Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis Certificate of Advanced Study
Gain both theoretical and hands-on training in spatial information technologies and analysis in the social, natural, health and data sciences.
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 geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), remote sensing technologies and image analysis to make geographically informed decisions.
- On campus in Syracuse, N.Y.
- 12 graduate-level credits (four courses)
- Open to non-matriculated students with a bachelor’s degree (including midcareer) and all matriculated master’s students of Syracuse University
- GRE and work experience not required
Scholarships are available for students who apply to this CAS as a stand-alone program by the deadline.
Curriculum
Please work with the CAS director to select electives that meet your goals.
The CAS in Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis requires successful completion of the 3-credit core course GEO 683: Geographic Information Systems and three 3-credit electives, for a total of 12 credits. For complete requirements, please see the Syracuse University Course Catalog.
If you are already enrolled in a graduate degree program at Syracuse University, you may complete this certificate concurrently with your degree. Speak with your academic advisor about your goals and your course schedule.
Core: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (Geography)
Sample Electives: Choose Three
Geography:
- Environmental Geographical Information Science
- Advanced GIS Analysis and Applications
- Spatial Storytelling
- Introduction to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Research and Applications
- Remote Sensing for Environmental Applications and Research
- GIS for Urban Environments
- Quantitative Geographic Analysis
- Environmental Geostatistics
- Geographic Information and Society
- GIS-based Geostatistical Methods and Applications
Earth Science: Applications of GIS in the Earth Sciences
Health and Wellness: Spatial Statistics for Public Health
Tuition
Tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year is $1,734 per credit, totaling $20,808 for the 12-credit program.
Admission and Financial Aid
This program is open to students who have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. No GRE test scores or work experience is required for application.
Scholarships are available for students who matriculate into this CAS program as a stand-alone student (not concurrent with another program of study). For consideration of financial support, please complete your application for admission by the deadline.
While financial aid in the form of federal education loans are not available for this stand-alone CAS, applicants should inquire within their employers/agencies about funding for professional development.
U.S. Veterans
The CAS program is an approved program of study at Syracuse University, allowing student veterans to access VA benefits toward their study in this field. At Syracuse University, student veterans are assisted with their veteran educational benefits by the Office of Veteran Success, including unlimited participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program, allowing Post-9/11 GI Bill students to receive additional funding to cover required tuition and fees.
More information on how to access VA benefits for tuition and fees, as well as assistance with payment deferrals, can be found on the Office of Veterans Affairs website.
Application Deadline: January 1
Stand-alone application materials:
- $75 application fee
- Personal statement
- Resume (preferred) or CV
- TOEFL score (international students only)
- Transcripts: Official transcripts are not required at time of application, but will be necessary for matriculation into the program.
- Three letters of recommendation
GRE’s and work experience are not required.
Concurrent
If you are already enrolled in a graduate degree program at Syracuse University, you may complete this certificate concurrently with your degree. Speak with your academic advisor about your goals and your course schedule.
Contact
Jonnell A. Robinson
Associate Professor, Geography and the Environment Department
Co-Director, Community Geography
Senior Research Associate, Center for Qualitative and Multi-Method Inquiry
215C Lyman Hall
315.443.4890 | jdallen@syr.edu