UCLA Extension offers a fully online certificate program in geographic information systems (GIS) and technology.  This fully-online, one-year certificate program provides a comprehensive introduction to state-of-the-art methods and techniques within the field of geographic information systems (GIS) and geospatial technology. All courses are designed to accommodate the schedules of working professionals. and no prior GIS experience is required for participants. Participants who complete the program can expect to be sufficiently prepared for an entry-level job in GIS and/or related geospatial industries.

Applications to teach are accepted on an ongoing basis in order to increase the depth of the instructor pool.

Program Courses

Ongoing job openings are available for qualified instructors to teach courses in geographic information science (GIS), cartography, and GIS programming. Qualified applicants possessing a Ph.D. degree, current knowledge of GIS technology, and GIS teaching experience are encouraged to apply to teach the following courses:

• Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Intermediate GIS
• Advanced GIS
• GIS Programming

All classes are conducted online; no synchronous meetings are required, and all required course content and materials are provided by the UCLA Extension Program Director.

Instructor Responsibilities

• Update course syllabus in consultation with the UCLA Extension Program Director as assigned using approved syllabus template;
• Deliver course materials (provided by the Program Director) in online learning environment;
• Utilize the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) as the course support platform;
• Communicate learning objectives to students;
• Evaluate student assignment submissions, provide thorough and detailed feedback to students, and assign grades;
• Post final student grades to the student records system in a timely manner no later than one week after the last date of course meeting;
• Respond to student questions and learning needs in a timely manner (within 24 hours during the business week);
• Communicate with Program Director, Program Representatives and Online Course Managers in a timely manner;
• Complete required administrative tasks in a timely manner including: completing all hiring paperwork; submitting updated quarterly syllabus; posting bio and photo on the UCLA Extension website; signing quarterly contract;
• Respond to student inquiries about final grades and consult with Program Director as needed;
• Allow students to review their coursework and submissions for up to 13 months following the last class session.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Geography or related field required at time of application;
• Eligibility to work in the United States required at time of application;
• Minimum of one year of college-level GIS instruction required;
• Proficiency with ArcGIS for Desktop required, experience using open source GIS software preferred;
• Must be committed to the highest level of academic standards and integrity;
• Highly effective oral and written communication skills required, including the ability to convey conceptual and complex ideas and information;
• Highly effective interpersonal skills required;
• Proficiency in (or willingness to learn) the use of instructional technology and online teaching tools preferred, including the Canvas LMS.

Special Conditions of Employment

Instructors are hired by agreement on a quarterly contract basis.

Instructor compensation for this course:  $2000-$2500 per course (courses carry either 4 or 5 credits per quarter)

Because Extension is a division within UCLA, all Extension Program instructors and courses must be formally approved according to the regulations of the Academic Senate of the University of California. Eligibility to teach a course is contingent upon this formal academic approval. Once approved, teaching assignments are “by agreement.” The Instructor’s Contract outlines the deliverables for the course, the course schedule, and the compensation terms, subject to Extension policies and procedures. UCLA Extension makes no commitment to hire an instructor until it has sent and received a signed Instructor Contract. Should the course section an instructor plans to teach be canceled for any reason, the Instructor Contract, including rights to compensation for future section meetings, is voided. Remuneration is for classroom hours only and does not include time spent for course preparation or other events.

In an effort to promote and maintain a healthy environment for our students, visitors, and employees, UCLA is a smoke-free site. Smoking is prohibited within the boundaries of all UCLA owned, occupied, leased, and associated buildings and facilities.

UCLA Extension is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values a diverse workforce.