Geographic Information Systems Fundamentals Capstone

Capstone Certificate in GIS Fundamentals

A graphic of the world map on a laptop screen.

Is this program right for you?

Build a strong foundation for your GIS career by learning the core concepts of mapping, spatial analysis, and geocomputing. After you complete the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Fundamentals Capstone Certificate at UW–Madison, you’ll be poised to find a new job and build your career in the exciting, fast-paced GIS world, or apply spatial analysis and visualization to your current field—from engineering to natural sciences to business.

Complete this certificate and be poised to join a growing demand for individuals with formal GIS training
You will gain experience with common commercial and open-source GIS software
Our flexible program is offered completely online, so you can take courses on your own schedule from anywhere in the world

Education that works for you

Learn the core conceptual and applied underpinnings of GIS at your own pace and around your schedule. Our GIS Fundamentals program is 100% online and flexible, so you can earn your certificate without disrupting your career.

Program type

Capstone certificate

Explore program types

Certificate awarded

Capstone Certificate in GIS Fundamentals

Commitment

1–3 semesters

Tuition

$800 per credit

Format

Online

Credits

12 graduate-level credits

Admission terms

Program admits for Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.

Offered by

College of Letters & Science

STEM opt eligible

International eligibility

Yes, with restrictions.

Application deadlines

Summer 2025

Priority deadline: February 1, 2025
International deadline: February 1, 2025
Deadline: April 1, 2025

Fall 2025

Priority deadline: May 1, 2025
International deadline: May 1, 2025
Deadline: July 15, 2025

Spring 2026

Priority deadline: September 1, 2025
International deadline: September 1, 2025
Deadline: November 1, 2025

View UW–Madison’s Guide

Your questions, answered

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Admissions and events

For complete application details visit UW–Madison’s Guide →

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Results that work for you

Geographic Information Systems Fundamentals Capstone

Job titles

GIS analyst
GIS specialist
GIS technician
Cartographer
GIS developer

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Top industries

Government (federal, state and regional)
Surveying, engineering and construction
Utilities (electrical, telecommunications)
Academic Environment and natural resources

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10.6%

Projected growth for surveying and mapping technicians (2016-2026)

What you’ll learn

The Geographic Information Systems Fundamentals Capstone program combines coursework with hands-on projects where you’ll learn industry-standard GIS software for real-world problem solving.

For complete curricular details visit UW-Madison’s Guide →