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 positions graduates to sit for the Esri ArcGIS Pro Foundation certification exam.

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:

GIS Foundations

Software
Data

Introduction to Web-Mapping

Advanced GIS

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

Spatial Analysis & Statistics
Advanced Topics
Special GIS Topics
Projects

Expand All

Module 1: Foundations of GIS
Learning Objectives
- Foundational understanding of Geographic Information Systems and Science
- Confidence in making a simple map using the ESRI software
- Understanding of the different types of GIS software
Active Learning

Homework assignments that have students making their first map and working with data.

Key Concepts
- GIS
- Spatial Data
- Layers
- ESRI
Module 2: Working with Spatial Data
Learning Objectives
- Ability to import, clean, and manage various spatial data formats
- Proficiency in joining tabular data to spatial features
- Understanding of map design principles and accessibility considerations
- Knowledge of coordinate systems and projections for accurate mapping
- Skills in creating and editing spatial features within geodatabases
Active Learning
- Hands-on exercises with census data, business locations, and environmental datasets
- Data cleanup and joining projects using Excel and CSV files
- Map redesign challenge focusing on accessibility and audience needs
- Geodatabase creation and feature editing workshop
Key Concepts
- Data subsets and filtering
- Tabular joins and relates
- Data classification methods
- Derived/calculated fields
- Map accessibility and universal design
- Coordinate systems and projections
- Geodatabases and feature classes
- Feature editing workflows
Module 3: Web Mapping and Digital Storytelling
Learning Objectives
- Ability to create interactive web maps using ArcGIS Online
- Proficiency in building compelling digital stories with StoryMaps
- Understanding of web mapping principles and mobile-responsive design
- Skills in sharing maps publicly and managing permissions
Active Learning
- Create and publish an interactive web map on a topic of interest
- Build a complete StoryMap narrative with maps, text, and multimedia
- Peer review and feedback session on story map presentations
Key Concepts
- ArcGIS Online (AGOL) platform
- Web map creation and symbology
- StoryMaps templates and design
- Digital storytelling principles
- Public vs. private sharing
- Mobile-responsive design
- Embedded multimedia content
Module 4: Spatial Analysis and Statistics
Learning Objectives
- Understanding of fundamental spatial analysis concepts and applications
- Proficiency in vector-based analysis tools (buffers, overlays, proximity analysis)
- Ability to interpret spatial patterns and statistical relationships
- Skills in applying analysis results to real-world business and planning decisions
Active Learning
- Site suitability analysis project for business location planning
- Service area and accessibility analysis using network datasets
- Hotspot analysis identifying spatial clusters and patterns
- Comparative analysis project using provided real-world datasets
Key Concepts
- Spatial analysis workflows
- Buffer analysis and proximity zones
- Overlay analysis (intersect, union, clip)
- Network analysis and service areas
- Hotspot analysis and spatial statistics
- Raster analysis fundamentals
- Spatial autocorrelation
- Model Builder basics
Module 5: Special Topics and Applications
Learning Objectives
- Exposure to advanced GIS applications across multiple industries
- Understanding of emerging technologies in the GIS field
- Awareness of career pathways and specialization opportunities
- Introduction to automation and scripting concepts
Active Learning
- Choose-your-own-adventure projects in specialized topics
- Guest speaker sessions with industry professionals
- Hands-on workshops with geocoding, mobile data collection, or dashboard creation
- Exploration of GeoAI and machine learning applications
Key Concepts
- Advanced cartography and design principles
- Geocoding and address matching
- Mobile GIS and field data collection
- Operations Dashboard creation
- Python scripting introduction
- GeoAI and machine learning
- 3D mapping and visualization
- Real-time data integration
Module 6: Projects and Wrap-up
Learning Objectives
- Integration of all course skills into a comprehensive capstone project
- Professional presentation and communication of GIS analysis results
- Portfolio development for career advancement
- Understanding of continued learning pathways in GIS
Active Learning
- Individual capstone project addressing real-world spatial problems
- Professional presentation to peers and industry guests
- Portfolio review and optimization workshop
- Networking session with local GIS professionals
Key Concepts
- Project management for GIS workflows
- Professional presentation techniques
- Portfolio development strategies
- Career pathways in GIS
- Professional organizations and certifications
- Continuing education opportunities
- Industry trends and emerging technologies

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.

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 Associate Director of the UR Digital Scholarship Lab. He has earned the Ersi ArcGIS Desktop Entry Certification. He is involved in GIS-related tasks and technologies required for the production and maintenance of the digital atlas of American history project. He has a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from West Virginia University and a master’s degree in environmental studies from Virginia Commonwealth University a focus on geographical 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.

Tracy Tien

Tracy Tien, ’16, is Spatial Data Specialist and FAA-certified drone pilot at the Smith College Spatial Analysis Lab, where she teaches a drone survey mapping and aerial cinematography course and an introduction to GIS course. She also provides curricular and technical support for all things spatial. Tracy holds a bachelor’s degree in international studies from the University of Richmond and is a former intern at UR’s Spatial Analysis Lab. She’s pursuing a master’s degree in geography with a focus on geographic information science and technology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She is a certified GIS Professional (GISP).

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

Learning Objectives

Active Learning

Key Concepts

Learning Objectives

Active Learning

Key Concepts

Learning Objectives

Active Learning

Key Concepts

Learning Objectives

Active Learning

Key Concepts

Learning Objectives

Active Learning

Key Concepts

Learning Objectives

Active Learning

Key Concepts

Instructional Team

Katie Grillo

Taylor Holden

Justin Madron

Kyle Redican

Jennifer Santoro

Tracy Tien

Program Components

Theory

Desktop Software

Web Mapping Application

Presentations & Cartography

Student Projects