Elevate your career with the Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from the University of Illinois Springfield. This program offers a comprehensive suite of geospatial analytical skills, suitable for both academic and practical careers. Open to on-campus and online students, it does not require enrollment in a degree program at UIS. For more details, please visit the catalog page.
Calendar
Don't miss an important date or deadline
Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar
Tuition & Aid
UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.
Tuition Estimates
On-campus
$4,272*
Online
$4,611*
*These numbers represent an estimate of the in-state tuition cost for this program and do not include fees. To get an estimate of the full cost of attendance check out the cost of attendance page and/or use the tuition calculator.
Ways to Save on Tuition
Admissions
Applying to UIS is simple
We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.
Review admission requirements
No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.
International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.
Complete your application
An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.
Send your official transcripts
Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.
Submit required statements/writing sample
If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.
Pay your application fee
You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.
Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;
International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.
Voted No. 1 public regional university in Illinois
2020 - 2024
Courses & Catalog Information
At the University of Illinois Springfield, you'll find a wide range of courses tailored to your interests and career goals. Explore your program details and get all the essential information you need to plan your future.
Career Outlook & Potential Earnings
Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Bright OutlookAssist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide
Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.
Median Annual Wage
$116,580
Wage Range
$55,940 – $188,470
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Geography Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in geography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Median Annual Wage
$97,590
Wage Range
$52,550 – $165,460
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Doctoral degree, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate
Geographers
Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land fo
Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.
Median Annual Wage
$102,040
Wage Range
$66,770 – $136,660
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Doctoral degree, Master’s degree
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Bright OutlookResearch, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geograph
Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.
Median Annual Wage
$81,390
Wage Range
$53,740 – $126,950
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Post-secondary certificate, Bachelor’s degree, Some college, no degree
Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Bright OutlookPerform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, minin
Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps.
Median Annual Wage
$54,240
Wage Range
$37,520 – $81,630
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Geodetic Surveyors
Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.
Median Annual Wage
$75,440
Wage Range
$46,880 – $125,590
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Some college, no degree
Have Questions? We Can Help!
Say #YestoUIS