GIS Certificate
The University of Mary Washington offers a state-approved undergraduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science. Known as the GISC, it is available to currently enrolled undergraduate students just like a minor – and to non-degree-seeking professionals as a stand-alone program.
Geographic Information Science is a continuously growing field with many opportunities in the northern Virginia-Washington, DC metro area, and along the I-95 corridor, especially in and around Richmond. This certificate addresses the demand for personnel trained in GIS. It adds a professional skill to any major. Built on a vision combining core theory with real-world applications to provide a state-of-the-art GIS educational experience, the certificate introduces students to a wide array of critical core functions in ArcGIS.
The certificate is changing as of August 2026, to become more flexible and more customizable. Students take two foundational courses, as they do now – but then they select any two upper-level GISC courses. They may choose to work on a directed study in GIS or a geospatial internship, instead of having to do so – this will expand the possibilities of individual work and the value of work off-campus.
Highlights of the new certificate program
- Take 17 credits of GISC coursework (previously 19 credits)
- Earn a minimum grade of C in the Introduction to GIS course (either GISC 200 or GISC 250)
- Take two courses: Introduction to GIS (GISC 200 or GISC 250) and Spatial Analysis (GISC 351)
- Focus the program on your own interests: take any two upper level GISC courses
- Complete the program with GISC 498: a 1-credit course where you build an electronic portfolio accentuating your geospatial skills and projects
- Take more GISC coursework if you want to, and have time in your schedule!
Required classes and at least some electives will be offered in the evenings to accommodate working professionals and full-time students with scheduling conflicts. Some electives will only be offered during the day. The certificate can be obtained solely through evening classes.
The updated program will become available with the 2026-2027 Academic Catalog in August, 2026.
Current catalog certificate requirements.
Information on application to the GIS Certificate.
For more information about the certificate program, contact: Jackie Gallagher, Geospatial Programs Coordinator, Department of Geography, 540/654-1493.