About this Program
For GIS professionals, knowing how to use geoprocessing platforms such as Esri’s ArcGIS is essential – but building on that expertise with advanced data analysis and modeling skills gives you a powerful competitive advantage. By combining GIS with Python and R programming, you can automate geoprocessing, analyze large spatial datasets, build custom models, integrate open‑source tools with ArcGIS, and apply statistical and machine learning methods across any field that relies on spatial data and geographic visualizations.
In this one‑course specialization, you’ll use Python and R to power high‑level geospatial analysis that extends GIS. You’ll apply these languages to geoprocessing tasks, explore core spatial libraries to automate workflows, and develop data processing and visualization solutions for prediction modeling, planning, suitability analysis and complex spatial data projects.
Designed For
GIS professionals or recent graduates with GIS skills who want to learn advanced spatial analysis and modeling skills to expand their career opportunities.
See Requirements
Admission Requirements
To apply, you must have:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Education or professional experience with GIS fundamentals and spatial data formats
- Familiarity with data analysis and statistics
- Ability to use GIS software and tools, specifically ArcGIS Pro, for basic functions such as spatial and attribute queries, map overlay and map display
- Familiarity with Python and the Esri ArcPy library for automation of GIS tasks
- Ability to use ArcGIS Online
Some experience with R is also ideal, but not essential.
Time Commitment
Including time in class, you should expect to spend about six to 10 hours each week on coursework.
English Proficiency
If English is not your native language, you should have at least intermediate English skills to enroll. To see if you qualify, make sure you are at the B2 level on the CEFR self-assessment grid. To learn more, see English Language Proficiency Requirements – Noncredit Programs.
International Students
Because this offering is 100% online, no visa is required and international students are welcome to apply. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students.
Technology Requirements
- Access to a recent computer with:
- Windows operating system* (MacOS is discouraged, see below)
- At least 32GB of RAM
- 32GB or more of available disk space
- Recent web browser
- Ability to use Esri’s GIS software platform (free license for software provided via the UW for the duration of the program)
- The computer should meet the system requirements identified on the ArcGIS Pro website.
- High-speed internet connection
- Headset and webcam (recommended)
* The software you'll use in this program is designed specifically for Windows. MacOS is highly discouraged as you would need to install and configure Windows emulation software in order to run the Esri ArcGIS software. Also, technical support is limited for this option, and we can't guarantee the product will work as intended.
Earning the Certificate
You earn a certificate of completion by successfully completing all required courses. For more information, see Earning the Certificate.
▸ Explore More: Looking to get started in GIS? Check out the Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Skills You’ll Gain
- Geospatial programming
- Spatial data modeling
- Python for spatial analysis
- R for spatial analysis
- ArcGIS integration with open-source programming
- Open-source geospatial tools
- Geospatial data visualization
- Automated geoprocessing workflows
- Version control
- GIS development environment setup
Get Real-World Experience
You’ll design and carry out a geoprocessing project that combines Python, R and ArcGIS integrations — from data acquisition through final analysis — to address a real-world problem.
EARN A DIGITAL BADGE
After successfully completing this program, you can claim a digital achievement badge that can be shared on LinkedIn and other social media sites. Learn more about digital badges.
Career Stats
31%
Projected growth in U.S. demand for GIS skills (2026-28)
25%
Projected growth in U.S. demand for Python programming skills (2026-28)
OUR ENROLLMENT COACHES ARE HERE TO HELP
Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options.
This program is intended for professional development and is not designed to meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification.