Working professionals who can't leave their jobs for a certificate might be interested in online programs. Penn State offers a Geospatial Intelligence Graduate Certificate through its online campus. The program is designed to improve skills with geospatial technology and the course culminates with a virtual field experience for hands-on knowledge. For students interested in the remote sensing applications of GIS, Northeastern University offers an online program similar to Penn State's, but is focused more closely on the remote usage of GIS. Finally, educators hoping to use GIS in their classrooms might be interested in Eastern Michigan State University's certificate, which focuses on classroom applications of GIS.
Students who prefer an on-campus program have many options as well. Virginia Commonwealth University, for example, offers an on-campus post-baccalaureate program in GIS. The course provides a comprehensive and specialized understanding of the function and usage of GIS. The University of California in Riverside also offers an on-campus option, which is a 24-credit course that focuses on the professional applications of the software. Finally, Idaho State University offers a post-baccalaureate certificate program that requires 19 credit hours of coursework.
The company that owns GIS, ESRI, offers certificate programs directly through its own certification center. ESRI technical certification, which is available at numerous levels for many different skills, involves completing an exam to demonstrate GIS skills. Unlike other college or university programs, the ESRI certificate requires a higher level of GIS capability, which is tested through a multi-hour exam. Though challenging and expensive, certification directly from ESRI will demonstrates a very strong aptitude with GIS software.
ESRI works closely with numerous organizations that also provide certification programs. Many of these programs are available online. These include the UK-based UNIGIS, which offers numerous distance learning opportunities. Another option is the aptly named GIS Certification Institute, which offers the official "GIS Professional" title to students who complete its program. The "GISP" certificate is considered an important standard in GIS qualifications. Though challenging, the GISP certification is important in many professional careers.