GIS courses can help you learn spatial analysis, cartography, remote sensing, and data visualization techniques. You can build skills in geographic data management, interpreting satellite imagery, and creating interactive maps. Many courses introduce tools like ArcGIS and QGIS, that support analyzing geographic information and presenting findings effectively. You’ll also explore applications in urban planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster management, allowing you to apply your knowledge in various practical contexts.

University of California, Davis
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, GIS Software, Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Analysis, Data Sharing, Geospatial Mapping, Metadata Management, Data Analysis, Data Mapping, Data Quality, Data Visualization, File Management
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of California, Davis
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, GIS Software, Spatial Analysis, Data Storytelling, Spatial Data Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Data Presentation, Geospatial Mapping, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Public Health, Land Management, Geospatial Information and Technology, Heat Maps, Data Sharing, Epidemiology, Community Health, Metadata Management, Image Analysis, Project Management, Global Positioning Systems
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Content Performance Analysis, Google Gemini, Generative AI, Content Strategy, Earned Media, Content Marketing, ChatGPT, Google Analytics, Shared Media, Content Creation, Owned Media, Metadata Management, Market Intelligence, Copywriting, Information Architecture, Automation, No-Code Development
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Toronto
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, Spatial Data Analysis, Spatial Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, GIS Software, Data Mapping, Geospatial Information and Technology, Data Visualization, Metadata Management, Query Languages, Global Positioning Systems, Quantitative Research, Data Compilation, Typography, Data Manipulation, Data Storytelling, Data Modeling, Design Elements And Principles, Image Analysis
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Toronto
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, Spatial Data Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Analysis, Geospatial Mapping, Data Mapping, Global Positioning Systems, Data Capture
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Sustainable Development, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, Sustainability Reporting, Spatial Data Analysis, Sustainable Business, Spatial Analysis, Data Storytelling, Environmental Monitoring, Data Visualization, Stakeholder Engagement, Trend Analysis, Decision Making
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, ChatGPT, AI Product Strategy, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Deep Learning, Machine Learning
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Toronto
Skills you'll gain: Geographic Information Systems, GIS Software, Spatial Analysis, Spatial Data Analysis, Geospatial Information and Technology, Geospatial Mapping, Query Languages, Data Manipulation, Image Analysis
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Toronto
Skills you'll gain: Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, Data Mapping, Spatial Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Metadata Management, Quantitative Research, Spatial Analysis, Typography, Data Manipulation, Data Modeling, Design Elements And Principles
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Sampling (Statistics), Sample Size Determination, Surveys, Survey Creation, Data Collection, Statistical Analysis, Interviewing Skills, Research Design, STATA (Software), R (Software), Data Integration, Data Validation, Data Ethics, Data Analysis, Stata, Data Quality, Statistical Modeling, Qualitative Research, Data Cleansing, R Programming
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Skills you'll gain: Geographic Information Systems, GIS Software, Spatial Data Analysis, NoSQL, Data Modeling, Database Design, Databases, Data Storage Technologies, SQL, Data Storage, Data Capture, Query Languages, Relational Databases
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Toronto
Skills you'll gain: Spatial Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, ArcGIS, Data Visualization, Data Compilation, Data Mapping, Data Storytelling, Metadata Management, Data Integration, Data Management
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Browse the GIS courses below—popular starting points on Coursera.
Yes. Many GIS courses offer a free audit option, which allows learners to access video lessons and reading materials at no cost. To complete assignments or earn a certificate, you’ll need to upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
You’ll learn how to collect and analyze spatial data, create maps using GIS software like ArcGIS or QGIS, and apply GIS skills to solve real-world problems. Topics may include cartography, spatial databases, and remote sensing.‎
Not necessarily. Many beginner-level GIS courses on Coursera assume no prior experience and walk you through foundational concepts. If you’re already familiar with data analysis or mapping, more advanced courses can help you deepen your skills.‎