2024-2025 Catalog 
    
    Nov 21, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog

Geographic Information Systems (CSC)


CIP 14.3801
Degree: Career Studies Certificate
Program Code: 221-719-71
Program Length: 1 year - 2 Semesters
Minimum Credits: 20-24

Distance Learning Option Available

Program Advisor
Kevin Stilwell
276.964.7672
Russell Hall Room 228

Purpose: The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Career Studies Certificate program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in technologies using Geographic Information Systems or to expand the knowledge and skills of individuals presently employed in a wide variety of careers in business, computer technologies, environmental, urban and regional planning, government, forestry, land management and many more. This program also provides an excellent foundation for continued study of GIS at the university and four year college level.

Occupational Objectives:
GIS technician/specialist

Admission Requirements: Admission to the program is governed by the established admission requirements to the College.

Program Requirements: GIS is a merging of technological fields and traditional disciplines. The demand for GIS trained employees continues to grow at an astounding rate. The demand for employees with GIS knowledge is increasing in every imaginable area such as commercial business and marketing, management, computer programming, systems/business analysis, urban and regional planning, governmental agencies, forestry, wildlife management, parks and recreation, land management.

To be successful in this program, students must possess basic computer literacy to include keyboard and mouse usage and file management. This advanced Career Studies Certificate program requires a strong background in microcomputer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, operating systems, Internet maneuverability, and e-mail. Students can obtain proficiency in these areas by completing ITE 115 .

Upon satisfactory completion of the program, the graduate will be awarded the Career Studies Certificate in Geographic Information Systems. This certificate will complement degrees in just about any discipline.

First Semester


Semester Total


  • Lecture Hours: 11-12
  • Lab Hours: 0
  • Course Credits: 11-12

Second Semester


Semester Total


  • Lecture Hours: 6-8
  • Lab Hours: 
  • Course Credits: 6-8

Third Semester:


Semester Total:


  • Lecture Hours: 3-4
  • Lab Hours: 0
  • Course Credits: 3-4

Total Minimum Credits: 20-24


*Prerequisite: ITE 115 or ITE 119. 

GIS Electives(1):         

  • GIS 203: Cartography for GIS
  • GIS 255: Exploring Our Earth: Introduction to Remote Sensing 

Approved Elective(2)

  • GIS 203: Cartography for GIS 
  • GIS 255: Exploring Our Earth: Introduction to Remote Sensing 
  • CSC 221: Introduction to Problem Solving and Programming
  • DRF 201: Computer-Aided Drafting and Design I
  • ITD 130: Database Fundamentals 
  • ITD 132: Structured Query Language 
  • ITE 150: Desktop Database Software
  • ITP 120: Java Programming I**
  • ITP 150: Python Programming **

**CSC 221, ITP 120 or ITP 150 is highly recommended since Python and Java are primary scripting languages in ArcGIS and QGIS software packages and applications.