A GIS certificate online or on-campus provides students state-of-the-art training in remote analysis and mapping technologies to prepare them for a GIS career. Geographic information systems degrees are growing in demand. By completing a GIS training course online or on-campus, students will be prepared for various mapping careers. Students can select from a variety of different GIS programs below.
TOP AFFORDABLE GIS CERTIFICATE METHODOLOGY
For students who want to pursue a GIS certificate, we have compiled a list of the top programs available. These programs have been selected for this ranking based upon a scoring system that considers the cost of tuition and the length of the program. These programs have been accredited by nationally recognized accreditation boards and have had their nonprofit status verified. The programs are ordered from highest to lowest score. Note that tuition rates listed below are based on cost per credit, and individual programs may have additional fees.
TOP AFFORDABLE GIS CERTIFICATES ONLINE OR ON-CAMPUS 2021
#1. California State University-Fullerton
Online Geographic Information Systems Certificate
Fullerton, California
Students enrolled at California State University-Fullerton can choose to earn this Geographic Information Systems Certificate. This certificate is a great option for those who have already earned a college degree who wish to enhance their knowledge of GIS systems. This certificate program is designed to be completed in just 8 months. By completing this GIS online degree, students will learn how to collect, analyze, and present geographic data in a way that is useful for different applications. This GIS training is also offered online, helping to maintain its affordability.
Tuition: $3,210
Score: 94
#2. Michigan State University
Online GIS Certificate
East Lansing, Michigan
Michigan State University offers this GIS Certificate to its students online. This program is a great option for students who already have a college education and wish to enhance that education with a GIS professional certification. By offering it online, Michigan State University can ensure that the program remains affordable and that it can be completed very quickly. This program is designed to be completed in under one year. Courses in this program include Cartography, Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems, and Introduction to Geospatial Technology.
Tuition: $3,500
Score: 93.5
#3. University of Washington
Online Certificate in Geographic Information Systems
Seattle, Washington
University of Washington students can enroll in this Online Certificate in Geographic Information Systems degree. This program is offered online in the evening. The University of Washington has designed this program to be completed in just nine months. A total of six courses make up this class. Some of the courses in this program include GIS Modeling & Analysis, GIS Data & Database Design, Principle of Cartography & Thematic Design, and more. This program is a great option for students who wish to supplement their college education or change career paths. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has provided the University of Washington with accreditation for this program.
Tuition: $5,610
Score: 93.25
#4. Utah State University
Online Graduate GIS Certificate
Logan, Utah
This Online Graduate GIS Certificate is made available by Utah State University. Students will develop the skills needed to work with GIS software and remote sensing tools through this program. They will learn how to use these technologies to help solve natural resource issues. This GIS training online has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. A total of 12 credits are needed to complete this degree. This program is made up of four courses in total. Students in this program will study Python programming, geographic information systems, principles of remote sensing, and much more.
Tuition: $6,180
Score: 93
#5. Ohio University
Online GIS Certificate
Athens, Ohio
Ohio State University students can enroll in this Online GIS Certificate degree. This study program is a great option for students who are working professionals or have recently graduated from college. By pursuing this certification, students will be able to pivot their careers towards one in GIS. A total of 12 credits are needed to complete this GIS training course. The Higher Learning Commission has provided Ohio University with accreditation for this program of study. Courses in this GIS training online include Principles of GIS, Cartography I, and Cartography II. By offering this certificate, Ohio University has ranked among our most affordable schools for GIS.
Tuition: $6,372
Score: 92.75
#6. University of Florida
Online GIS Certificate
Gainesville, Florida
Students can choose to enroll in this Online GIS Certificate offered by the University of Florida. By offering this GIS training course online, the Univerity of Florida has earned its place among the best GIS certificates online. This program of study requires a total of 12 credits to complete. Students can expect to earn this degree in less than a year. This degree is a great option for students who have recently graduated college or want to change to a GIS career. Courses in this program include Introduction to Planning Information Systems, Intermediate Planning Information Systems, Web Mapping & Visualization, and additional electives.
Tuition: $8,100
Score: 92.5
#7. Florida Atlantic University
Certificate in Geographic Information Systems
Boca Raton, Florida
Florida Atlantic University offers students this Certificate in Geographic Information Systems. This GIS training online is great for working professionals who want to expand their knowledge and open up the possibility of a career in GIS. A total of 12 credits are needed to earn this certification. Courses in this program include Introduction to Mapping and GIS, Principles of GIS, Remote Sensing of the Environment, and elective choice. Florida Atlantic University also offers this GIS training program in a special format for graduate students. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided Florida Atlantic University with accreditation for this program, one of the best GIS certificate programs online.
Tuition: $8,652
Score: 94.5
#8. Park University
Geographical Information Systems Certificate
Parkville, Missouri
This Geographical Informations System Certificate degree is made available by Park University. By offering this certification, Park University has earned its ranking among the best GIS certificate programs online. To earn this certification, students must earn a total of 15 credit hours. Park University also offers GIS as a minor. This program is a great option for working professionals and graduates who would like to expand their carer horizons into GIS. Park University has received accreditation for this GIS training program from the Higher Learning Commission. Courses in this program include Spatial Analysis, Cartography, Remote Sensing, and more.
Tuition: $9,225
Score: 94.25
#9. University of Kentucky
Mapping and GIS
Lexington, Kentucky
Students enrolled at the University of Kentucky can enroll in this Mapping and GIS – Minor. This GIS training online is a great option for students currently studying at the University of Kentucky who would like to gain the knowledge and information needed for a GIS career. Students in this GIS training program can choose from courses including Digital Mapping, Introduction to GIS, Map Interpretation, Topics in Geography, and much more. A total of 18-course hours are needed to complete this GIS training course. Students can expect to complete this program in under a year. The University of Kentucky has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $11,220
Score: 94
#10. Texas A&M University
GIS Certificate
College Station, Texas
Texas A&M University offers this GIS Certificate to its students. This program is available on-campus. Texas A&M University expects that students will be able to complete this program in less than a year. By enrolling in this certification, students will learn the skills needed to work with the latest GIS technologies. They will learn about topics including remote sensing, data analysis, and much more. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has proved Texas A&M University with accreditation for this study program. A total of 12 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study, which is among the best online GIS certificate programs.
Tuition: $15,348
Score: 93.75
Related:
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This concludes our ranking of the top affordable GIS schools for a certificate in 2021.
NPCO Staff
February 2021
