Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate

The School of Urban Studies offers 5 courses leading to a certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The certificate program is a 25-credit curriculum which begins with T GIS 311, Maps and GIS, which is typically offered during the Autumn, Spring, and Summer Quarters* and serves as a prerequisite for subsequent courses. The remaining four courses are taken over two consecutive quarters (Autumn/Winter). This program is designed for entry-level and intermediate-level GIS users who lack formal education in geography or GIS.

The certificate in GIS provides you with an excellent foundation in the concepts necessary for spatial modeling with a variety of digital data. You will develop the analytical and practical skills needed for research and employment in GIS. The certificate program also provides you with the educational foundation for transfer into a baccalaureate program in related fields of study.

If you want the knowledge and skills to utilize GIS in fields such as urban and regional planning, environmental research, resource management, crime analysis, marketing, real estate, medical research, and various branches of government, this program is for you.

*GIS 311 must be taken during the Spring or Summer Quarter PRIOR to the start of the program in Autumn Quarter. Example: You take and pass GIS 311 in Spring/Summer 2024 and can start the program in Autumn 2024. If you take GIS 311 in the Autumn Quarter, you cannot start the GIS Certificate Program until the next Academic year*

Program goals

• Provide students with a practical and theoretical understanding of approaches to spatial analysis
• Introduce students to cartographic techniques that are used to produce maps for a variety of audiences
• Equip students with the technical skills necessary to pursue careers in the geospatial industry
• Serve as a graphics and mapping resource for UW Tacoma faculty
• Assist the local community with spatial analysis and mapping needs

Upon completion of the program, students will have:

• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of GIS software
• Learned the analytical skills necessary to apply GIS to common social and environmental problems
• Acquired the skills and expertise necessary to design and implement an independent geospatial research project
• Gained the ability to create and present professional-quality graphic representations of social, environmental and economic conditions 

Admission to the GIS certificate program does not require any prior experience in GIS or geography. Admission is competitive and space in the program is limited. Coursework in the program assumes a working knowledge and confidence with computers, office software (such as Microsoft Word and Excel) and internet browsers (such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Internet Explorer).

The GIS application requires:

• Two professional or academic references (you provide name and contact information only; the faculty will contact your references)
• Short essay on your interest in GIS, what you expect to bring to the program, your career goals, and your computer experience
• Your current resume

Application deadline

Priority Deadline: March 1

Applications received by this deadline are guaranteed consideration for this cohort.

Final Deadline: June 1

Applications received by this deadline will be considered on a space available basis.

Late Deadline: September 1*

Final round of applications may be reviewed if space becomes available.

*You have until 11:45pm on the date of the late deadline to submit your application*

The application you submit today will be considered for the 2025-2026 cohort which starts Autumn 2025. 

Applicants to the GIS Certificate Program must have completed TGIS 311 (or have equivalent introductory GIS experience) prior to the start of the program in the Autumn quarter. Should you need to complete TGIS 311: Maps and GIS, the School of Urban Studies at UW Tacoma offers it in the Spring and Summer quarters. See the detailed curriculum below. 

What You'll Need to Fill Out the Application:

• Your personal information (full name, address, email, telephone number phone, and student ID number).
• Two professional/academic references (names, title, email, and telephone number).
• Current resume in word or pdf format for upload.

Personal statements for the following questions:

• How do you imagine that you'll fit into a small group of up to 40 students, and what unique quality do you expect to bring to the program?
• Describe your interest in GIS.
• What are your career goals?
• How will a certificate in GIS improve the likelihood of success in the career that you've chosen?
• Please describe your computer skills and the confidence that you have in your ability to grasp fairly challenging computer-related concepts.
• Describe in detail your background or training in GIS.

Tuition is charged at the undergraduate rate (includes nonmatriculated students and post-baccalaureate students taking undergraduate courses).  Refer to the UW Tacoma Tuition webpage for specific details.  Quarterly tuition is based on credits taken per quarter.

Autumn, Spring, and Summer Quarter prior to Autumn 2025:

• T GIS 311: Maps and GIS (6 credits)

Total credits = 6 credits

Autumn Quarter:

• T GIS 312: Intermediate GIS (6 credits)
• T GIS 313: Applied GIS and Project Design (3 credits)

Total credits = 9 credits

Winter Quarter:

• T GIS 414: Advanced Applications of GIS (5 credits)
• TGIS 415: Critical Theory and GIS Practicum (5 credits)

Total credits = 10 credits