Geographic Information Systems, less than 1 year certificate
Unlock a world of possibilities with °µÍøTV’s Geographic Information Systems program. Learn the art of spatial data science and data visualization, and gain the ultimate toolkit to become a GIS professional.
Can you stare at maps for hours?
Student work: Tax savings
Student work: Current day distance analysis of Pony Expres vs new railroads
Drone image captured by students in UAS coursework °µÍøTV’s Sylvania Campus
Discover the world of maps at °µÍøTV. The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program will turn your passion for maps into a career. Learn tools to analyze and share information about the world using geospatial technologies. As a GIS professional, you will use in-demand STEM skills:
- Geographic thinking
- Spatial data analysis
- Visual communication
GIS is a vital tool for decision-making, problem-solving, and creating a better world. From climate change to emergency response planning to business applications, you can make a difference with maps. Our students come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Join us to learn cutting-edge skills in a supportive program.
Why choose the GIS certificate °µÍøTV?
The GIS program °µÍøTV provided me with a broad range of technical skills and experiences in geospatial applications, full access to innovative technology and resources, and a valuable network of supportive GIS professionals and mentors – all with ease of entry and flexibility to learn at the pace I needed. I started with no experience in GIS, but the GIS and UAS certification gave me all the tools to build off my professional and personal interests, culminating in an awesome career where I use the skills I learned every day. Shahbaz Khan, West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, PCC GIS graduate
- Part-time or full-time: Students can earn a certificate in GIS in just one year if attending full-time. Part-time students can take classes around other commitments.
- $28: The mean hourly wage of mapping or surveying technicians in the Portland metropolitan area.
- 41 credits: Minimum number of software programs you will earn while earning a GIS certificate.
- Start now! Students can earn a certificate in GIS in just one year if attending full-time. Part-time students can take classes around other commitments.
- See the GIS advising guide.
What will you do?
A GIS Certificate prepares students for a range of career paths. Graduates work in public agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. Common roles include:
- Cartographers
- GIS technicians
- Independent consultants
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% growth in cartographer employment from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average of all occupations. Demand continues to grow as geospatial technology is used in more fields.
Award information
| Award | Length (attending full-time) | Financial aid eligible | Currently accepting students? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate: Geographic Information Systems | Less than 1 year |
°µÍøTV this program
Learn more about GIS and Geospatial and all 3 awards available »
Locations
SylvaniaCourses
Course listing for the 2026-2027 catalog year.
| First Term | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ³Ò·¡°¿Ìý170 | Maps and Geospatial Concepts | 4 |
| ³Ò·¡°¿Ìý265 | Intro to GIS & Mapping Techniques | 4 |
| GIS Elective | 4 | |
| Geography Elective | 4 | |
| Second Term | ||
| ³Ò·¡°¿Ìý266 | GIS Analysis | 4 |
| GIS Elective | 8 | |
| Technical Elective | 4 | |
| Third Term | ||
| ³Ò·¡°¿Ìý267 or ³Ò·¡°¿Ìý280´¡ |
Geospatial Applications or CE: Geography |
4 |
| ³Ò·¡°¿Ìý270 | Creating a Map Portfolio | 1 |
| GIS Elective | 4 | |
| Ìý | Total Credits | 41 |
Next steps
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