Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems

GIS Certificate Access to geospatial data has transformed Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology into one of the most widely-used and comprehensive analytical tools for local governments and city planners. In 2014, in order to respond to the growing demand for GIS professionals, the Department of Geosciences jointly with the Department of Urban and Regional Planning developed a 15-credit graduate GIS certificate program. Once admitted to the graduate program, students can apply the credits earned as part of the certificate towards the Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) degree. Note that one of the required courses is URP 6270 Introduction to GIS in Planning, which is also a core course in the MURP program.

As part of the GIS curriculum, we offer comprehensive training in ArcGIS for Desktop and Web GIS. Students enrolled in the program acquire advanced skills in spatial data analysis and use of state-of-the-art tools and techniques available in the field of GIS today, including CityEngine, ArcGIS for Server and ArcGIS Portal, Operations Dashboard, GeoEvent and Collector App for ArcGIS, Business Analyst, ArcGIS Pro and GeoPlanner. In addition, the students have the opportunity to explore several GIS applications in environmental and land use planning, hazards, housing, and urban design.

URP also hosts the Visual Planning Technology Lab which has served South Florida communities for almost three decades. The Lab provides graduate research assistantships to students who qualify.


For additional information, see the Department of Geosciences web site here. Students in the MURP program may direct questions to Dr. Diana Mitsova at dmitsova@fau.edu or (561) 297-4285.