Online Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science
Map your place in the world with a science that touches every part of it.
Whether you’re seeking to enhance your background in Geographic Information Services (GIS) or stepping into the field for the first time, GIS is a relevant science that intersects with virtually everything in our world — making it a high-demand career in almost every field. Our online certificate program is designed for anyone with a bachelor’s degree in any field who wants to gain the skills and industry know-how to pursue or launch a GIS career in education, public health, natural resources, manufacturing, public safety, and sustainability.
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, you’ll immerse yourself in hands-on applications of GIS software, principles, and technologies. Our dedicated faculty with years of industry experience will help you delve into languages and applications such as SQL, Python, GPS, workflow design and strategies, cartographic design, spatial and tabular data, as well as geodatabase design and development.
Grounded in our Lasallian Catholic heritage, Saint Mary’s empowers learners to lead lives of ethical service and leadership. As you advance in your career, you’ll be a force for good in the world — an example of what it means to place values and virtues at the forefront of everything you do.
Immerse yourself in optional paid applied learning experiences through GeoSpatial Services (GSS), a unique on-campus project center at Saint Mary’s that is nationally recognized with clients including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, and the Bureau of Land Management.
Financial aid may be available for this program, helping to ease the stress of paying for courses so you can focus on what matters most.
Take your career to the next level by applying earned credits from this certificate program to our M.S. in Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics program, saving you time and money as you advance your career. In addition, Saint Mary’s is regionally accredited, meaning that most other colleges and universities will accept our credits for transfer.
Discover scholarships available through our partnerships with several regional and national employers. See if your employer is part of our Trusted Partnership Program. Learn more.
What You'll Learn
Analyze geospatial data
Demonstrate proficiency in data collection and database administration
Develop custom workflows and scripts for visualization and analytics
Engage in complex critical thinking
Best practices of integrated technology
Ethical implications of data handling and decision-making
Information Session
Join us for an information session to learn more about the program, the application process, and more. We offer live information sessions where you can meet program staff, as well as an archive you can view on your own time.
Ready to apply? Learn about taking the next steps.
General Requirements
Applicants may apply for admission to a master’s degree program at any time during the year.
Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.
Applicants must complete an interview with a program director as part of the admission process.
English Language Proficiency
Students with transcripts from universities located outside of the United States, unless from a waiver country listed here, are required to take and pass English Proficiency testing.
Saint Mary’s accepts:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 4 (formerly 72)
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0
Michigan Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) with a minimum score of 74%
International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP) with a minimum score of 4.0 or Pearson Test of English with a score of 51
Duolingo with a minimum score of 105.
Application Requirements
Your application must include the following items:
A completed application form
An official transcript(s) issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor’s degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution.)
Saint Mary’s can order and cover the cost of transcripts from institutions that allow third-party requests for eligible degree-seeking applicants. Contact your enrollment counselor for more information.
Official Transcripts should be sent to Office of Admission
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
2500 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
brief description of the applicant’s background, training, and experience; and
statement indicating the career goals of the applicant and their reasons for seeking admission to the program; and
description of the areas the applicant considers to be their strengths and areas in which the applicant wishes to develop greater strengths and abilities; and
personal information the applicant wishes to share.
Two letters of recommendation that verify professional and/or volunteer experience and academic ability.
A current résumé listing educational background and work experience.
Application Deadlines
Fall Semester- August 1
Spring Semester December 1
Summer Semester April 1
Notice of Acceptance
You can expect to be notified about your acceptance approximately two weeks following your application completion date.
Explore options to finance your education.
At Saint Mary’s, we are committed to making your investment as accessible and affordable as possible. Learn more about tuition, fees, financial aid, and scholarships.
Around the world, everyone from farmers to health professionals depends on spatial data and GIS technology, making this a high-demand career that can take you anywhere.
GIS Analyst
$67,012 per year*
Discover articles on career outcomes and see how Saint Mary’s programs can help you reach your goals.
How can I go to school with a full-time job and busy home life?
Life gets busy. Whether you’re raising a family, pursuing your career, or playing an active role in your community, we know you want to keep up with what you love while you take the next step in your career. That’s why Saint Mary’s online programs are flexible and designed to fit your demanding life.