GIS and Geospatial Technologies Graduate Certificate

Utilize geospatial technologies to address real world location-based challenges across a variety of industries.

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Overview

This graduate certificate provides students with highly-sought after skills to include:

Manage, manipulate, and create data using industry standard desktop software and online tools
Analyze data and answer location-based questions
Convey visualizations through hardcopy products, interactive web maps, applications, and story maps
Create field data production workflows using applications within ESRI’s ArcGIS platform

Building on the long-standing reputation of URI as an international leader in the field of geospatial technology, this program is taught by Research Associates of the Environmental Data Center, a research lab in the Department of Natural Resource Science.

This 12 credit certificate program provides students with the flexibility to complete the program requirements from anywhere in the world, making it an ideal option for working professionals, military service members, and international students.

Courses

EVS509: Web-Based Mapping
NRS570: Geospatial Data Acquisition and Management
NRS571: Techniques in Geospatial Analysis
NRS572: Advanced Topics in Geospatial Data Visualization

Tuition per credit based on 2024/2025 academic year rates (subject to change): $887

Admissions

Bachelor’s degree
College transcripts
Two letters of recommendation
Resume/CV
Statement of purpose
- Interest in program
- Relevant work experience
- Reasons for applying to the online program at URI
- Professional goals, as well as plans for achieving these goals

Technology Requirements

The ArcGIS Online that is included in the first course EVS 509, can be accessed with a Mac* or a PC because it is a cloud-based GIS. For the other GIS courses (NRS 570, 571, 572, 573), you will need a PC or a Mac* with Parallels loaded. This will run a virtual Windows machine on the Mac.

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Fall 2025 Dates

8/5Application Deadline

9/9Classes Begin

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Career Opportunities

Advance your career with URI Online.

Geospatial technologies are prevalent in all economic sectors and are a critical support tool for resource management, planning, emergency management, and community health. Through this online graduate certificate program, students will leverage their data skillset for a variety of positions in the private and public sector, including public agencies, municipalities, engineering firms, and NGOs.

GIS Analyst

Collects, manages, analyzes, and visualizes spatial data to support decision-making processes in fields such as urban planning, transportation, and natural resource management.

Spatial Data Scientist

Applies statistical and machine learning techniques to analyze and model geospatial data, uncovering patterns and trends to inform strategic planning and policy development.

Cartographer

Designs and produces maps, charts, and visualizations using GIS software and geospatial data, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and effectiveness for diverse applications.