Prepare to critically navigate and create in today’s information ecosystems as a data scientist, web designer, or a geovisual artist. Graduates of our Digital Mapping Graduate certificate not only understand what “big data” is, they use big data to create visual representations of the world.
Program Summary
Fall 2025
Application Dates:
07/25/2025
Start Dates:
08/25/2025
Spring 2025
Application Dates:
12/13/2024
Start Dates:
01/13/2025
COSTS & CREDITS - GRADUATE CERTIFICATE
Credits required: 11
Cost per credit: $791.50
Open Up Career Opportunities by Learning the Latest in Static and Interactive Maps
With two start dates available each year and intensive 8-week classes, this rigorous online program is geared toward working professionals who want to advance their career. As a graduate of this program, you will:
- Gain the technical skills that prospective employers prize and the geospatial analysis skills that will advance your career in this growing and demanding field.
- Implement Geographic Information Science (GIS) principles using open source applications like QGIS and integrate these with open database protocols such as PostGreSQL/PostGIS and SQLite.
- Apply interactive coding environments such as Jupyter and techniques of exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) using the Python programming language to process geographical information.
- Produce professional interactive and static maps and data-driven visualizations using JavaScript libraries such as Leaflet, D3.js, and Mapbox GL JS.
- Work in distributed and collaborative software environments using industry standard best practices such as Git and GitHub.
- Build an online portfolio of interactive maps and visualizations and share code documentation written in Markdown with colleagues and potential employers.
Application Requirements
Graduate Certificate
- Official undergraduate transcripts are required by the UK Graduate School.
- The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
Courses for the Graduate Certificate in Digital Mapping (11 credits):
-
MAP 671: Introduction to New Mapping (3 credits)
-
MAP 672: Programming for Web Mapping (4 credits)
-
MAP 673: Design for Interactive Web Mapping (4 credits)
"I came to the course with little to no coding experience. I left with the skills and tools to write my own code, the ability to apply advanced spatial analysis, an understanding of multiple web mapping platforms, as well as an online portfolio to showcase my own work."
Amanda Witbeck
Federal Financial Aid and Certificate Programs
Please note that federal financial aid is not available for certificate programs, but other financial resources may be available on the Financial Aid page.
Students Residing Outside of Kentucky
If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Out of State Student page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state.