The Geographic Information Systems
minor is designed to prepare students with the basic training
necessary to enter the rapidly expanding field of geographic
information science (GIS). Employment opportunities are
limitless for students who are proficient with this
interdisciplinary tool. Well-qualified GIS specialists are
sought in the areas of environmental study, physical
sciences, business, economics, education, government,
planning and international industries.
The minor is designed to provide students with basic
knowledge and skills in GIS, remote sensing, cartography,
database management and computer technology, and to explore
application of these skills in courses selected from a wide
variety of disciplines. Students are given hands-on
experience with state-of-the-art computer programs and
software.
This minor includes core courses from the Computing Sciences,History and
Geography, and Political Science and
Public Administration departments as well as the Environmental
Studies program. There are two components to the
curriculum: a set of core courses required of all students
enrolled in the program, and a set of selective courses that
permit exploration of more advanced themes in GIS and/or
development of individual research projects or internships in
GIS.
Requirements for a Minor in Geographical Information
Systems
|
ENS/GEO
|
350
|
Introduction to Geographical Information Systems
|
4 sh
|
|
GEO
|
356
|
Introduction to Remote Sensing
|
4 sh
|
|
GIS
|
460
|
Advanced GIS
|
4 sh
|
Plus two discipline-specific courses from: 8 sh
CIS
|
216
|
Programming in a Visual Environment
|
|
|
GEO
|
121
|
Global Physical Environments
|
|
|
ENS
|
111/113
|
Introduction to Environmental Science
|
|
|
PUB
|
334
|
GIS Applications for Administration and Planning
|
|
PUB
|
443
|
Urban Politics
|
|
BUS
|
416
|
Global Marketing
|
|
ECO
|
440
|
Urban Economics and Planning
|
|
Total 22
sh
GIS 460 Advanced GIS (4 sh)
This advanced-level course in Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) will build on the techniques learned in ENS/GEO 350
(Introduction to Geographic Information Systems) by exposing
students to more advanced methods in developing and utilizing
GIS data. It is designed primarily to provide students with
an in-depth understanding of GIS applications, the
theoretical/conceptual side of algorithms in GIS software,
and GIS research trends. Prerequisites: GEO 350 & GEO
356.
Faculty
Coordinator: Assistant Professor, History & Geography:
Honglin Xiao
Lecturer, Computing Sciences: Michele Kleckner
Associate Professor, Computing Sciences: David Powell
Assistant Professor, Biology: Janet MacFall
Assistant Professor, Political Science: Betty Morgan
Assistant Professor, History & Geography: Heidi Glaesel
