Maps remain a fundamental means of geographic communication. The expanding role of the map and related digital information places a premium on the ability to interpret and analyze mapped information. To meet this expanded role, the advancement of Geographic Information Science (GIS) is seen as the important synthesis of traditional mapping with the more advanced tools of data modeling and analysis, to provide new and enhanced information on geographic topics. The power in GIS is the use of spatial analysis techniques to analyze geographic information. The undergraduate certificate in GIS requires students complete a rigorous interdisciplinary set of courses; in addition to “core” GIS and cartography courses, students are required to complete coursework in statistics, computer applications, programming, and database management, as well as a capstone internship project utilizing their GIS skills. The Certificate is open to all students with the exception of Geography majors. Geography students wishing to pursue advanced training in GIS should consider the Geography-GIS major.