Offered online and in-person in Redlands in Spring and Fall credits 14-17 courses 4-5 semesters 2-4
LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS AND GAIN GLOBAL BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
In response to the ever-increasing changes in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) business world, the University of Redlands offers an online GIS graduate certificate program
The ideal candidate for this certificate program is a professional whose workplace has adopted the use of GIS in their daily work, or a professional interested in using GIS technology to collect and analyze data in a meaningful way in their field of expertise
Our GIS certificate students professionals from a variety of fields and cultural backgrounds are from across the U S and throughout the world Many chose our programs because of our cutting-edge GIS technology, focus on applied GIScience, extensive support from Esri, one-on-one mentorship, and close alumni relationships.
CERTIFICATE OVERVIEW
This program is designed to provide working professionals with a basic understanding of GIS and to teach them how to manage a spatial database, extract useful information from remotely sensed data, use Python to extend their GIS skills, and develop a web GIS application
GAIN CUTTING-EDGE SPATIAL SKILLS
Live online lectures with extensive interactions with instructors
Classes designed and taught by full-time faculty and experienced adjunct faculty from Esri®
Earn graduate-level credits applicable toward a master’s degree in GIS
Expand your professional network
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U S News and World Report 2026
YOUR IMPACT STARTS HERE → APPLY.REDLANDS.EDU
Whether you’re just starting your career or you’re an established professional looking to advance in your field, we provide the tools, skill set, and support to transform yourself and those around you.
GIS Certificate curriculum
PRE-REQUISITE COURSE
GIS Training
*ONLY for those with no GIS education or experience
CORE COURSE
Fundamentals of Geographic Info, Techniques & Applications
ELECTIVE COURSES
Choose from the following options:
Projections and Coordinate Systems
Communicating Geographic Information
Geographic Database Management Systems
Remote Sensing and Image Processing
Programming for GIS with Python
GIS for the Web
Geospatial Analysis
WHY REDLANDS?
PRE-REQUISITE COURSE
GIS Training (1 credit)
This asynchronous Individualized Study course is designed for students who have no prior academic or work experience in GIS It consists primarily of a sequence of Esri Academy’s web courses After completion of this course, students will be prepared to begin the University of Redlands Graduate Certificate in GIS
REQUIRED CORE COURSE
Fundamentals of Geographic Information, Research, Techniques, and Applications (4 credits)
Provides students with the foundation of theoretical and applied skills in GIScience and technology
Students work on a progression of tasks and assignments focused on GIS data collection, manipulation, analysis output and presentation The assignments reinforce the GIS theory and technology concepts introduced through lectures and discussion
ELECTIVECOURSES
Choose 3 from the following (minimum of 10 credits required):
Projections and Coordinate Systems (2 credits)
This course explores map projections and coordinate systems We will study the principles and properties of several of the common map projection families, spherical/geographical coordinate systems, and SPC and UTM planar coordinate systems all within the ArcGIS and GeoCart software environments
Communicating Geographic Information (2 credits)
Begins with basic theory of cartographic and graphic data as it applies to GIS data Explores GIS data models to support mapping and various advanced applications of cartographic methods, including multivariate mapping, multi-scale mapping, cartographic visualization including mixed virtual reality, animated and interactive mapping, and Web mapping
Geographic Database Management Systems (4 credits)
Provides fundamental theoretical knowledge about information systems, in general, and the unique demands for managing spatial data Introduces information systems theory and best practices, system design and architecture, and data modeling Practice application of database theory and methods builds understanding of modern GIS technology
Remote Sensing and Image Analysis (4 credits)
This course covers the principles of remote sensing and image analysis It introduces image data format, acquisition, and interpretation Additionally, the course covers the subject of electromagnetic radiation principles, remote sensing sensor characteristics, image data classification, and photogrammetry
Programming for GIS with Python (4 credits)
Introduction to programming concepts necessary for GIS: writing simple statements, organizing code, handling user interaction, and incorporating decision-making logic in code Introduction to object-oriented programming concepts: methods, properties, and event-driven programming
GIS for the Web (4 credits)
Practice the skills needed to create GIS applications for the Web and other networks Through hands-on projects students will create their own Web GIS application; in-depth discussions of issues that affect Web GIS from network and security concerns to design for focused and effective Web applications
Geospatial Analysis (4 credits)
This course surveys a wide range of analytical methods and techniques commonly applied to geospatial data Both data-driven (exploratory data analysis) and model-driven (testing hypothesis) approaches are included Major topics include point pattern analysis, spatial autocorrelation, spatial regression models, network analysis, and field analysis
Founded in 1907 on the principle of living a life of impact, the University of Redlands has spent over 100 years relentlessly holding true to our foundation – preparing students to make a meaningful difference in their careers and communities At Redlands, you’ll become part of a community of students and faculty that understands where you’ve been – and where you’re going. Whether you come from a long line of college graduates or are the first in your family to attend a university, we all share a common goal: the relentless pursuit of progress
