Dec 05, 2025  
2025-2026 SGPP Catalog and Student Handbook 
    
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2025-2026 SGPP Catalog and Student Handbook

Geographic Information Science (GIS) Certificate

Program Description

The Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science (GIS) is a technology-centered program for those seeking professional geospatial technology skills to support increasing workplace demands for geospatial technology use and decision making. The program is 15 credits, with coursework addressing the skills and knowledge needed for continued professional certification from the GIS Certification Institute.

Learners are exposed to the latest software, technology, and resources for applied geographic information systems (GIS) and related technologies in fields such as natural resources, business intelligence, emergency management, surveying, urban planning, programming, public safety, and data management.  In addition, experiences are enhanced by providing core training in operating GIS hardware/software, development of databases, GIS data analysis, and foundations of programming.

The program is structured to help maximize all experience levels and backgrounds - whether a person has a rich background in GIS or is completely new to the field.  With geospatial technology’s ability to be applied to limitless fields and its increasing demand as a current and emerging career, it is a valuable science to possess within the digital technology era.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in GIS are expected to be able to do the following:

  1. Analyze geospatial data.
  2. Demonstrate proficiency in data collection and database administration.
  3. Develop custom applications and scripts for visualization and analytics.
  4. Engage in complex critical thinking.

Program Structure and Delivery

The Geographic Information Science Certificate is delivered in an online format.

Degree Requirements

All students complete 15 credits to earn the Graduate Certificate in GIS.

Required Courses (15 cr.)

Master’s Degree Completion

 For those students seeking to use this certificate toward a full master’s degree, see the following option: 

Master of Science in Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics  

 

Faculty

The faculty members for this program have earned doctorate or master’s degrees. Faculty are selected for their combination of educational and professional experience and expertise.

Admission Requirements

Applicants may apply for admission to graduate programs at any time during the year. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful graduate coursework. All applicants must complete an interview with a program administrator.

Application Process

Applicants must submit:

  1. Completed application form and,
  2. An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor’s degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution. Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, or One Earth International Credential Evaluators and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards). Evaluations from an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) will also be accepted. 

    Students with transcripts issued in the U.S. may be admitted without an official transcript. Students must provide an official transcript by the last day to add/drop classes in their first term of attendance. In cases where students are completing coursework while simultaneously applying for admission, students may be admitted with an in-progress transcript, and an official transcript posting final grades and, when appropriate, degree attainment, must be submitted before students are allowed to register for subsequent semesters. 

See individual programs for additional application requirements.

Please Note: Application materials should be sent to the attention of the Office of Admission on the Minneapolis Campus.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Office of Admission
2500 Park Ave S
Minneapolis, MN  55404