GIS Professional Certificate

Overview

The School of Professional & Continuing Studies offers the Geographic Information System (GIS) Professional Certificate, a six-month program offered entirely online that prepares certificate earners to start working toward GISP® certification from the GIS Certification Institute.

GIS technology has broad applications in business, natural and social sciences, environmental studies, engineering and management. The use of geospatial technologies continues to rapidly grow and values a certified workforce. Esri, the global GIS market leader, notes that because organizations increasingly rely on location intelligence to make better decisions, careers in GIS are in demand more than ever. Esri points to a number of careers that rely on, or can incorporate, GIS skills.

The GIS Professional Certificate consists of two blocks of instruction — GIS Fundamentals and Advanced GIS Topics — split into special topics modules and two main deliverable projects. Graduates will leave the GIS Professional Certificate program with knowledge of the newest GIS software and best practices for utilizing it in your field.

Student Experience

Classes focus on a comprehensive suite of GIS techniques, covering everything from creating spatial data and georeferencing to web mapping, advanced spatial analysis and statistics, and specialized applications. Each class features hands-on learning experiences that will expand your technical capabilities and build practical, job-ready skills. Advanced specialty topics provide deeper dives into cartographic techniques (including 3D mapping), alternatives to ESRI software, GeoAI, GIS AI assistant, and GIS career pathways.

As part of the program, students will be introduced to emerging tools at the intersection of geospatial technology and artificial intelligence. This includes an overview of GeoAI and the ways Esri software is integrating machine learning and AI-driven capabilities into the software. Students will explore tools using built-in workflows in ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online. These exercises will demonstrate how AI can enhance spatial analysis, automate tasks, and support problem-solving in real-world applications.

The curriculum is structured in two core blocks: fall courses establish foundational GIS knowledge, while spring courses explore advanced topics and analytical methods. Unlike other GIS certificate programs, the University of Richmond GIS Professional Certificate focuses on how desktop GIS software transitions to web-facing applications and the role web GIS plays in today’s organizations.

Earn the GIS Professional Badge

In addition to earning a Professional Certificate from the University of Richmond, students who complete this program successfully will earn the GIS Professional badge. Once earned, you can share this badge on your website, digital resume and social media profiles to demonstrate to employers and colleagues that you’ve completed the program’s outcomes.

Introduction to GIS using ArcGIS Pro

If you’re not quite ready to work on our GIS Professional Certificate, you might benefit from our short course, Introduction to GIS using ArcGIS Pro. This course is designed to introduce you to the fundamental concepts and techniques of GIS using ArcGIS Pro software. In this course, you will learn how to use ArcGIS Pro to manage, analyze, and display geographic data.

2025-2026 Schedule

The GIS Professional Certificate is a 26-week program excluding campus holidays and breaks.

Term Dates: Oct. 8, 2025–April 22, 2026
Live Remote via Zoom: Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm
Online Self-Paced Content: 2 hours each week
Registration Deadline: Oct. 3, 2025

Register

$3,999 includes materials and ArcGIS Pro license. Payment in full is due at registration.

UR Employees

A limited number of eligible UR employees may use tuition remission benefits for this program. Contact the program manager for details.

Hardware Requirements

Windows operating system on laptop or desktop required to participate in class. ArcGIS Pro will not work on Apple or Linux operating systems, nor on tablets or mobile devices.

Recommended Hardware

Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
Intel i5 or AMD equivalent (4+ cores)
32 GB RAM (minimum 8 GB)
500 GB SSD storage
Dedicated graphics card (not integrated)

Program Curriculum

person looking at multiple computer screens

GIS Fundamentals

The first core block, GIS Fundamentals, includes the following modules:

Introduction to GIS and ArcGIS Pro Fundamentals
Working with and Managing Data
Web Mapping and Digital Storytelling
Capstone Project 1

Advanced GIS

The second core block, Advanced GIS, includes the following modules.

