If you are currently enrolled in a program at UMW:
To sign up for the GIS certificate, go to the UMW Registrar’s Office Forms page and choose Major Declaration Form. Complete the form, selecting I would like to: Declare GIS Certificate, and Major: Geographic Information Science (GIS) certificate, from the bottom of the list of majors (no, it isn’t a major, this is just how you sign up for it!). Then click Next and write your name. The form will be routed to Department Chair Dr. Patterson, who will assign Program Coordinator Dr. Gallagher to be your advisor for this program. Although the certificate is not a major or minor, it can be added (or dropped!) as if it were.
Dr. Gallagher will advise you on coursework and completion of the certificate program. She sometimes sends emails about internship or project opportunities, so please open those! Students are encouraged to join the Mary Washington Geography group on Linked In!
Undergraduate students may complete the certificate for credit just like a minor; there is no additional cost. Students may also finish the program AFTER graduation. It currently requires 19 credits, 4 4-credit courses plus a 3-credit capstone – but look for changes after August 2026!
If you are NOT currently a UMW student:
You may apply to the GISC as a stand-alone program through the following steps:
- Email Ms. Christy Pack (dpack@umw.edu) in the UMW office of Admissions.
- On the subject line of the email, write GISc Certificate
- In the body of the email state your desire to be admitted to the program.
- You should expect to receive a confirmation email shortly after your request. Her phone number is (540) 286-8030
- There is no hard deadline for application as we do rolling admissions for this program. However, we would recommend that you allow plenty of time prior to the start of each semester in order to guarantee a seat in a class. The academic calendar can be found here.