Modalities
Online (synchronous)
Graduate Certificate in GIS for Public Safety
This STEM-designated certificate is designed for those working in law enforcement, police, fire services, emergency management, and public health sectors, as well as those interested in advancing careers in public safety and GIS.
Designed in partnership with Esri
The certificate covers a range of topics, including spatial data collection, mapping techniques, and GIS software tools, tailored specifically for public safety applications and workflows.
Students learn techniques of analyzing geographic data to improve data-driven decision-making in emergency response, crime mapping, risk assessment, and disaster management.
Key skills include analyzing patterns and trends, using GIS for resource allocation, and creating map-based visualizations and dashboards that support strategic planning.
The certificate opens up career opportunities in various fields, such as law enforcement, emergency management, public health, urban planning, as well as the private sector where spatial data plays a critical role in enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Gain cutting-edge spatial skills
- Extensive interactions with instructors and peers in online synchronous class sessions
- Courses designed and taught by full-time faculty and experienced adjunct faculty from Esri®
- Earn credits applicable toward a masters degree
- Expand your professional network
Classes you'll take
To view specific classes, program requirements, and coursework information, further information will be posted to the university catalog at a later date.
The GIS for Public Safety Certificate’s coursework focuses on spatial analysis, data visualization, geospatial intelligence, and the integration of real-time data to optimize emergency responses. Using case studies and expert insights, the certificate’s courses provide in-depth understanding of how GIS mapping and analysis can be used to predict, prevent, and respond to incidents more effectively to preserve and protect critical infrastructure and assets that ensure smooth functioning of economies, supply chains, logistics networks, and safeguard energy and health security. Students may also explore special topics such as crime scene analysis, tracking hazardous materials, and integrating AI into public safety workflows.
This certificate not only provides hands-on experience with industry-leading GIS software such as Esri® ArcGIS but also teaches professionals how to present data in ways that are easily understandable by both technical and non-technical audiences. The certificate positions students to become leaders who are able to deploy a geographic approach to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of public safety agencies, facilitate inter-agency coordination, and ultimately enhance the resilience and recovery capabilities of communities.
Learn to anticipate operational needs in dynamic situations through interactive dashboards that support rapid, informed decision-making and enhance emergency response effectiveness. Explore how GIS fosters shared situational awareness across response teams, stakeholders, and the public, facilitating coordinated actions and efficient information flow.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion, students will:
- Effectively integrate GIS into Public Safety Workflows
- Conduct proactive evidence-based threat and risk assessment
- Formulate strategies for real-time situational awareness and incident response
- Economize the use of resources and boost productivity using GIS mapping and analytics
- Share geospatial intelligence and facilitate communication for interagency coordination
- Develop an organizational geospatial strategy for Public Safety
Graduate application deadlines
Fall Term
Priority 1 Deadline: January 15 — Priority 2 Deadline: June 1
Spring Term
Priority 1 Deadline: October 1 — Priority 2 Deadline: December 1
Note
Most graduate program applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications submitted after the Priority 2 deadline will be reviewed based upon program capacity.
Program structure
Modalities
Online (synchronous)
Classes
3
Credits
12
Program Length
6 months, 8 week courses
Features
STEM-designated
GIS Public Safety Certificate At-A-Glance
Guaranteed Classes
Meet 1 night a week
Program Length
6 months, 8 week courses, 12 credits
Features
STEM-designated
Designed for Professionals
In Public Safety, Law Enforcement, Emergency Management, Disaster Response, and Homeland Security
Career Opportunities
In various fields, such as law enforcement, emergency management, public health, urban planning, as well as private sectors where spatial data plays a critical role
Want to know more?
Get in touch with our admissions team.
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