Spatial Analysis & Statistics
Special Topics and Advanced Workflows
Final Projects and Career Pathways

Expand All

Module 1: Introduction to GIS and ArcGIS Pro Fundamentals
Learning Objectives
- Understand what GIS is and how it’s used across industries
- Get comfortable navigating ArcGIS Pro and comparing it with ArcMap
- Develop confidence making simple maps and viewing spatial data
Active Learning
- Class introductions and map examples
- Hands-on walkthrough of ArcGIS Pro basics
- Attribute table exploration and simple map creation
Key Concepts
- GIS and spatial data
- Layers and attributes
- ArcGIS Pro vs. ArcMap
Module 2: Working with and Managing Data
Learning Objectives
- Learn to import, clean, and manage various spatial data formats
- Join tabular data to spatial features
- Apply data classifications and definition queries
- Understand map accessibility and projections
- Build and edit spatial features using geodatabases
Active Learning
- Work with census, environmental, and business datasets
- Tabular joins, calculated fields, and filtering
- Coordinate system comparison
- Geodatabase creation and feature editing
Key Concepts
- Tabular data joins
- Data statistics and classifications
- Accessibility and universal design
- Coordinate systems and projections
- Geodatabases and feature classes
Module 3: Web Mapping and Digital Storytelling
Learning Objectives
- Use ArcGIS Online to publish web maps
- Build narrative-driven content using StoryMaps
- Understand public vs private sharing and mobile responsiveness
Active Learning
- Create interactive web maps using AGOL
- Develop a full StoryMap with embedded media
- Peer review and presentation prep
Key Concepts
- ArcGIS Online platform
- Web mapping and symbology
- StoryMaps design and best practices
- Public sharing and access controls
Module 4: Capstone Project 1
Learning Objectives
- Synthesize early course skills into a mini-project
- Develop presentation and storytelling skills
Active Learning
- Present interactive web maps and StoryMaps
- Receive structured peer and instructor feedback
Module 5: Spatial Analysis and Statistics
Learning Objectives
- Understand and apply core spatial analysis techniques
- Use geoprocessing tools for vector and raster analysis
- Interpret spatial patterns and trends with statistics
- Analyze transportation and network accessibility
Active Learning
- Suitability and proximity analysis
- Spatial statistics (hotspot, autocorrelation)
- Raster reclassification and cost distance
- Network service area mapping
Key Concepts
- Buffer, overlay, and geocoding workflows
- Raster fundamentals
- Hotspot analysis and spatial statistics
- Network datasets and service areas
- ModelBuilder basics
Module 6: Special Topics and Advanced Workflows
Learning Objectives
- Gain exposure to alternative tools and techniques
- Explore field data collection, web apps, and automation
- Understand emerging tech like GeoAI and scripting
Active Learning
- Hands-on with Field Maps, 3D tools, and dashboards
- Build a model with ModelBuilder
- Explore AI tools and scripting in ArcGIS Pro
Key Concepts
- OpenStreetMap and open-source GIS tools
- Mobile data collection and dashboards
- 3D modeling and visualization
- GeoAI and AI-driven GIS
- Python scripting and geoprocessing automation
Module 7: Final Projects and Career Pathways
Learning Objectives
- Apply all skills to a comprehensive final project
- Present GIS findings professionally
- Develop a personal GIS portfolio and career plan
Active Learning
- Capstone Project 2
- Final presentation to peers and guests
- GIS career exploration, certification options, and networking
Key Concepts
- End-to-end GIS project planning
- Presentation and portfolio development
- GIS certifications and job market trends
- Continuing education and learning resources

Instructional Team

Katie Grillo

Katie Grillo strives to create meaningful impact through mapping, storytelling and community engagement as a GIS professional. She’s spent the last decade working as the GIS Web Technology Specialist for the City of Cambridge, Mass. She helps to educate and empower city staff using ArcGIS tools and solutions, specializing in Story Maps and 3D Web Scenes. Katie joined the Northeast ArcGIS User Group (NEARC) Board of Directors in 2018, serving as chair from 2020-22. In early 2023 she founded the Women in GIS Northeast Chapter as a space for women in GIS to connect and thrive.

Jacob Hall

Jacob Hall is a data analyst at AidData and PhD student in Computational Geography at William & Mary, where they develop surveys and geospatial data processing pipelines to support international development research. They co-founded MapRVA, a community of mapping enthusiasts creating and sharing geospatial data of the city, with mapping projects ranging from public infrastructure to historic photographs.

Taylor Holden

Taylor Holden, ’15, GC’19, graduated from the University of Richmond in 2015 with majors in geography and environmental studies. He then worked for three years in the UR Spatial Analysis Lab (SAL) as the GIS Technician, helping with research and teaching. He returned to the classroom at UR to earn a Master of Nonprofit Studies in 2019 through SPCS. He has since worked at HDR Inc, VDOT, and is currently working as a Rail Planning Data Specialist at the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT).

Justin Madron

Justin Madron is the Associate Director of Data Visualization at the Center for Geospatial Solutions within the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. He leads high-impact geospatial projects focused on conservation, land use, broadband access, and environmental resilience. Justin specializes in applying GIS and spatial storytelling to drive decision-making and illuminate complex data through compelling visualizations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from West Virginia University and a master’s degree in Environmental Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he focused on geographic information systems and technologies.

