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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Geospatial Technology, Certificate

Gain proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geospatial technology (such as GPS, satellite imagery and ground-based surveying equipment). Useful for many fields including urban planning, environmental science and management, engineering, public policy, criminal justice and others.

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About this Program

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Geospatial Technology Certificate focuses on the collection, analysis, management and communication of geographic data. This undergraduate program provides Seattle University students from any discipline and wide range of backgrounds with hands-on, valuable experience and skills to:

  • Develop expertise in industry-standard GIS software (such as ArcGIS online, Esri Field Maps) and data collection tools (such as GPS, aerial imagery and remote sensing)
  • Formulate and appropriately characterize geographic problems
  • Plan and execute ground and remote-sensing based data collection efforts
  • Evaluate and apply spatial analysis methods for addressing social and environmental problems
  • Develop maps and other data visualizations (such as ArcGIS StoryMaps) that professionally highlight important geographic relationships

Contact Tanya Hayes or Lyn Gualtieri to learn more and apply.

Certificate Requirements

This undergraduate certificate, offered jointly through College of Arts & Sciences and the College of Science & Engineering, may only be earned concurrently with any bachelor’s degree at Seattle University. This certificate may be completed within the 180 minimum credits required for a bachelor’s degree. Students must complete 15 credits with a cumulative program GPA of 2.0.

  • EVST/ENSC 3500 Introduction to GIS (offered Fall and Winter) (5 credits)
  • EVST/ENSC 3700 Intermediate GIS (offered Spring) (5 credits) 
  • ENSC 3800 Aerial Imaging and Mapping (offered Fall) or CEEGR 3110 Surveying and Geomatics (for Engineering students) (5 credits)
  • Geospatial Tools: Learn to use industry-standard GIS software and data collection technologies such as GPS, unmanned aerial systems, satellite imagery, and ground-based surveying equipment.
  • Characterization of Geospatial Problems: Formulate questions that can be answered using geospatial technology.
  • Data Collection: Collect and process geospatial data using technologies that are appropriate for the geospatial question.
  • Critical Analysis: Use geospatial technology to analyze and address social and environmental problems.Solve geospatial problems using real-world data sets.
  • Visualization and Communication: Prepare maps and other visualizations that highlight important geographic relationships.

Explore the Catalog

See the Undergraduate Catalog for full course descriptions.

From Our Students

Nikki Bashaw, '25, Environmental Studies and Urban Sustainability Major

"The smaller class size was invaluable in allowing me to work closely with my professor whose feedback was crucial to the success of my internship project. Additionally, I enjoyed the opportunity to engage with professionals in the field, attending presentations and networking with experts. It is exciting to see the integration of GIS into various disciplines throughout the university, demonstrating the rapid and dynamic expansion of spatial analysis."

Featured Faculty

This certificate is offered jointly through the College of Arts & Sciences and the College of Science & Engineering.

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Lyn Gualtieri

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