Geographic Information Systems

Dr. Crossley coaches student Everett Fillmore as he launches the drone.

Part of: Behavioral & Social Sciences Department

Offered as: Certificate, Minor

Part of: Behavioral & Social Sciences Department

Offered as: Certificate, Minor

Western’s 15-credit GIS Certificate can be completed within or independently of a minor in Geography and Geospatial Analysis. The program builds students’ expertise in a range of geospatial technology and analysis skills increasingly sought by a wide range of employers and graduate programs. Through earning the certificate, students will be able to:

Understand how places came to be through maps, photos and satellite images.
Use computer software to create visual conceptualizations of a variety of geographical data.
Interpret and analyze data displayed in maps.
Organize, present and explain map data to clients.
Help clients make better decisions and policies based on geospatial analysis.

Geographic Information Systems Requirements

A certificate is a shorter program focusing on a specific field of expertise rather than an entire course of study. It does not result in a degree, but it can be completed alongside your major or as a stand-alone credential. Certificates are a great way to enhance your knowledge, strengthen your resume, and gain practical experience in a particular field.

Program Requirements

The Geography and Geospatial Analysis minor can be completed independently of the GIS Certificate. A minor complements your major by allowing you to explore a secondary field of interest. It requires fewer courses than a major, making it a flexible way to broaden your knowledge, diversify your skills, or pursue a personal passion alongside your primary area of study.

Program Requirements

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

The Western Colorado University Foundation offers scholarships for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

Explore Scholarships

General Western Scholarships

Western Colorado University offers merit—and need-based scholarships, recognizing achievement, financial need, and special talents.

Explore Scholarships

Digital Communications
Ecological Analysis
Geospatial Analysis
Remote Sensing
UAV Operations
WebGIS

Cartographer & Photogrammetrist
Civil Engineering Technologist
Criminologist
Environmental Consultant
Geologist
Surveyor
Urban and Regional Planner
Wildlife Ecologist

Department News

Western Students Tackle the World’s Biggest Challenges at Model United Nations

War, corruption, hunger, climate change, the struggle for human rights. The next generation of leaders has their work cut out for them. Professor Maria Struble…
Read More
Western Psychology Program Gives Students the Opportunity of a Lifetime

Since the summer of 2018, Western Colorado University’s Behavioral and Social Sciences Department has offered psychology students the opportunity to study for seven weeks in…
Read More
Internships Set Psychology Students Up for Success

Opportunities Both On and Off Campus As part of Western Colorado University’s dynamic Psychology program, students are given opportunities both on and off campus to…
Read More
Western History Through an Expert’s Eyes

A University’s History What better way to know the history of Western Colorado University than from an institutional legend? History Professor Duane Vandenbusche, PhD.—who has…
Read More
Leadership and Experiential Learning Projects at Western

Leadership and experiential learning projects are one of the core components of the Western Colorado University experience. With program-specific clubs, on-campus events, off-campus trips, and…
Read More
Western Adjunct to Discuss Urban Living with International Panel

As cities grow and change, urban studies researchers must answer a difficult question: How can we make urban life more sustainable? Western Colorado University’s Jim…
Read More
Lunchtime Charla Features African Advocate, Alumnus

It was his interest in basketball that brought alumnus Melvin Foote to Western Colorado University. Little did he know that the connections made on campus…
Read More
Model UN Provides Global Experience for Western Students

You never know when a class at Western Colorado University and the involvement in a club can result in the launching of a career. Such…
Read More
Western Alumni Uses Books, Mindfulness to Counsel Young Clients

Jamie Frank-O’Connell ‘91 is the Director of Counseling at Palmetto Scholars Academy, a school for gifted students in South Carolina. Many of the students she…
Read More
School of Graduate Studies announces recipients of Dean’s Award for Inclusive Excellence

Western’s School of Graduate Studies (SGS) is fully committed to fostering and creating a welcoming and rigorous academic and professional environment for all. In its…
Read More