Kyle Redican

Kyle Redican, Ph.D., is director of the Spatial Analysis Lab director and faculty member in the Geography, Environment, and Sustainability department at the University of Richmond. With a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Tech, and a Ph.D. from the department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University, he brings a wealth of expertise to his role. Specializing in Geographic Information Science (GIS), Kyle teaches a variety of undergraduate courses and oversees the spatial analysis lab, providing essential GIS support to the University’s faculty, staff, and students.

Jennifer Santoro

Jennifer Santoro is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Geography and the Environment at Villanova University, where she teaches courses in geographic information systems (GIS) and environmental science. She holds master’s degrees in forestry and in environmental management from Duke University and a PhD in applied forest ecology from the University of Vermont. Jen’s research interests focus on using geospatial analysis and statistics to understand patterns and trends in forested ecosystems, including analyzing disturbance events, monitoring spatial spread of invasive plant species, and modeling species distributions.

Nathan Winiarski

Nathan Winiarski, ’25, is a recent graduate of the University of Richmond, where he majored in geography. As an undergraduate, he gained experience in environmental analysis and applied GIS, with a particular focus on road construction and its impact on the Amazon rainforest. Nathan supported GIS instruction as an intern with the Spatial Analysis Lab, assisting students and faculty with geospatial tools and techniques. Since graduating, he has continued this work with GIS through the School of Professional and Continuing Studies, while also contributing to ecological field research that deepens his expertise in spatial analysis and environmental science.

Program Components

Theory

Theory is taught throughout the course, combined with hands-on activity, to ensure theory and application are linked.

Become familiar with the five parts of a GIS.
Learn the basics of how to find, store, create and edit spatial data.
Discover the importance of coordinate systems and projections in GIS.
Explore basic principles and applications of spatial analysis.

Desktop Software

Most instruction will take place in ArcGIS Pro, the premier professional desktop GIS application. ArcGIS Pro is set to replace ArcMap. Students familiar with ArcMap will learn new workflows to help with the transition to ArcGIS Pro.

Students will learn the following essential workflows:

Visualizing spatial data
Performing spatial analysis
Sharing completed maps in static and web formats.

Web Mapping Application

ArcGIS Online is a collaborative web GIS that allows users to create and share maps, apps and data to the web for easy access.

Students will learn and practice the following skills:

Create your own web maps and easily share them on the web.
Explore mapping data.
Connect ArcGIS Online work with your skills in ArcGIS Pro, combining desktop and web-based GIS.

Presentations & Cartography

Two applied projects are required to earn the certificate, which contribute to your professional portfolio. The initial project covers the GIS Fundamentals section, while the final project covers the entire program.

Includes data collection, analysis, interpretation and final layout.
Cartography is emphasized in the final presentation.
Projects communicate spatial information effectively and aesthetically.

Kyle and the class were excellent! I learned how to navigate the murky waters of GIS software and troubleshooting within that sphere. This class will only help me further my love for cartography, and the hope that I can continue progressing in this field. Thank you again Kyle, Justin, and the whole GIS Certificate crew.

Leonard Cox

Completed GIS Professional Certificate in Spring 2025

GIS Professional Certificate

Overview

Student Experience

Earn the GIS Professional Badge

Introduction to GIS using ArcGIS Pro

2025-2026 Schedule

Register

Hardware Requirements

Program Curriculum

GIS Fundamentals

Advanced GIS

Module 1: Introduction to GIS and ArcGIS Pro Fundamentals

Learning Objectives

Active Learning

Key Concepts

Module 2: Working with and Managing Data

Learning Objectives

Active Learning

Key Concepts

Module 3: Web Mapping and Digital Storytelling

Learning Objectives

Active Learning

Key Concepts

Module 4: Capstone Project 1

Learning Objectives

Active Learning

Module 5: Spatial Analysis and Statistics

Learning Objectives

Active Learning

Key Concepts

Module 6: Special Topics and Advanced Workflows

Learning Objectives

Active Learning

Key Concepts

Module 7: Final Projects and Career Pathways

Learning Objectives

Active Learning

Key Concepts

Instructional Team

Katie Grillo

Jacob Hall

Taylor Holden

Justin Madron

Kyle Redican

Jennifer Santoro

Nathan Winiarski

Program Components

Theory

Desktop Software

Web Mapping Application

Presentations & Cartography

Student Projects