Geographic Information Systems Certificate

Three images side-by-side depicting a woman at an office desk using GIS software, a map of Pumas County displaying burn scar area, and a woman using GIS software on a laptop in a classroom.

High-growth industry: Geospatial tech

Program facts

Stackable to degree: No
Potential job outcomes: GIS technician, GIS analyst/programmer, cartographer, remote sensing technician/analyst
Format: Online

Learn how to apply geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS) tech and methods with this certificate program offered 100% online for ultimate scheduling flexibility.

GIS is an exciting, rapidly changing technology. You can greatly enhance your career opportunities with knowledge of geospatial technology tools, such as GPS, GIS and earth imagery from platforms such as satellites and unmanned aerial systems (drones).

100% online courses and support services fits your busy life.
Hands-on experience in cartographic design, spatial analysis, database design and implementation using geographic computing devices and accessories.
Service and internship opportunities. After graduation, you’ll be qualified to seek entry-level employment as an analyst or technician.
Choose to work in a variety of industries such as marketing, governmental, planning, health, tech, utilities, academia, emergency and public safety or agriculture.
With location intelligence expertise, you can help address today’s complex problems such as global and local wealth inequities, cultural diversity and demographic change, migration, sustainability etc.
Learn directly from Masters and PhD level faculty with dozens of years of teaching and research experience.
Participate in biannual GIS study abroad programs and access "beyond the classroom" learning tools.

Take courses in business software packages, database systems, GIS and mapping principles, applications for GIS and more. All courses are taught by skilled instructors who are extremely knowledgeable in the GIS field.

This certificate program has been designed to be offered in an online format. For more information about online courses at Harper, see the Online Learning website.

View Course Sequences

Fall 2026

Certificate program requirements

This 18 credit-hour certificate provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively apply Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related technologies and methodologies in various business and public sector domains as a technician or analyst. This certificate provides course work and hands-on experience in cartographic design, spatial analysis, spatial database design, the fundamentals of remote sensing, as well as the use of geographic computing devices and accessories.

Program Requirements

Program Requirements (Hours required: 18)
Number	Course Title	Credits
Required
GIS 100	Introduction to Geospatial Technologies	3
GIS 101	Geospatial Data Acquisition and Management	3
GIS 102	Spatial Analysis	3
GIS 103	Applied Geospatial Technology	3
GIS 200	Introduction to Remote Sensing	3
Electives
Select three credit hours from the following courses:		3
CIS 106	Computer Logic and Programming Technology ¹
GEG 100	Cultural Geography
GEG 101	World Regional Geography
GEG 103	Geography of the Developing World
GEG 111	Physical Geography
GIS 104	Geographic Information Systems Internship
Total Hours		18

¹: Placement into college-level mathematics without support. See the math placement grid for more information.

Want to learn more about Harper’s GIS courses and certificate? Contact Program Coordinator Mukila Maitha at mmaitha@harpercollege.edu or 847.925.6521, contact Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form.