Certificate in Geographic Information Science

Tufts Geographic Information Science (GIScience) certificate focuses on principles of GIS, spatial analysis, spatial data management, and cartographic design. This certificate will help you prepare for a career in GIS technology in a variety of professional industries or research domains including environmental studies, urban studies, public health, and more. The four course certificate can be completed in 3 to 4 semesters and courses are offered in a flexible format, including in the evenings, weekends, and online, making the program accessible to working professionals. As a student in the program, you’ll also have access to Tufts’ Data Labs, full-service computing labs dedicated to geospatial technology, statistics, and data science which serve as a hub for GIS activities at Tufts and are designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

GIS Certificate Course Requirements

The certificate requires twelve credits. The first 6 credits of Intro and Advanced GIS are required, while students choose from a menu of electives and options to satisfy the remaining 6 credits.

Two required courses (6 credits)

GIS 201 Introduction to GIS or equivalent
- Tufts equivalents: PH 262, PH 262OL, MCM 591, DHP P207, CEE 187, NUTR 231, CLS 125
GIS 202 Advanced GIS or equivalent
- Tufts equivalents: DHP P289

Two electives (6 credits) from the following

GIS 103/CEE 189 Intro to Remote Sensing
GIS 203 Spatial Statistics
GIS 204 Interactive Web Mapping
UEP 294/ENVS 121 Drones for Data Collection, Mapping, and Analysis
Additional GIS electives approved by the GIS Council
Up to one graduate-level course in statistics, quantitative methods, data science, or data visualization approved by school GIS advisor. Examples include:
- GIS 205 Urban Analytics and Visualization
- GIS 206 Data Science for Urban Sustainability
- CEE 132 Data Science for Sustainability
- ENV 170 Data Visualization
- Graduate-level statistics course
Thesis or capstone with core spatial methods approved by school advisor

Additional information for matriculated graduate students

Matriculated graduate students should reach out to the school advisor listed below to discuss an academic plan to receive the GIS certificate. Interested students must declare their intent to receive the certificate by the Course Add deadline for the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in the semester they wish to graduate. Students must be able to fit all certificate courses into their primary graduate degree program requirements.

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences: Dr. Sumeeta Srinivasan

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine: Carolyn Talmadge

Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy: Dr. Marcia Moreno-Baez

School of Engineering: Dr. Laurie Baise

School of Medicine: Dr. Thomas Stopka

GIScience Certificate Program brochure

Faculty Contact

For additional information about this certificate, please contact GIS Certificate Director: Sumeeta Srinivasan