A new opportunity to enhance your educational foundation in geographical information systems (GIS) or to strengthen your GIS credentials is now possible through the GIS Certificate program in the Department of Geography. GIS is the computer technology that uses digital information about earth surface features and location patterns to produce useful maps and analytical solutions to complex problems in physical, environmental, social, and economic sciences. Applications of GIS have expanded continuously during the past decade and GIS software has become very powerful, enabling complex problem solving in a wide variety of public and private sector settings worldwide. The GIS Certificate program is designed to serve students and professionals who are not able to complete the BS or MS degree, but who want a basic understanding of techniques and application potential of GIS. It is intended for current UI students and recent graduates in non-cartography majors, and professionals interested in retraining or upgrading their skills in GIS. The program provides basic skills of GIS, and an introduction to GIS applications, integration of remote sensing with GIS, and knowledge of the research directions in GIS technology. For more complete education in the cartographic, geographic, and computer science foundations for GIS analysis, the department recommends the BS Cartography/GIS degree, or the MS degree with emphasis in GIS. The certificate will be awarded when a student passes five courses (15 credits) out of six course options.