Admissions requirements

• Bachelor's degree (in any field) from a college or university
• A minimum 3.0 GPA for all undergraduate coursework
• At least two years of working in a field or organization related to geographic information science
• Be prepared to complete graduate-level coursework toward the certificate
• Basic computer literacy (high comfort level with Microsoft Windows file and disk management, as well as the internet)
• Applicants should have in their record an introductory cartography course (GEOG 370) or have equivalent experience. This cartography course can be complete prior to starting the program, or it can be pursued in tandem with the required certificate courses.
• Prior experience with relational databases or spatial analysis (not required) will be extremely helpful

When to apply

The GIScience program allows students to start during the fall, winter or spring term.

You should have a complete application, including all supporting materials, on file no later than eight weeks prior to the academic term that you intend to start.

How to apply

Apply to the OSU Graduate School

Apply as a degree-seeking student using the OSU Graduate School’s online application form. The nonrefundable application fee is $75.

• Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended
• Submit a CV or resume
• Provide three references (your references will be contacted by the Graduate School and asked to independently upload their letters)
• Submit a statement of objectives which is a one-page document that includes your reasons for pursuing the certificate program, long-range plans and specific areas of interest

NOTE: Although the Graduate School application is submitted online electronically – and all of the documentation (scores, transcripts, etc.) can be uploaded as attachments – some students may choose to mail their documentation. Accompanying materials can be mailed to the Graduate School (Heckart Lodge, 2900 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331).

You DO NOT have to mail AND submit your documents electronically.

NOTE: International applicants must also submit documents and language test scores that are outlined on the graduate admissions international applicants webpage.

Apply to take courses as a nondegree-seeking student

If you don’t want to apply to the OSU Graduate School but would like to take individual classes that are part of the GIScience graduate certificate curriculum, you may apply to OSU as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.

Nondegree-seeking students who may later wish to apply to a graduate degree program should be aware that a maximum of 9 credits earned as a nondegree-seeking student may be transferred to a graduate certificate or degree program. For additional details, please refer to the "Nondegree Status" section of Admission to Oregon State University.