Geographic Information Systems (GIS) : Emily Griffith Technical College

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Helping businesses make decisions. Analyzing data to help experts understand natural disasters. Studying water usage. These are examples of issues you might address as a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) professional.

What is GIS? GIS is a powerful technology platform that allows people to ask and answer complex questions. Using data interpreted through the lens of place, GIS empowers us to come to new conclusions because of what it reveals.

At Emily Griffith, our evening program will give you hands-on experience building online GIS applications, designing maps and gathering data using the same software that’s used in industry. Plus, you will learn the GIS programming language (Python), gain familiarity with statistics and develop strong problem-solving skills. 

Your program culminates in a GIS internship at a Denver-based company or organization, giving you the real-world experience to enter this high-demand field ready to work from day one.

Internship: Complete a 90-hour internship in a setting such as Community Food Share, Denver Water, the State of Colorado, Aurora Water, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, GIS consulting firms and more.

Latest technology: Gain experience with emerging GIS technologies from Esri, the world’s market leader in GIS applications.

Convenient classes: Take classes two nights a week and complete career-relevant projects at home.

Job-search class: Get a jump on your GIS career in an Employment Strategies class designed to prep you for a successful job hunt.

High-demand career: Enjoy a 100 percent job placement rate in the GIS field with your Emily Griffith GIS certificate.

Want more information? Get the Geographic Information Systems Program Flyer, the Geographic Information Systems Program Checklist.

What Can I Do with an Emily Griffith Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate?

Graduates from Emily Griffith’s GIS program use their certificate to up their technology game at their current jobs or to work in jobs such as the following:

  • GIS technician, QC Data
  • Geospatial analyst, Jeppesen
  • GIS analyst, Frontier GeoTek Inc.
  • OSP graphics lead and quality control, Black and Veatch
  • Airborne sensor operator, Merrick and Company
  • Lead engineering technician, Ulteig Engineers

Other potential career paths include jobs in environmental science/agriculture, asset management, natural disaster/emergency response, land use/urban planning, transportation, utilities, engineering and construction, defense and military applications.

How Emily Powered My Career

“Starting this program was an important step in my dream to be immersed in a dynamic and exciting tech field.” Christopher Spaght, GIS technician at QC Data, completed his GIS certificate at Emily Griffith in 2018.

Information Technology & Computer Science
$4,797
Approximate cost. Additional material and book fees may apply
10 Months
Full-time program length


No upcoming starts available.

Apply to Emily Griffith Technical College

Course Information

Required Courses

Course Code Course Title Credits
CIS 155 Complete Spreadsheets: Excel 3
COM 101 Employment Strategies 1
CSC 119 Introduction to Programming 3
GIS 101 Introduction to GIS 3
GIS 110 Introduction to Cartography for GIS 3
GIS 205 GIS Applications 3
GIS 210 Intermediate GIS 3
GIS 211 Spatial Modeling & Analysis 4
GIS 212 GIS Remote Sensing 4
MAT 135 Introduction to Statistics: MA1 3
CIS 155 Complete Spreadsheets: Excel

Introduces basic to advanced features of spreadsheet software to design and create accurate, professional worksheets for use in business and industry. The course includes entering data, creating formulas, professional formatting, creating charts, creating, sorting and filtering tables, creating and using templates, applying built-in functions, creating pivot tables, applying “what-if analysis” with data tables, creating macros, and using solver features.

Start Date: No upcoming starts available.
COM 101 Employment Strategies

Offers students the development of skills that are needed to search for a job.

Start Date: No upcoming starts available.
CSC 119 Introduction to Programming

Focuses on a general introduction to computer programming. This course emphasizes the design and implementation of structured and logically correct programs with good documentation. It is centered on basic programming concepts, including control structures, modularization, and data processing. A structured programming language is used to implement program designs. It emphasizes the writing of multiple programs following the software development process, from start to finish, including design, implementation, and testing.

Start Date: No upcoming starts available.
CSC 119 Introduction to Programming

Focuses on a general introduction to computer programming. This course emphasizes the design and implementation of structured and logically correct programs with good documentation. It is centered on basic programming concepts, including control structures, modularization, and data processing. A structured programming language is used to implement program designs. It emphasizes the writing of multiple programs following the software development process, from start to finish, including design, implementation, and testing.

Start Date: No upcoming starts available.
GIS 101 Introduction to GIS

Surveys the development, application and use of geographic information systems (GIS).

Start Date: No upcoming starts available.
GIS 110 Introduction to Cartography for GIS

Examines a broad range of map types, emphasizing maps as a communication system with both symbology and specific organizational hierarchies. Discussion and demonstration focuses on essential cartographic principles and practices used for designing maps, with emphasis on cartographic principles resulting in the effective map communication, qualitative messages, and quantitative information.

Start Date: No upcoming starts available.
GIS 205 GIS Applications

Develops student competency in web based geospatial information technologies. This course introduces students to concepts and processes of software based geospatial services to deliver geospatial information over networks. The course provides a comprehensive discussion of theory and applied technology of GIS software information services as well as integration of geospatial services into GIS applications.

Start Date: No upcoming starts available.
GIS 210 Intermediate GIS

Builds on the spatial analysis principles and concepts of GIS 101. Students work with advanced analytical tools and develop skills in spatial problem solving

Start Date: No upcoming starts available.
GIS 211 Spatial Modeling & Analysis

Examine techniques for modeling and analyzing spatial data in a GIS. Topics include defining object models and geodatabases as they are used to access geographic data and build data models, creating new information from existing data through data classification, geoprocessing, presentation, and display and using raster analysis to display and analyze spatial data.

Start Date: No upcoming starts available.
GIS 212 GIS Remote Sensing

Introduce concepts and procedures used in remote sensing with an emphasis on integration of aerial and satellite imagery into GIS applications. Apply the science of remote sensing and imagery interpretation to understand local to global earth observation characteristics based on remotely sensed data and logical interpretation.

Start Date: No upcoming starts available.
MAT 135 Introduction to Statistics: MA1

Introduces descriptive and inferential statistics, with an emphasis on critical thinking and statistical literacy. Topics include methods of data collection, presentation and summarization, introduction to probability concepts and distributions, and statistical inference of one and two populations. This course uses real world data to illustrate applications of a practical nature. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-MA1 category.

Start Date: No upcoming starts available.
EMILY’S STORIES


"Mr. G is excellent. One of the most patient teachers I've ever had," says Reuben. "He will sit and explain things to you; he knows how to translate the information."

Reuben Alcantar is a student in the Commercial/Residential HVAC & Refrigeration program. Rueben will complete his certificate this month and is already filing the paperwork to start his own HVAC business!

He decided to attend Emily Griffith after he was laid off from his job as a welder for Northwest Pipe Company when the company decided to close its Denver facility. He was eligible for a Trade Adjustment Assistance grant and after helping his neighbor with some HVAC work, decided he wanted to make it his new career. 

He chose Emily Griffith because we understood his specific needs, particularly regarding childcare for his 7-year-old daughter. He also appreciates the hands-on experience that he’s received. “Mr. G is excellent. One of the most patient teachers I’ve ever had,” says Reuben. “He will sit and explain things to you; he knows how to translate the information.”

Vince Guerrie, HVAC instructor, says of Rueben, “He’s a natural leader. He always steps up to help. He’s going to be very successful.” 

Rueben is looking forward to starting his own business and being his own boss. He hopes to be able to spend more time with his family but he says he will miss coming to Emily Griffith every day. 

Congratulations Reuben! 

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