Are you looking to get in some reps and grow your GIS muscles in 2026?
Esri's no-cost massive open online courses (MOOCs) are back and ready to help you exercise and build those GIS muscles.
Whether you are a GIS champion or starting your first GIS workout—join us, there is a MOOC for everyone!
What are MOOCs?
Massive open online courses (MOOCs) are low-risk, no-cost online courses for anyone who wants to build new skills, grow professionally, and expand their horizons. Each MOOC goes in-depth to a unique GIS-related topic and contains expert videos, step-by-step exercises using ArcGIS software, and a discussion forum to interact with thousands of peers from around the world.
If you complete all sections of the MOOC, you will receive a certificate of completion (which you can share on your LinkedIn profile and add to your resume – making you standout to recruiters and future employers).
What are the benefits of participating as a student or young professional?
- You will be put into real world GIS scenarios in the exercises, similar to ones you will face in your career! You will be taught skills on how to handle these scenarios, providing an edge in your work.
- Free access to ArcGIS software while the course is open—it’s expensive being a student or young professional, take this free training opportunity to learn ArcGIS software and add it to your resume.
- You can study whenever you have time, at your own pace. You are busy with work, homework, networking, organizations, and trying to find a way to stand out... It may feel like there are not enough hours in the day! MOOCs are self-paced, giving you the chance to work on them when you have the availability to.
- It’s never too early to start growing your network. MOOCs provide you the chance to not only interact with Esri and subject matter experts, but also with peers around the world in the discussion forum. Make sure as you “meet” folks to add them to your LinkedIn network.
- These courses only last 4 or 6 weeks with 2-4 hours of study per week. You are busy, and we get that! These are low commitment. We keep it concise, giving you the best learning on these subjects
- If you want to continue your learning of these topics after the MOOC, we also provide additional resources and trainings that you can participate in afterwards.
MOOC Schedule for 2026
Make sure to register for all the MOOCs you are interested in.
Going Places with Spatial Analysis
Jan. 21 – Mar. 4, 2026
Gain a deeper understanding of spatial data analysis using the full analytical capabilities of ArcGIS Online, Esri’s cloud-based mapping and analytics platform.
Learn More & Register →
Register by Feb. 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (PT).
GIS for Climate Action
Feb. 18 – Apr. 1, 2026
Learn how GIS can help you take positive action in the fight against climate change and understand how GIS can help create a more resilient future.
Learn More & Register →
Register by Mar. 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (PT).
Make an Impact with Modern Geo Apps
Apr. 8 – May 6, 2026
Over four weeks, learn how to use modern, no-code technologies to build useful and engaging geo apps.
Learn More & Register →
Register by Apr. 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (PT).
The ArcGIS Imagery MOOC: Foundations and Frontiers
Aug. 26 – Oct. 7, 2026
Gain experience with ArcGIS capabilities to use imagery in powerful 2D and 3D visualizations and AI-enhanced analytical workflows.
Learn More & Register →
Register by Sept. 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (PT).
Spatial Data Science: The New Frontier in Analytics
Sept. 23 – Nov. 4, 2026
Explore the application of spatial data science to uncover hidden patterns and improve predictive modeling.
Learn More & Register →
Register by Oct. 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (PT).
A New Data Visualization MOOC!
Opening Fall 2026.
Be on the lookout for registration to open—we will also post an update once it is open 😊
