Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, launched a fully online Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science in fall 2026. The 12-credit certificate is asynchronous, takes about two semesters and requires no GRE.
For North Carolina residents it is one of the lowest-cost graduate GIS certificates in our guide, at about $344 per credit including fees (App State Online). It is taught by App State’s Department of Geography and Planning and is open to students with a bachelor’s degree in any field.
Program at a Glance
| Credential | Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science |
| Credits | 12 |
| Format | 100% online, asynchronous |
| Length | About 8 months (two semesters); finish within 2 years |
| Starts | Fall or spring |
| Cost (2026–27) | $344.21 per credit NC ($4,131); $1,328.33 nonresident ($15,940) |
| GRE | Not required |
| Minimum GPA | 2.5 |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Curriculum
The certificate is 12 credit hours, with all courses required and no electives in the 2024–25 Graduate Bulletin. Coursework covers GIS, spatial analysis and mapping through lab assignments, exams and projects. Students who already know the material in a required course may substitute an equivalent GIScience course with program director approval. See the current Graduate Bulletin for the course list.
How the Online Format Works
- Fully online and asynchronous: the department says the certificate is 100% online and asynchronous, with optional one-on-one meetings with instructors.
- Pace: about 8 months over two semesters; App State Online lists it as part-time.
- Software: ArcGIS Pro runs on Windows. Mac users get a virtual desktop with ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, ENVI and RStudio.
- Location: the program must be completed from within the United States.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in any field
- Minimum 2.5 GPA (Graduate School)
- No GRE
- Resume, unofficial transcripts, two letters of recommendation and a personal statement (2 pages max)
- $65 application fee
Deadlines are July 1 for fall and November 1 for spring.
Tuition and Fees
| Item | NC Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and fees per credit | $344.21 | $1,328.33 |
| 12-credit certificate | $4,130.52 | $15,939.96 |
Rates are App State Online graduate rates for fall 2026 and spring 2027 (Student Accounts). A book rental fee of $128.50 per term may also apply. The department says the certificate does not qualify for financial aid.
Credit Toward a Master’s
The department’s FAQ says certificate credits cannot count toward a master’s degree. App State’s M.A. in Geography, which has a GIScience concentration, is offered only on the Boone campus.
Faculty and Department
The certificate is run by the Department of Geography and Planning, which also offers campus bachelor’s degrees in geography, GIS and community and regional planning. The online certificate’s program director is Dr. Zhiyuan Yao.
Careers
App State lists geospatial data scientist, GIS technician or analyst, GIS programmer, cartographer and community or regional planner, with employers in conservation, government, public health, public safety and utilities.
Pros and Considerations
Strengths
- Very low cost for North Carolina residents
- Fully online and asynchronous
- Open to any bachelor’s degree; no GRE
- Short: about two semesters
Things to Consider
- Nonresident rate is nearly four times the in-state rate
- Credits do not count toward an App State master’s
- Not eligible for financial aid
- New program (first online cohort fall 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is App State’s GIS certificate fully online?
Yes. The department says the Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science is 100% online and asynchronous.
How much does App State’s online GIS certificate cost?
For 2026–27, it costs $344.21 per credit for North Carolina residents ($4,131 total) and $1,328.33 per credit for nonresidents ($15,940 total).
Do I need a geography degree to apply?
No. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in any field and a 2.5 GPA. The GRE is not required.
Can the certificate count toward a master’s degree?
No. App State’s department FAQ says the certificate credits cannot be applied to a master’s degree.
Compare App State with other programs in our online geography and GIS degree guide, or see North Carolina geography programs.
Official Sources
We verified this profile against the following school pages in October 2026. Program details change, so confirm current requirements and costs with the school before you apply.
- App State: GIScience Graduate Certificate
- Department: Online Graduate GIScience Certificate
- App State Online: GIScience Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Bulletin 2026–27: GIScience Certificate
- Graduate School application requirements
- Student Accounts: tuition and fees
- App State M.A. in Geography
- Department of Geography and Planning
- App State accreditation