College of Science and the Environment
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Geographic Information Science
Learn the skills that are in high demand
General Description
The geospatial programs are support programs to augment your bachelor’s degree. Completion of one of these programs will provide students with a credential that is in high demand in many different disciplines/industries. The program provides a well-rounded suite of skills including: field-based primary data collection using a variety of survey and global positioning devices; hands-on experience with a variety of geographic information systems including ESRI’s suite of tools; the basics of geospatial analysis; and advanced skill development in interpretation of remote sensing data and aerial photographs, spatial statistics, and geospatial programming. Students may pursue any of the programs in the context of their major.
“The GIS program thrives on teaching students through real-world situations and presenting reasonable solutions in a clear way. It not only works through troubleshooting the software itself (learning the in’s and out’s of the software package), but thoroughly going through the right practices for GIS projects, knowing what to do to accomplish a project goal. The program helped me prepare myself for the working world. ”
Geospatial Technology Associate Degree Requirements
Geospatial Technology Core Requirements (28-32 credits):
- EVRN131 Introduction to GIS and GPS (3 cr)
- EVRN225 Intermediate GIS (3 cr)
- EVRN325 Geospatial Analysis (3 cr)
- EVRN355 GIS Programming and Applications (4 cr)
- EVRN365 Applied Geospatial Technologies (4 cr)
- EVRN445 Remote Sensing and Spatial Statistics (4 cr)
- CSCI105 Introduction to Computer Programming (3 cr)
Complete one course from the following four:
- BIOL284 Principles of Forest Conservation (4 cr)
- EVRN211 Field Data Methods (1 cr)
- GEOL308 Structural Geology Systems (5 cr)
- RECS365 Expedition Management (3 cr)
Complete one course from the following four:
- BIOL280 Biostatistics (3 cr)
- BUSN211 Business Statistics (3 cr)
- MATH207 Principles of Statistical Methods (3 cr)
- PSYC210 Statistics (3 cr)
Complete one of the following Minors:
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Environmental Policy
- Environmental Science
- General Business
- Geography
- Geology
- Homeland Security
- International Business
- Marketing
- Marine & Freshwater Science
- Political Science
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Web Development
Other minors approved by student’s Geospatial Technology advisor.
Geographic Information Science Minor Requirements
GIS Core Requirements:
- EVRN131 Introduction to GIS and GPS (3 cr)
- EVRN225 Intermediate GIS (3 cr)
- EVRN325 Geospatial Analysis (3 cr)
Select two from the following:
- EVRN355 GIS Programming and Applications (4 cr)
- EVRN365 Applied Geospatial Technologies (4 cr)
- EVRN445 Remote Sensing & Spatial Statistics (4 cr)
Select one from the following:
- EVRN211 Field Data Methods (1 cr)
- BIOL284 Principles of Forest Conservation (4 cr)
- GEOL308 Structural Geology Systems (5 cr)
- RECS365 Expedition Management (3 cr)
Select one of the following:
- CSCI105 Introduction to Computer Programming (3 cr)
- BIOL280 Biostatistics (3 cr)
- BUSN211 Business Statistics (3 cr)
- MATH207 Principles of Statistical Methods (3 cr)
- PSYC210 Statistics
Geographic Information Science Certificate Requirements
Department Requirements
- EVRN131 Introduction to GIS and GPS (3 cr)
- EVRN225 Intermediate GIS (3 cr)
- EVRN325 Geospatial Analysis (3 cr)
Complete one course from the following three:
- EVRN355 GIS Programming & Applications (4 cr)
- EVRN365 Applied Geospatial Technologies (4 cr)
- EVRN445 Remote Sensing and Spatial Statistics (4 cr)
Real-World Experience
You’ll gain valuable skills for your career in collecting global positioning system (GPS) data and displaying the data on digital maps. You’ll also learn ESRI’s suite of tools including ArcMap, ArcScene, ArcCatalog, and ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Collector. In addition to those in demand skills, you’ll learn Imagery Analysis – Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing as well as Spatial Analytics
Career Opportunities
Completion of one of these programs will provide graduates with a credential that is in high demand in many different disciplines/industries.
Professional Paths
- GIS Technician/Analyst
- Forestry – Field Technician, Forest Management
- Geology – Oil & Mining, Geomorphology, Hydrology
- Environmental Science – Public Health, Environmental
Consulting - Ecology – Habitat Mapping, Restoration
- Business Analytics – Market Analyst
- Computer Science – Programmer, Software Engineer
- Criminal Justice – Crime Analyst, Profiler
- Engineering – Civil & Urban Planning, Robotics
- Fire Science – Rescue & Recovery, Remote Pilot
$61,340
Median Salary of Conservation Scientist & Forester
(Bureau of Labor Statistics 2018)
Please note: having a GIS credential enhances your ability to be more competitive for discipline-specific jobs that do not require GIS skills/training. The career example of Scientist & Forester salary would require a bachelor’s degree in the discipline.
Program Goals
Students completing a certificate, minor, or Associates in Geospatial Technology will be able to:
- Collect primary data in the field using ground-based and remote sensing methods, and compile and integrate secondary data for spatial analysis
- Utilize state-of-the-art geospatial tools to perform spatial analyses and visualizations that effectively, concisely, and ethically represent geospatial data
- Effectively communicate methodologies and outcomes of data and literature-based geospatial projects through oral, written, and graphic media
