This specialization is for beginners, and assumes no pre-existing knowledge of GIS. Pre-existing knowledge in GIS will help you to absorb concepts more quickly, but is not required.

Students need to pay the specialization fee, verify their identity (requires a webcam and physical keyboard). To learn more about the verification process please visit: https://www.coursera.org/signature/. If you have issues with the verification process please visit the troubleshooting page: https://learner.coursera.help/hc/en-us/articles/201212579-Verification-Troubleshooting

All courses in the specialization, except the final capstone project, have sessions that begin weekly, so if you miss a session or fall behind, you can enroll when you're ready. Courses each take about 4 weeks to complete, depending on the pace you follow. The capstone project runs approximately every 8 weeks in order to ensure enough students are in the course to give feedback and grades. The capstone project also takes longer (recommended time is about 8 weeks).

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

No, you cannot take this course for free. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.