FAQ

Is there an application deadline?
There are no application deadlines. Applications are accepted on a continuing basis. Check the UA Academic Calendar for institutional deadlines.

Is there an application fee?

There is no fee to apply to the GIS Certificate Program. However, there is a fee associated with submitting the required application for admission to the UA Graduate College. Certificate seeking students and degree seeking students enrolled in programs outside of the School of Natural Resources and the Environment and School of Geography and Development must apply to Graduate Admissions and pay the registration fee. Certificate seeking students should use the application form as if applying to a Masters or PhD program since certificates are considered to be official programs of study. Students already pursuing a degree within the School of Natural Resources and the Environment or the School of Geography and Development need only submit a Change of Program form to the program coordinator. Contact Jane Matter at jmatter@cals.arizona.edu for information on registration.

How do I enroll in classes?

Currently enrolled graduate students will enroll in classes as they do their other course work. Certificate seeking students will register through Continuing Education & Outreach, students will receive information on enrollment procedures when admitted into the program.

May I use course work I took as an undergraduate and apply it to my certificate?

A maximum of 3 units of GEOG 416A course work earned as an undergraduate may be applied towards the Graduate GIS Certificate provided (1) the course work advisor approves, (2) the units earned were not necessary for the undergraduate degree (e.g. more than 120 units were earned for the undergraduate degree), (3) the student completes the extra work required for GEOG 516A , and (4) the class meets the time requirement of not being more than 4 years old upon completion of the Certificate Program. Contact Jane Matter at jmatter@cals.arizona.edu with any questions.

May I use course work from a graduate degree that I have already earned and apply it to my certificate?

Yes. You may apply up to 6 units of course work from your graduate degree towards your Graduate GIS Certificate.

I am currently enrolled at the UA as a graduate student. May I use course work I am using for my degree toward the certificate?

Yes. You may apply up to 12 units towards both your certificate and your degree.

If I decide to pursue a graduate degree after earning my certificate, may I use coursework earned for my certificate towards my graduate degree?

If you earned the units as a certificate seeking student, you may apply up to 12 units from your certificate towards an advanced degree.

Who is my curriculum advisor?

You will be assigned a curriculum advisor once you are admitted to the program. If you forgot to whom you were assigned, contact Jane Matter at jmatter@cals.arizona.edu.

Who is my practicum supervisor?

Before you enroll in the practicum, discuss your interests with your curriculum advisor, who will be able to help you identify a practicum supervisor whose interests match yours.

For the practicum, may I work with data from my thesis or dissertation or from my work?

Yes, in some cases. There are criteria for the practicum that can be met by using either pre-prepared practical problems or using data with which you are currently working. You may not use a project you have already completed. Consult with your curriculum advisor for help identifying your practicum project.