south end of PSU’s campus. You will be studying from real-world experts right in the heart of it all.
The certificate program offers students many opportunities to interact with faculty members face to face or through online learning. Many of the certificate courses can be taken completely or partially online.
Upon completing the certificate program, you could join our GIS alumni who have diverse careers in the public and private sectors, such as land management, urban planning, conservation, utility, consultant, data analytics, and education. The GIS courses offered as part of the Graduate GIS Certificate count toward the national professional 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).
With so much data available, there’s so much demand for GIS geospatial analysis.