Geospatial Information Science (GIS), known to some as “computer mapping,” is used to store, manage, analyze, synthesize, and display spatial data and information. In the College of Architecture and Planning we use GIS to analyze and understand space, to answer the place-based questions posed by our stakeholders and our clients, and to create the planning- and research-oriented maps that are critical to communicating with our stakeholders. Our work with GIS in the college is built on the many advances in Geospatial Information Science over the last 40 years.
This certificate program is intended for motivated people with a strong interest in the application of GIS to the design and planning professions. It is targeted both at students currently enrolled in a University of Colorado degree program who wish to add a credential to their degree and working professionals who do not wish to enroll as degree students, but who wish to pursue a certificate to improve job skills.
Students who earn this Certificate through the College of Architecture and Planning at the University of Colorado Denver will exit the program with the following:
GIS is a rapidly growing field and an increasingly important job skill. GIS skills are showing up as requirements for architects, landscape architects and planners. Our GIS Certificate holders are currently working as: environmental planners, transportation planners, city planners, urban designers, landscape architects and software developers.
A minimum of a 3.0 GPA in all GIS related course work is required to earn the GIS Certificate, and for certificate credit a B- or better is required in all GIS certificate courses.
Achieving the GIS certificate in your degree program requires you to follow the appropriate advising sheet.You can download the relevant advising sheets below.
Part 1: Introductory GIS class (3 credits)
Part 2: Advanced GIS class (3 credits)
Part 3: One of the following (3 credits)
Part 4: Specialized advanced class (9 credits)
Part 5: Portfolio
Note: Students pursuing the GIS Certificate in the College of Architecture and Planning are expected to use GIS data and software in their design and planning related classes.
Students who have completed all of the requirements for the GIS Certificate must submit their GIS Certificate form at the start of the semester that they plan to graduate.
Hours: 18 credit hours
The certificate program is open to all. Applicants already enrolled in a University of Colorado degree program need only submit an internal application to the CAP GIS certificate program. Applicants who are not currently enrolled in a degree program must apply to CU Denver as non-degree seeking students and also submit an application to the CAP GIS certificate program. More details on the process are available from the coordinator.