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. However it is suggested for domestic applicants to apply by December 1 for Fall admission, and June 1 for Spring Admission. For International applicants to apply by March 1 for Fall admission, and August 1 for Spring admission.
How much does it cost?
The fee for the online applicattion is $75.
Tuition for the program is dependent on whether or not you are currently enrolled as a degree seeking student at the University of Arizona. Currently enrolled students that are in the GIS Certificate program pay no additional costs apart from the regular Graduate Tuition rates they are already paying.
For non-degree seeking students enrolled in the Certificate Program only, please see the 2011‐12 Standard Graduate Tuition table for the cost of tuition per unit each semester. You only have to pay these costs, there are currently no program fees apart from course fees (approximately $50 per class).
Arizona residents completing the program within one year (12 months) can expect to pay approximately $11,000 in tuition plus $250 in course fees based on the 2011-2012 tuition rate.
Non-residents completing the program within one year (12 months) can expect to pay approximately $22,500 plus $250 in course fees based on the 2011-2012 tuition rate.
Click here for the UA Bursar's Office Tuition and Fees Calculator to check current rates.
Financial Aid (FAFSA) is not available for this program unless these courses will help you with admittance to a degree seeking program. Please see the "Financial Aid Petition for Graduate Preparatory Work" form for more information.
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 need to select a curriculum advisor once you are admitted to the program. Preferably, selecting a curriculum advisor with similar interests to yours. Select them from the Contacts page. Once you have selected a professor that has agreed to become your curriculum advisor, email the details to the GIS Certificate Program Coordinator.
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. Once you have selected a professor that has agreed to become your practicum advisor, email the details (Professor, Project Title, dates etc.) to the GIS Certificate Program Coordinator.
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.
