Geography

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Minor

 

Program Coordinator - W. Scott White

 

What is GIS? 

Geographic Information Science (GIS) is a map-based computer decision support system.  The field of geographic information science merges theoretical aspects of GIS across many different disciplines, such as archaeology, biology, agriculture, engineering, geology, computer science, business administration, and of course, geography.  A GIS is used to build cartographic databases, create attributes for map information, and analyze and visualize complex spatial relationships in the mapped information.  Students in the GIS courses gain valuable experience using industry-standard GIS software, as well as a familiarity with various modern field mapping procedures, including GPS (Global Positioning Systems).  Surveying, remote sensing and computer science courses provide additional fundamental skills related to GIS.  Completion of the minor will provide the student with skills and experience that are in great demand in today’s workplace.

 

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS):

 

1.  GIS Courses:

**Geog 250T  Introduction to Computer Mapping and GIS    4

Geog 300 Intermediate GIS:  Vector-Based Analysis              3

Geog 400 Advanced GIS:  Raster-Based Analysis                  3

Geog 499 Independent Study                                                 1-3

 

Subtotal Total GIS                                                              11-13

 

2.  Surveying Courses:

Engr 205  Surveying I                                                              4

Engr 305  Surveying II                                                            4

OR

Geol 325  Introduction to Remote Sensing                             4

 

Subtotal Surveying                                                            8

 

3.  Computer Courses:

CSIS 106 Introduction to Programming in Visual Basic            4

                OR

CSIS 110 Introduction to Programming in Java                      4

                OR

Engr 104  Computer Programming for Scientists

and Engineers                                                         3

 

Subtotal Computer Science                                             3-4

 

TOTAL REQUIRED HOURS FOR GIS MINOR                    22-25

 

Additional courses recommended as good electives but not counting toward the minor:

**Geol 107Nx  Earth Systems Science                                    4

**Geol 113Tx  Physical Geology                                             4

Geol 325  Introduction to Remote Sensing                             4

Geol 405  Geologic Data Analysis and Modeling by Computer                4

Engr 103  Computer Aided Drafting                                        3

CSIS 230 Object-Oriented Programming in C++                    4

CSIS 350 Database Management Systems                             4

**Math 201Q, **BA 253Q, or **Psyc 241Q Statistics           4