Geographic Information Science (GIS)

Program Overview

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

One of the fastest growing areas in geography is the use of geographic information sciences (GIS) to generate maps and store map-related information. GIS is a system of computer hardware and software that stores, displays, analyzes, and maps geographic information. Geographers, planners, land developers, real estate agents, market analysts, utility companies, and municipal officials all use these systems. The GIS minor complements majors in all of the social sciences, humanities, and many of the natural sciences.

Minor Requirements — 18 Credits

Choose six credits from the following courses:

GEOG 210	Introduction to GIS and GPS	3
GEOG 302	Cartography	3
GEOG 307	Geographic Information Science	3

Choose twelve credits from the following elective courses:

CS 101	Introduction to Computer Science	3
GEOG 185	Introduction to Drones	3
GEOG 302	Cartography	3
GEOG 307	Geographic Information Science	3
GEOG 324	Crime Mapping	3
GEOG 327	Fundamentals of Geospatial Programming	3
GEOG 375	Quantitative Techniques in Geography	3
GEOG 412	Web Mapping	3
GEOG 449	Remote Sensing of the Environment	3
GEOG 470	Urban GIS	3
GEOG 485	Advanced Geographic Techniques: Topics	1- 3

Program Notes

1. GEOG 302 and/or GEOG 307 cannot be used to satisfy both the six credit requirement and the 12 credit requirement.
2. GEOG 485 is repeatable under different titles, so multiple completions can be used to satisfy this requirement, provided that it is taken for 3 credits each time.
3. With advisor approval, 1 relevant computer-science course or course incorporating GIS from another discipline may be substituted for any of the elective courses above. A list of acceptable substitute courses is maintained by the Department of Geography, GIS & Sustainability.