Geographic Information Systems Certificate
Skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS), are a vital part of the ever-expanding geospatial science industry. When you earn a GIS certificate at San Juan College, you’ll gain the education to prepare for a career in numerous businesses and government agencies.
Why earn a Certificate in Geographic Information Systems Technology (GIST)?
If you are looking to join the GIST field, earning your certificate will help you land an entry-level job in a variety of exciting and interesting industries, where you will collect, manage, analyze, and visualize data. If you already work in a related field, increasing your skills can also help you advance in your current career. Because of the need, your GIST skills will be in demand among many industries, from manufacturing to construction to energy and more.
Why Earn a GIST Certificate at San Juan College?
Job-Ready in just One Year
By earning your GIST certificate at San Juan College, you will be job-ready in just one year. You’ll gain the practical skills that are used in satellite and aerial imagery in mapping and geographic analysis technologies. You’ll train on some of the same 3D printing and mapping software that industries and businesses utilize. Through your courses and class projects, you’ll get the hands-on experience that will put you ahead of the rest to work as a GIS technician, analyst, project manager or a GIS programmer or developer. In addition, you may qualify to participate in internship opportunities, which will give you the real-world experience that will boost your resume.
Affordable Option
Make a smart investment in your future with the Geographic Information Systems Technology Certificate. With SJC's low tuition rates, you'll receive a high-quality education that will prepare you for your career at a low cost. You may also qualify to get your certificate tuition-free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.
What you’ll learn in the Geographic Information Systems Technology Certificate Program
In SJC’s Geographic Information Systems Technology Certificate program, you’ll learn how geographic features are represented, captured and stored as data utilizing state-of-the-art GIS tools. Through lab projects, you’ll develop hands-on expertise with the same software that industries and businesses use. In addition, you’ll gain skills in cartography, geo-visualization, web and mobile applications.
In your courses you’ll study:
- Geospatial Analysis
- Map Use and Interpretation
- Geographic Image Analysis
- Surveying
Geographic Information Systems Technology Certificate Curriculum
Transfer Options
After completing the Geographic Information Systems Technology Certificate program, you can continue to advance your skills by transferring to the Geographic Information Systems Technology Associate of Applied Science degree program. You can learn more by speaking to your advisor.
Careers and Outcomes
The fields that rely on geospatial education are exciting, challenging and rewarding. Employment is projected to grow in the GIST field as current employees advance, transfer or retire.
Our certificate graduates find positions as:
- Surveying Technicians
- Mapping Technicians
- GIS Analyst
- GIS Programmer
- GIS Developer
Degrees in this field can also enhance existing related careers such as:
- Aerial Photography
- Agriculture
- Cartography
- Civil Engineering
- Community and Urban Planning
- Conservation and Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Homeland Security
- Landscape Architecture
- Meteorology
- Natural Resource Management
- Police Science
- Real Estate
- Remote Sensing Technology
- Surveying
Our certificate graduates have found employment at:
- Los Alamos National Laboratory
- PESCO, Inc.| Process Equipment & Services Co
“My instructors, Brian and Rich, were exceptional! I love how passionate they both are about what they teach and how they also make learning GIS fun!"
Next Steps
To enroll in our Geographic Information Systems Technology certificate, you must first apply to San Juan College. It’s easy, and you can apply online at any time!
If you are already a student at San Juan College, talk to your advisor about our GIST certificate program. You can also discuss your transfer options.
