DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

UCLA Extension’s GIS and Geospatial Technology Certificate, created in partnership with the UCLA Department of Geography, provides a comprehensive introduction to the state-of-the-art methods and techniques used in the field of geographic information systems (GIS) and geospatial technology.

The program teaches computer-based mapping and spatial analysis techniques with hands-on, project-based instruction using industrystandard GIS software platforms.

All courses are designed to accommodate the schedules of working professionals, and no prior GIS experience is required or assumed. Participants who complete the program can expect to be sufficiently prepared for an entry-level job in GIS and/or related geospatial industries.

Students will be earning transferable UCLA course credit for all courses in the certificate program. This course is accredited and approved by the UCLA Academic Senate as a credit-bearing course. It carries lower-division undergraduate credit. Weekly activities include reviewing video lectures, technical screencasts, and readings. Completing practical assignments involve the use of GIS methods to address real-world scenarios, self-assessment using automated non-graded quizzes, and more.

The program is offered fully online and may be completed in as little as one-year.

Technical requirements:

Students are responsible for providing a personal computer with a minimum of 4GB of RAM that is capable of running Windows 10. Apple hardware running macOS can be used provided that Windows 10 is installed either using Boot Camp or virtualization (VirtualBox, Parallels, etc.) with at least 4GB of RAM allocated to Windows. Hardware specifications in excess of these minimum requirements will offer better performance and a better student experience. Students are provided with a student license for ArcGIS as long as they are enrolled in program courses for which ArcGIS is required.

These are online courses, wherein all course content is delivered online and all interaction among the instructor and the participants will take place online; additional requirements include microphone, headphones/speakers, and webcam.

Geog Xl 7

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

5.0 units

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to fundamental principles and concepts behind the use and application of geographic information systems (GIS). Students learn how to think spatially, become familiar with information technology, produce maps, communicate effectively using spatial information, and conduct data analysis with GIS. Instruction is technique-oriented, focusing heavily on practical applications of GIS methods and practices using the industry-standard ArcGIS software platform. All course exercises situate GIS within both its practical and economic context. Key concepts and ideas are reinforced through practical assignments and activities involving the use of desktop GIS software.

Reg# 392296

Fee: $2,250

No refund after 9 Oct.

M Online

Oct. 2-Dec. 17

Required course in the GIS & Geospatial Technology Certificate program.

Students can choose to take GEOG XL 7 in one of two formats: selfpaced or cohort-based. This is the cohort-basedversion of the course. Students enrolled in the cohort-based version of the course will take the course over a standard ten-week academic quarter, with weekly due dates for course activities providing structure. This option is best for students who are motivated by deadlines and enjoy being able to engage in discussion with classmates. Enrollment limited to 50 students; early enrollment recommended. Visitors not permitted. 7 & Sierra

Burkhart

Michael Shin

Reg# 392297

Fee: $2,250

No refund after 9 Oct.

M Online

Oct. 2-Mar. 24, 2024

Required course in the GIS & Geospatial Technology Certificate program.

Students can choose to take GEOG XL 7 in one of two formats: selfpaced or cohort-based. This is the self-paced version of the course. Students enrolled in the self-paced version will have two quarters from the course’s scheduled start date (NOT from date of enrollment) to complete the course, and there are no scheduled due dates for course activities. This option is best for self-motivated students who wish to complete what is typically a ten week course either more quickly or over a longer period of time.

Students who enroll after the course’s scheduled start date should be aware that they will have less than the full two quarters to complete course activities. Any students who wish to take advantage of the full two-quarter time window should enroll in the subsequent quarter’s self-paced course in advance of the course’s start date.

Enrollment limited to 50 students; early enrollment recommended. Visitors not permitted.

7 & Sierra Burkhart

Michael Shin

GEOG XL 181A

Intermediate

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

4.0 units

This course reinforces and introduces additional key geographic concepts and techniques related to the theory and application of geographic information systems (GIS). Topics such as geographic coordinate systems, automation, geoprocessing, raster data processing and management, vector digitizing, and various forms of spatial data management are given in-depth treatment during this intensive seminar. Spatial data literacy, data formats, and data manipulation practices are also emphasized. Students are trained in the use of both open-source (QGIS) and commercial (Esri’s ArcGIS for Desktop) GIS software platforms. In addition to exposing students to the variety of settings and situations in which GIS data management techniques are used, students also learn how to implement such techniques through completion of practical exercises.

Reg# 392306

Fee: $1,800

No refund after 9 Oct.

M Online

Oct. 2-Dec. 17

Required course in the GIS & Geospatial Technology certificate program.

Enrollment limited to 50 students; early enrollment recommended. Visitors not permitted.

7 & Sierra Burkhart

Michael Shin

GEOG XL 181B

Advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 4.0 units

This course is a project-based exploration of advanced topics in GIS and geospatial technology, with a focus upon spatial data analysis and visualization techniques. Students complete a series of hands-on weekly projects, each of which focuses upon the use of a defined subset of spatial data analysis and visualization methods in addressing real-world problems and scenarios. Advanced spatial analysis methods covered in this course include network analysis, cost distance analysis, site selection and optimization, interpolation, multilayer raster data analysis (map algebra), and other related techniques. Basic concepts and techniques associated with spatial statistics, including clustering and spatial dynamics, are also introduced in an applied context.

Reg# 392308

Fee: $1,800

No refund after 9 Oct.

M Online

Oct. 2-Dec. 17

Required course in the GIS & Geospatial Technology Certificate program.

Enrollment limited to 50 students; early enrollment recommended. Visitors not permitted. 7 &

Sierra Burkhart

Michael Shin