Geographical Information Systems & Spatial Analysis | University of Pennsylvania

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom 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-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium15-1299.02	Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: proficient (Level 3)(based on Post-Baccalaureate Certificate)

Complex GIS databases — design, maintain, and optimize autonomously to support multi-department or multi-agency spatial data sharing and analysis needs.
Advanced spatial analysis workflows — develop and execute using cartography, data manipulation, and modeling software to solve non-routine geographic problems.
Custom GIS applications — program, test, and deploy using development environment software and scripting languages to extend core GIS platform capabilities.
High-quality cartographic products — author independently, applying design principles, projection selection, and visual hierarchy for publication or public presentation.
Incoming and legacy datasets — audit comprehensively for accuracy, lineage, and documentation quality, then remediate or flag according to organizational standards.
Technical expertise in GIS methods — deliver to clients and interdisciplinary teams through training sessions, written guides, and one-on-one technical support.
Geospatial models — build and validate using advanced analytical software to support planning, environmental assessment, or infrastructure management decisions.
GIS data integration pipelines — construct using ETL processes and web services to automate data ingestion from field sensors, open data portals, and partner agencies.
Complex spatial problems — analyze and resolve by combining deductive reasoning, mathematical methods, and multi-source data synthesis without external guidance.
Reports and technical memoranda — write with precision and clarity to document GIS methodologies, findings, and recommendations for professional or regulatory audiences.

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.