Geographic information systems (GIS) allow us to capture, manage, query, analyze, and model geospatially referenced data. GIS ties the idea of location to information, making it possible to visualize it all in map form. Using geospatial techniques we combine and overlay data to show complex scenarios from a geographic perspective. GIS also allows us to integrate data from diverse sources, helping identify relationships, trends, and patterns of distribution.
GW's certificate program provides students with a solid grounding in geospatial theory and techniques, combined with the practical skills to apply these techniques to real-world problems. Students are exposed to a combination of industry standard software and open source programs in classes that encourage an extensive hands-on approach. The program features service learning components in courses that increasingly incorporate the growing field of open source GIS.
In today's job market, demand for geospatial science skills is growing at a fast rate, and GIS is increasingly popular in many different disciplines and industries, such as scientific investigation, resource management, marketing, archaeology, environmental research, urban planning, demography, development, policy, public health, emergency management, and logistics.
Certificate students have an opportunity to pick from a broad range of electives that match their interests. Faculty members have expertise in GIS, remote sensing, and spatial analysis. The department's state-of-the-art spatial analysis lab is available for student research.
The certificate requires the completion of 12 credits. All students are expected to complete the program in two years (four semesters).
This is a STEM designated program.
Visit the program website for additional information.
Visit the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences website for application requirements.
Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:
Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Office of Graduate Studies
The George Washington University
801 22nd Street NW, Phillips Hall 107
Washington DC 20052
For additional information about the admissions process visit the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences Frequently Asked Questions page.
Contact for questions:
askccas@gwu.edu
202-994-6210 (phone)
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday
This Bulletin covers the degree requirements for students matriculating in the current academic year. Students who matriculated before the current year can find their requirements in the relevant archived Bulletin.
The following requirements must be fulfilled: 12 credits, including 6 credits in required courses and 6 credits in elective courses.
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| GEOG 6304 | Geographic Information Systems I | |
| GEOG 6305 | Geospatial Statistics | |
| |
| GEOG 6303 | Introduction to Remote Sensing | |
| GEOG 6306 | Geographic Information Systems II | |
| GEOG 6307 | Digital Image Processing | |
| GEOG 6308 | Programming for Geospatial Applications I | |
| GEOG 6309 | GIS for Emergency Management | |
| GEOG 6310 | Geovisualization and Cartography | |
| GEOG 6311 | Open Source Solutions for Geospatial Project Management | |
