Don’t have a school near you offering GIS? If you don’t live near a
college or university offering GIS coursework, distance learning can be a
valuable way to learn GIS skills and software programs online. Find
schools offering GIS distance learning coursework via internet-based
classes in the field for certificate and degree-based programs.
The program descriptions listed here have been supplied by the colleges and universities.
GIS Distance Learning Programs
American Sentinel University
American Sentinel has provided Geographic Information Systems related
degree programs since 2007. Current programs offered include our
undergraduate
ASGIS and
BSGIS programs, and our newly approved graduate
MGIS and
GISGC programs. Totally online programs with courses start each month, are on 8 week terms, and students can enroll anytime.
Delta State University
Delta State University offers a Master degree program,
Master of Applied Science in Geospatial Information Technologies (MAS-GIT).
The MAS-GIT is an intensive one-year online degree program. The
program offers education and practice in GIS, advanced geospatial
analysis, remote sensing, digital image processing and information
extraction, photogrammetry, computer programing and innovative research
etc.
Elmhurst College
The Online Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate Program at
Elmhurst College will prepare you to succeed in the exciting geospatial
technologies industry. Designed for working professionals, the program
is offered entirely online through the Elmhurst College Online Center.
You’ll work closely with faculty who are experienced educators and
active professionals, and you’ll complete hands-on projects and
electronic portfolios. The Online GIS program aligns with the core
guidelines of the National Center for Geographic Information Analysis
(NCGIA), the proposed standards of the Urban and Regional Information
Systems Association (URISA) and the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI)
for professional GIS certification. Most students complete the Online
GIS program in less than a year. There are no prerequisites for
introductory courses, and you may be able to apply previous college
coursework toward your certificate.
Esri Virtual Campus
Esri provides free introductory courses and, for a fee, more advanced courses in GIS and using their software.
GIScOnline
Distance Learning courses from Birkbeck College, London. Students on the
course access the Internet to read the course materials, access course
discussion groups and submit coursework. Students will need access to a
personal computer running an approved desktop GIS package.
Johns Hopkins University – Online Certificate in GIS
The Certificate Program in GIS is a graduate program providing a strong
foundational education that delves into the principles and real-world
applications of GIS. This is 5 course certificate offered completely
online, with rolling admissions, applications are accepted year-round.
MGI at City University
The MGI at City University is an online Masters Degree in Geographic
Information available through face to face study in London or by
distance learning. Access the managed learning environment to find out
more about the various resources and means of communication that support
learning.
North Dakota – Geographic Information Science Graduate Certificate
University of North Dakota – Online GISc Graduate Certificate Earn your
GISc Graduate Certificate. The 1-year online program begins every
summer.
Northwest Missouri – Online GIS Masters
The Department of Geology/Geography at Northwest Missouri offers a
thesis-based online M.S. in Geographic Information Science. Students may
also elect to take a 4-5 course graduate certificate in GIScience. This
fully online program began in 2003 with 23 graduate students. The
department reviews applicants in November and April.
Penn State
The Department of Geography at Penn State offers multiple Online
Geospatial Education options for the experienced or aspiring Geospatial
professional. Certificate programs in GIS and Geospatial Intelligence
are available, as well as a Master of GIS degree program. Students may
also opt to take individual courses for professional development
purposes. Penn State offers over 30 courses across a wide range of
cutting-edge GIS Application, Geospatial Intelligence, Remote Sensing,
and Spatial Analysis topics. Penn State’s award-winning online programs
are completely asynchronous, taught by world-leading faculty from both
research and professional domains, and have served over 4000 students
online since 1999. Penn State was one of the first institutions to offer
GIS via Distance Learning.
Salisbury University
The MS in GIS Management degree was designed as a Professional Science
Master’s degree, with an equal amount of management and GIS technical
courses. Its goal is to enhance the GIS proficiency of professionals
working in business, government, and non-profit organizations, as well
as teach GIS professionals the political and leadership skills of
management. With such proficiency, graduates are well-equipped to
integrate and apply enterprise GIS solutions in their respective fields.
We know that some government agencies and many businesses have been
slow to embrace fully the power of GIS. This is due in large measure to
the fact that either technically-adept GIS professionals don’t have the
management skills necessary to push the technology to a higher profile
or management professionals don’t know enough about the technical
capabilities to leverage the potential of spatial analysis to improve
their organization’s competitiveness. The MS in GIS Management degree
at Salisbury University seeks to bridge the gap and create
spatially-enabled managers, ready to take GIS to the next level. The
program is 80% online, with only one month of initial in-person courses
and can be completed in 13 months.
UNIGIS International
UNIGIS is a worldwide network of educational institutions which offers distance learning courses in GIS.
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California has a comprehensive
curriculum for studies in geographic informations systems. The
university offers a distance learning Graduate Certificate Program in
GIS as well as a Master of Science degree in GIS.
University of Toronto
Distance learning program from the Centre for Environment. The
objective of the Certificate in GIS for Environmental Management program
is to build a foundation for understanding the GIS and Remote Sensing
theory and techniques. Students develop GIS software skills to solve
practical tasks related to environmental management.
University of Twente, Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC)
7 weeks online Distance course: Principles of Geographical Information
Systems. This course introduces participants to the basic concepts and
operational skills necessary for data entry, data manipulation and
analysis, and the production of interpretable output. The course is
useful to novices, as well as to those experienced in some aspects of
GIS but lacking a complete overview of the state of the art and/or the
conceptual foundation.
University of Washington
The Professional Master’s Program in Geographic Information Systems
(PMPGIS) teaches students how to design a sustainable world with GIS.
Learn how to model complex land, transportation and resource problems
using geospatial technologies and sustainability management workflows.
This unique program teaches students advanced spatial thinking skills
and GIS techniques, and is the only program of its kind to offer a
concentration in sustainability management.
Vancouver Island University (Canada) - Advanced Diploma in GIS Applications
Completely online Advanced Diploma in GIS Applications over a 16 month
period (part-time). Program begins each January. Learn to use GIS as a
spatial information and problem-solving tool in addressing real-world
issues or problems. Training involves course work with a number of GIS
project assignments using ESRI’s Virtual Campus.
