Build a strong foundation for your GIS career by learning the core concepts of mapping, spatial analysis, and geocomputing.
At a Glance
REQUIREMENTS
3 courses; 12 graduate-level credits
TIME TO COMPLETE
as little as 1 semester (15 weeks)
CLASSES
100% online and asynchronous
TUITION
$800 per credit hour
WHEN TO START
Fall, Spring, or Summer semester
PREREQUISITES
Undergraduate degree; 3.0+ GPA
Begin Your Journey in Cartography & Geographic Information Systems
Geographic information systems (GIS) technology and cartographic tools are constantly evolving and growing more complex. If you’re new to map-making and looking to join this fast-growing industry, it’s crucial to develop the key skills that will lead to a successful long-term career.
Our GIS Fundamentals capstone certificate consists of three preselected courses. These three courses introduce you to the world of cartographic design and geographic information systems, building your skills in the core competencies required for a modern GIS job. Our flexible program is offered completely online, so you can take courses on your own schedule from anywhere in the world.
After you complete this certificate, you’ll be poised to find a new job and build your career in the exciting, fast-paced GIS world, or apply spatial analysis and visualization to your current field. You’ll also have the opportunity to advance your education even further by joining our advanced GIS capstone certificate program, our online master’s program, or our in-person accelerated/non-thesis master’s program.
What You'll Learn
Cartography
Blend art and science as you design and develop maps that effectively communicate spatial data.
Spatial Analysis
Gather, analyze, process, and manage geographic information and spatial data.
GIS Programming
Build scripting and programming skills using industry-standard tools including Esri ArcPro, QGIS, and Python.
Courses
To earn our GIS Fundamentals capstone certificate, you’ll complete three preselected courses.
Geog 370 Introduction to Cartography (4 credit hours)
Geog 377 Introduction to GIS (4 credit hours)
Geog 378 Geocomputing (4 credit hours)
"I appreciate that after one full time semester as a student, I will be qualified to work in GIS!"
Mei Lin McKinney, GIS Fundamentals Capstone Student
Who You'll Meet
Students in our GIS Fundamentals capstone certificate program come from a wide variety of career paths and industries, including archaeology, urban planning, law enforcement, surveying, engineering, environmental studies, and much more. As a student, you’ll be able to connect with fellow students and start building your GIS network. Read about some recent GIS Fundamentals students and why they joined the program:
Finding Your Future in GIS
Geographic information systems make a difference in countless industries—transportation and navigation, environmental science and conservation, engineering, surveying, health and epidemiology, archaeology and history, and public safety, just to name a few. Cartography and GIS is a 350 billion dollar industry that employed an estimated 625,000 Americans in 2010; today, 5 million U.S. employees rely on geospatial services to perform regular job duties. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 5% employment growth for cartographers between 2022 and 2032—faster growth than in other industries.
Earning our GIS Fundamentals certificate sets you on the path to success in the ever-evolving and expanding area of cartography and geospatial technology. Perhaps you’ll seek an entry level GIS Analyst position with a non-profit, end up as a GIS Project Manager for a government agency, or find your place as a GIS Software Developer for a corporation. With the skills you’ll learn here, there’s no limit to where you can go.
Interested in learning more? See some examples of GIS professionals at work.
Studying Cartography & GIS at UW–Madison
We take great pride in our technology-centered curriculum and how it bridges the gap between cartographic design and GIS development. We take even more pride in our instructional team, built of internationally recognized faculty and geospatial industry experts.
But our program is about more than what happens during your 12 credit hours. We’ll give you opportunities to connect with students in all of our programs and working professionals in our alumni network. And Map Chat, our informal monthly lecture series, brings you talks with experts from all corners of the geospatial and cartography world.
Earning a Capstone Certificate
At UW–Madison, capstone certificates generally focus on professional skills and aim to give individuals the ability to advance in their career or switch to a new career path.
Capstone certificate programs are a collaboration between the Graduate School and the Division of Continuing Studies. Capstone certificate coursework is graduate-level work, and students enroll into the university through the Division of Continuing Studies, Adult Career & Special Student Services Office. As a GIS certificate student, you’ll be a University Special Student.
Applying to the GIS Fundamentals Capstone Certificate Program
We’re thrilled that you’re interested in joining our program, and we have great news—there is no cost to apply to our capstone certificate programs. You’ll need just a few things: unofficial transcripts, contact info for 2 professional or academic references, a statement of interest that walks us through your career goals, proof of English proficiency (for international students only), and around 30 minutes to fill out the applications.
Learn more about our process and get started on our Apply Now page.
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Fall Semester Application Deadlines
• First Consideration: May 1
• International Students: May 1
• Final Deadline: July 15
Spring Semester Application Deadlines
• First Consideration: September 1
• International Students: September 1
• Final Deadline: November 1
Summer Semester Application Deadlines
• First Consideration: February 1
• International Students: February 1
• Final Deadline: April 1