Geographic Information Systems

Overview

Career Outlook: GIS Specialists

GIS specialists usually begin as technicians or analysts, and can advance to supervisor or managerial roles, such as GIS coordinator, GIS project manager or GIS developer. Many GIS specialists have a background in geography or other environmental science programs and some states require cartographers to be licensed as surveyors. GIS specialists can also earn certifications, such as a Certified GIS Professional (GISP) through the GIS Certification Institute or Esri Technical Certification for Esri’s ArcGIS software, which can help you stand out in a competitive market. 

There are also several professional organizations that GIS specialists can join for networking and educational opportunities, including The Imaging & Geospatial Information Society (ASPRS), the National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC), the American Association of Geographers (AAG) and the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA).

If you’re new or trying to break into GIS, our classes on the Coursera platform are a great place to learn some basic skills. For more advanced training, the Geographic Information Systems program from University of California, Davis offers beginning, intermediate and advanced courses in GIS that provide hands-on experience with the ArcGIS software package and other practical skills—such as database management, Python programming and cartographic design—necessary to become an effective GIS specialist. 

Whether you want to start a new career in GIS or expand your existing GIS skill set, our program will help you gain a clear understanding of GIS technology and terminology, along with the training and expertise to put them to use. Finally, if you’re a more experienced GIS practitioner, we offer a variety of individual courses that will help you develop and hone individual skills.