LER.me

Make All Learning Count.

Get Connected

  • What is a LER?
  • FAQs (opens in new tab)
  • Partner with Us
  • Visit EBSCOed (opens in new tab)

View our Policies

  • Accessibility (opens in new tab)
  • Standards (opens in new tab)
  • Terms of Use (opens in new tab)
  • Privacy Policy (opens in new tab)
  • Opt out (opens in new tab)

Get the app

Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store

© 2026 All rights reserved.

Powered by EBSCOed

Skip to main contentSkip to footer
  • Live Data
My LER
My LER
  1. Programs
  3. Geographic Information Science

Geographic Information Science

University of Iowa

CertificateAcademic

Become a contributor for free to openly demonstrate student outcomes, industry alignment & eligibility criteria.

Geographic information systems (GIS) and the digital spatial data that they contain inform major decisions on how natural resources are managed, how smart cities are built, how communities respond to natural disasters, and how the spread of disease is detected. These same systems and data guide such everyday tasks as deciding one's driving route, finding family and friends using a phone, or figuring out when the bus arrives.

Credits

19 credits

Format

In-Person

Loading Skills & Competencies
Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

Loading What You'll Learn
Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.

Visit Program Website
Locations

Where this program is offered

  • Iowa

    Iowa

Loading Student Outcomes
Related Programs

Programs related to this one

No related programs.

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populated·from O*NET via SOC 15-1299.02

Skills

Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive ListeningSpeakingComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingWritingSocial Perceptiveness

Knowledge

GeographyComputers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageMathematicsDesign

Abilities

Oral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingNear VisionOral ExpressionProblem SensitivityVisualizationSpeech Recognition

Tasks

  • Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Infor
  • Design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, using GIS ha
  • Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.

Technology

Data base user interface and query softwareDocument management softwareDevelopment environment softwareVideo creation and editing softwareGraphics or photo imaging software

Tools

Computer data input scannersComputer laser printersComputer serversDesktop computersDigital camerasDigitizersGlobal positioning system GPS receiversLaptop computersLarge-format plottersLaser facsimile machinesLight detection and ranging LIDAR systemsMainframe computersMulti-line telephone systemsPersonal computersPhotocopying equipment

Work Values

AchievementIndependenceWorking ConditionsRecognitionSupportRelationships
Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populated·from O*NET + BLS
Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOCOccupationMethodWageGrowthOpenings
Match confidence: medium15-1299.02Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicianstitle_inference———
What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populated·from NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Certificate)

  • Thematic maps and data tables — design and produce using spatial analysis procedures and GIS software with limited oversight for client-ready deliverables.
  • Existing GIS databases — modify and reorganize by adding new feature classes, updating schema, and managing versioning in a multi-user geodatabase environment.
  • Spatial data from multiple sources — evaluate for currency, accuracy, and completeness using established quality assurance workflows and metadata standards.
  • GIS data layers — build and symbolize for graphic representations that communicate geographic relationships clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
  • Routine GIS programming scripts — write and maintain using Python or SQL to automate repetitive data processing tasks in a production environment.
  • Vector and raster data — digitize, georeference, and integrate from field collection, scanning, or third-party sources into a departmental GIS database.
  • Spatial analysis tools — apply to answer moderately complex geographic questions such as proximity analysis, overlay operations, and network routing.
  • Technical guidance — provide to end users on basic GIS software functionality, data access procedures, and map interpretation in a government or consulting context.
  • CAD drawings and engineering files — convert and incorporate into GIS environments to support infrastructure or land-use mapping projects.
  • Analytical or scientific GIS software — configure and use for intermediate modeling tasks including terrain analysis and watershed delineation.

Some details on this page are auto-populated from public workforce data sources: O*NET (opens in new tab), BLS (opens in new tab), College Scorecard (opens in new tab), DOL Training Provider Results (opens in new tab), NSX (opens in new tab). Provided in partnership with LER.me Career Intelligence.

Student Outcomes

Performance metrics for this program

Completion Rate
Not reported
Placement Rate
Not reported