Summer Enrollment is Open! Courses begin June 23, 2025.
Digital Technology

GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

Learn conceptual and practical knowledge of GIS and Geospatial Technology. In partnership with UCLA Department of Geography.

Accelerate your career

Geographic Information Systems

With location as a service, cloud computing, 3D modeling and other trends, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies are becoming more prevalent in everyday life. Our GIS and Geospatial Technology Programs are created in partnership with the UCLA Department of Geography, recognized internationally as a leader in research and education.

Join our online info session to learn more.

Students planning to pursue GISP certification can apply our courses toward satisfying the GISP's Educational Achievement Component. Students will earn Student Activity Hours (SAH) at a rate of 150 for our Intro course and 120 for each of the other courses. All courses are transferable and are accredited, approved by the UCLA Academic Senate as credit-bearing courses. Courses carry both lower-division (Intro) and upper-division (all other courses) undergraduate credit. 

An Education Far Beyond the Classroom:

  • Worldwide access. Online courses give you the chance to advance your education remotely and at work times suited to your schedule.
  • Audience. Designed for entry-level to experienced professionals, as well as students. 
  • Techniques-oriented curriculum. Coursework is structured to provide training in the core geospatial abilities outlined in the U.S. Department of Labor's Geospatial Technology Competency model, ensuring that you will learn the skills and techniques required of most GIS and geospatial technology industry employees.
  • Industry-leading software platforms. Certificate program students are provided with an academic license for ArcGIS Desktop (an industry standard GIS software platform) while enrolled. We train on latest versions of ArcGIS, QGIS and others with applicable experience in GIS, spatial analysis, GIS programming and more.
  • Portfolio. Our courses enable to build a professional portfolio as you complete course activities.
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Find a path that works for you.

Courses
Certificates
Specializations
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
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GIS Databases and Enterprise GIS
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global communications network
Cartography
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A heat map of a mountain range.
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GIS and Geospatial Technology
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geospatial heat map
Geospatial Imagery Analysis
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Satellite view of a city at night
What's the difference between certificates and specializations?

A certificate offers in-depth study of a professional field through coursework that balances theory and practice, providing learners knowledge and expertise in less time than many traditional postgraduate degrees. A specialization is a short series of courses designed to help you quickly gain knowledge in a focused area of study and acquire in-demand skills sought by employers.

The UCLA Extension GIS program has taught me extensive GIS knowledge and problem-solving skills with valuable hands-on experiences using powerful ArcGIS and QGIS software. Every course is well organized and executed as an online program. I highly recommend it for any entry-level GIS professionals and enthusiasts.

Jae-il Shin
GIS and Geospatial Technology Student
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