Masters+

Geography and Environmental Systems Ph.D.Certificate

Why Earn Your Certificate in Geographic Information Systems?

Learn or update your skills with a foundation of spatial knowledge and technical skills for careers that employ spatial computing and dynamic visualization.

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applies critical GIS toward improving the lives of people, society, and the environment. Students will gain an understanding of essential geographic principles and concepts needed to solve problems in nearly any industry or academic discipline. Consisting of five courses (15 credits), the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in GIS is designed to provide students with a set of core technical and analytical tools that reflect the technical interdependence of the GIS career field. Completing the certificate instills a foundation of spatial knowledge and technical skills for careers that employ spatial computing.

Students are able to earn this certificate first and then choose to transfer all of the credits into a Master’s of Professional Studies in Geographic Information Systems.

At a Glance

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Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid

UMBC works to provide students with adequate need-based funding.

2025–2026 Graduate Cost Calculator Financial Aid Scholarships

Ready to Apply?

Review Geographic Information Systems Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Requirements

A bachelor’s degree and 3.0 GPA (Students with a GPA less than 3.0 may be admitted to the Certificate program)

Statement outlining the student’s goals and expectations in the program

Current resume

Two Letters of Recommendation (MPS only; Optional for Certificate)

Official transcript(s) from each college & university attended

GRE is not required

English proficiency testing (TOEFL/ IELTS) is required for international students.

Please visit our website for detailed admissions requirements.

Start Your Graduate Admissions Application

Please note that application decisions can take 6-8 weeks after the program’s deadline, and depend on how many applications a department receives. You will receive an email once the department processes your decision letter. You will be able to see your decision letter by logging in to the application website. Your decision letter will be where the application checklist was. You may also check your recommendation statuses to send reminders or update contact information from the user page. If you are having trouble logging back in, you can recover your account.

Have Questions?

Please contact the appropriate Graduate School staff member for assistance, or contact our Main Office at gradschool@umbc.edu or 410-455-2537.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

All Students:
Apply by August 1

Spring Semester

All Students:
Apply by December 1

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Contact Information

Geographic Information Systems Program Contacts

UMBC Graduate School Admissions Office Contact Information

Mailing Address

UMBC Graduate School
1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250

Admissions Staff

Staff are available from Mon - Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 410-455-2537

Request Help

Email Graduate Admissions at gradschool@umbc.edu.

Geography and Environmental Systems Graduate Programs