The 12-credit Certificate in Advanced Studies (CAS) in GIS and Spatial Analysis is designed for graduate students who want to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial data analysis in their academic or professional careers. The CAS offers students theoretical and hands-on technical training in the applications of spatial information technologies and analysis in the social, natural, health, and data sciences. The CAS is appropriate for graduate students in fields such as earth sciences, biology, geography, sociology, engineering, public policy, data science, the humanities, public health, and education who want to complement their primary area of study with expertise in GIS mapping and spatial data analysis.

Spatial data analysis, modeling, and visualization aid decision-makers in the public, private and nonprofit sectors every day. Careers in urban, regional, and transportation planning, environmental resource management, health-care delivery, and public administration leverage tools such as GIS, GPS (global positioning systems), unmanned aerial vehicles, remote sensing technologies, and image analysis to make geographically informed decisions.

The 12-credit CAS in GIS and Spatial Analysis offers courses in three recommended tracks for students interested in (1) the natural sciences, (2) the social and health sciences, or (3) data science and data visualization. After completing the foundational required course (GEO 683: Geographic Information Systems (3 credits)), students should choose three additional courses (9 credits). Interested students should contact the CAS Director to enroll and select appropriate courses.