Expand your career or try something new in one of the fastest-growing technologies. Enroll in our affordable 7-week online courses -- next session starts on - -.
Read Reviews Get EnrolledOur Our Geographic Information Systems (GIS) certificate and Geospatial Data Analytics & Visualization certificate develop your geographic awareness and geospatial technology skills, and expand career opportunities. Topics include geographic information, global positioning systems, graphic and map design, aerial image interpretation, geospatial analysis, ethics, trends, geovisualizations, data analytics, spatial statistics, and Python, ArcPy, and open-source geoprocessing.
By completing the GIS Certificate, you'll be able to:
By completing the Geospatial Data Analytics & Visualization Certificate, you'll be able to:
Geospatial Technology is used in thousands of careers:
“This is the best online instruction vehicle I have ever encountered. Online instruction has distinct strengths and distinct weaknesses, but the onGEO crew at MSU have maximized the strengths and minimized the weaknesses into a truly noteworthy product”
“Earlier this month I accepted a new job with the Texas Land Conservancy in Austin. I'm very excited about the opportunity to grow in my career and transition into a land conservation organization, and I know that having the GIS professional certificate program on my resume and the knowledge base from our classes has played a large role in making me marketable for this job.”
“I have found the first course very informative! It is all relatively new information for me, and I wasn't sure how "into it" I would be, but I found that I really enjoyed learning about geospatial technology and am looking forward to the remainder of the courses. In fact, I have been trying to "sell" the program to my husband for educator CE!”
“I have taken many online classes over the last couple of years, and this class was by far the most organized, thorough, and enjoyable class. There is a lot of material covered and it is presented in an engaging and thought provoking manner. There are many classes that should look to this class on how to run an online course.”
“Last Spring semester I took GIS 325...I am now being recognized by multiple teams at the corporation for my knowledge in ArcGIS. Teams are hounding my boss to allow me to do work for them!”
“Thank you so much for offering such a wonderful class. I have never learned so much in one class, and actually gained so many new things, skills in Geospatial technology, it's an amazing field.”
“This course really helped guide me to what I want to pursue in my career in local government.”
Look familiar? Everytime you use an app that uses your location, you're using GIS.
Apps like Uber, Waze, Pokemon Go, and Tinder rely heavily on GIS technology to power their location dependent experiences. In our courses, you'll get to dive into the technology behind these systems.
Don't worry, you don't need to be an application developer or geography stud to take our certificate classes. Our courses are designed for everyone.
Revamp your current career, earn continuing-education credits, or simply learn new and marketable skills.
Did you know that geospatial technologies are widely used in many industries, including academic departments and research institutes on campuses nationwide? Earning a Professional Certificate in GIS or Geospatial Data Analytics & Visualization could open the door to many opportunities in fields such as academics, business, transportation, public health, and natural resource and environmental management, and give you the edge you need to land the internship or job you desire!
How many classes do I need for the Professional Certificate in GIS?
The certificate consists of four fully online courses that are each delivered in 7-week sessions. This means that a certificate can easily be earned in two semesters (if courses are taken one at a time) or faster (if courses are taken concurrently).
How many classes do I need for the Professional Certificate in Geospatial Data Analytics & Visualization?
The certificate consists of four fully online courses that are each delivered in 7-week sessions. This means that a certificate can easily be earned in two semesters (if courses are taken one at a time) or faster (if courses are taken concurrently).
Do you have elective courses?
Yes! At this time, we offer the following specialization courses, which can be taken individually or in addition to the required professional-certificate courses listed above:
What kind of qualifications do I need for the certificate program?
There are no qualification requirements or prerequisites for our certificate program.
Who should apply for this program?
These courses and associated certificate are ideal for: (1) professionals currently working in fields that use geospatial technologies and pursuing training opportunities, (2) professionals and post-baccalaureates looking to advance or revamp their current career path, (3) teachers pursuing continuing education hours, and (4) international students seeking an educational experience and certification from an American university. You do not need to be an MSU student or alumnus to take our professional courses.
Can I take more than one course at a time?
Yes. Many students take two courses at a time. If you would like to pursue this option, email us to determine the best sequence of courses for you.
When are the courses offered?
There are convenient entry points for our certificate courses (or program), with sessions beginning six times a year. The next session start dates are:
What is the cost?
Each of the seven-week core professional courses is competitively priced at $1000. If you are receiving financial support from your employer, please contact us before you register for a course, and we will work with you to submit payment.
Are discounts available?
Yes! We offer discounts for current and former members of the military and alumni of the MSU Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences. We also offer a refer-a-friend discount and a group discount for four or more students from the same organization taking a course. Email us for details about these discounts.
Want to talk to someone about the courses or certificate?
Email us at onGEO@msu.edu. We can talk to you via email or give you a call. Alternatively, you can text or call us at 517.258.7991. We are happy to help you plan your entire certificate course sequence, choose the best class for you to start with, or answer your questions.