Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Students will learn how to think spatially, become familiar with information technology, produce maps, communicate effectively using spatial information, and conduct data analysis with GIS.
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What you can learn.
About This Course
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.
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.
Self-paced format
- Complete at your own pace.
- Great for self-motivated students who wish to complete the course either more quickly or over a longer period of time.
- Students will have two quarters from the course's scheduled start date (NOT from the date of enrollment) to complete the course.*
- There are no scheduled due dates for course activities.
Cohort-based format
- Complete in ten weeks.
- Great for students who are motivated by deadlines and enjoy being able to engage in discussions with classmates.
- Students will take the course over a standard ten-week academic quarter.
- Course activities are due weekly.
Click 'See Details' under each section below to determine if it is self-paced or cohort-based.
Winter 2026 Schedule
Required course in the GIS & Geospatial Technology Certificate program.
Students enrolled in this course will take the course over a standard ten-week academic quarter, with weekly due dates for course activities providing structure.
This is an online course, 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.
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 will be provided with a student license for ArcGIS as long as they are enrolled in program courses for which ArcGIS is required.
Enrollment limited to 50 students; early enrollment recommended. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. Materials required.
UCLA Students: Please be advised that UCLA's Concurrent Enrollment policy prohibits taking courses for credit at UCLA Extension during UCLA's regular session (fall, winter and spring quarters).
This course applies toward the following programs
GIS and Geospatial Technology
Learn how to use location-based data to better understand the world. Offered in partnership with the UCLA Department of Geography, this certificate provides an introduction to the methods and techniques used within the field of GIS and geospatial technology. Available Format: Online