
Graduate Certificate in Geomatics and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Explore the world of spatial data analysis and mapping with CU Denver’s online GIS certificate.
This graduate certificate supplements the knowledge needed for professional advancement or serves as an introduction to graduate-level GIS education. Students may complete the program without formal admission to a master’s degree.
Certificate Requirements:
- Complete four graduate-level GIS or geomatics courses (12 credit hours) with a grade of B- or better.
- Courses include GIS fundamentals, spatial database development, and project management.
- All course prerequisites must be met before enrollment.
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Degree LevelGraduate Certificate
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School & CollegeCollege of Engineering, Design and Computing
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Total FeesIn-State: $8,004*, Out-of-State: $9,360*
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Total Credit Hours12
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Class Type100% Online
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Time CommitmentFull-Time or Part-Time
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Start Term(s)Fall, Spring, Summer
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Program Overview
The online Geomatics and GIS Graduate Certificate from CU Denver provides a comprehensive education in geospatial analysis and mapping.
- Designed for engineers and professionals in geospatial, environmental, and urban infrastructure fields.
- Hands-on learning with industry tools and principles like surveying, geodesy, and cartography.
- Prepare for advanced roles in geospatial engineering or continue academic research.

This program equips students with cutting-edge skills in geospatial data technologies, including GPS, remote sensing, and GIS database management.
Tuition Breakdown
Resident | Non-Resident |
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$667* per credit | $780* per credit |
*Tuition is determined by chosen CU Denver program and resident status. Learn more on our tuition and financial aid page.
Example Courses
The GIS graduate certificate requires the successful completion of four core GIS classes with a grade of B- or better; any prerequisites for those individual classes are also required.
Introduction to GIS (CVEN 5381)
This course covers GIS technology, mapping, and applications in natural resources, infrastructure, planning, impact assessment, and project management.
GIS Spatial Database Development (CVEN 5382)
Builds on introductory GIS with spatial database development, including photogrammetry, surveying, geodesy, coordinate systems, transformations, and remote sensing.
GIS Project Management (CVEN 5384)
This course covers GIS project success, data governance, leadership, Agile/Scrum, decision-making, and efficient administration.
GIS Relational Databases (CVEN 5385)
Covers relational database concepts for GIS, from design to implementation. Topics include SQL, large databases, transaction management, concurrency, and GIS-RDBMS integration.
Advanced Remote Sensing (CVEN 5387)
Explores remote sensing, including imaging sensors, geo-referencing, image enhancement, multi-sensor fusion, and classification techniques for multi- and hyper-spectral data.
Interactive Web Mapping GIS (CVEN 5390)
This course covers designing, creating, and using interactive web maps with hands-on experience in open-source (FOSS) technologies.
Career Outlook
What is the projected salary of an individual working in geomatics and geographic information systems?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals working in geomatics and geographic information systems earned annual median salaries of the following in 2023:
- Geoscientists: $92,580
- Geographers: $90,880
- Surveyors: $68,540
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists: $76,210
What can I do with a graduate certificate in geomatics and geographic information systems?
Graduates are prepared for roles such as:
- GIS Analyst
- Geospatial Data Scientist
- Remote Sensing Specialist
Industries include urban planning, environmental engineering, and infrastructure development.

Admissions
Admission requirements and deadlines vary based on the program. In addition, you will have different requirements depending on if you are a first-time student, a transfer student or an international student.
Learn more about the admission process by filling out the form above or contacting the CU Denver Enrollment Team today.

Tuition & Financial Aid
Investing in your future is a big decision. However, becoming a fully online student at CU Denver is an affordable option with discounted tuition rates for non-resident, fully online students. And of course, you will save money not having to drive to campus.
Tuition and fees are based largely on the class that you enroll in. Tuition amount assessed is determined based on which school/college is offering your class, as well as if it is an undergrad or graduate level, and finally your resident status.
Experience flexible, career-focused programs with CU Denver’s renowned quality—100% online—taught by expert faculty in engaging courses within a supportive community, all at an affordable tuition with financial aid and scholarships available.

Flexible, career-focused programs with the same CU Denver quality—100% online.

Expert faculty, engaging courses, and a supportive online community.

Affordable tuition with financial aid and scholarships for online students.

Take the Next Step
Ready to enhance your GIS expertise? Take the first step toward earning your online certificate by filling out the form above for more information or calling us at 303-860-5604.