| About the GIS Program...
What is GIS? A
Geographic Information System (GIS) is a digital map database and set of
software programs that include an integrated set of tools for storing, querying,
analyzing, and displaying georeferenced information. GIS merges theoretical and
practical aspects of spatial analysis across many different disciplines, such as
environmental biology, geology, archaeology, agriculture, computer-aided
drafting (CAD) and engineering, 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
enrolled in the GIS Certificate Program take courses in which they gain valuable
experience using industry-standard GIS software (ESRI's ArcGIS-ArcInfo), as well
as familiarity with various modern field mapping procedures, such as Global
Positioning System (GPS) units. Surveying, remote sensing and computer science
courses provide additional fundamental skills related to GIS. Completion of the
GIS Certificate will provide the student with skills and experience that are in
high demand in today’s workplace. What kind of jobs exist?
There are many job opportunities in GIS. For more information, see
the following web sites:
GIS and Remote Sensing class web
pages at FLC:
GEOG 250: Introduction to Computer Mapping and GIS
GEOG 300: Intermediate GIS
GEOG 400: Advanced GIS
GEOL 325: Introduction to Remote Sensing
What software do I get to use?
Fort Lewis College has a site license for
ESRI's ArcGIS software. Currently,
we use version 9.2 of ArcInfo, including the 3D, Spatial, Geostatistical,
Image Analysis, and Network Analyst Extensions. The software is
networked and available campuswide.
How do I start the GIS Certificate?
Start with the GEOG 250 (Intro to Computer Mapping and GIS) course,
taught every Fall semester.
Contact Dr. Scott White about
your intentions to pursue the Certificate. He keeps track of student
progress, and reports to the Dean of the School of Natural and Behavioral
Sciences.
Final outcomes includes a printed Certificate and indication of successful completion
of the GIS Certificate on the student's college transcript. |
Requirements
for the Certificate in Geographic Information Systems:
-- an asterisk ( * ) indicates that a
course has at least one prerequisite --
|
CERTIFICATE IN GIS |
|
GIS Courses
(4) |
Credits |
|
Geog 250 Intro to Computer Mapping and GIS [taught every Fall
semester] |
4 |
|
*Geog
300 Intermediate GIS: Vector-Based Analysis [taught every Winter
semester] |
3 |
|
*Geog
400 Advanced GIS: Network and Spatial Analysis [taught every
Fall semester] |
3 |
|
*Geog 480 Internship in GIS OR |
1...3 |
|
Geog
499 Independent Study |
1...3 |
| Total |
11...13 |
|
|
Surveying
and Remote
Sensing Courses (2) |
|
Engr
103 Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) [taught every Fall and Winter semester]
OR |
3
|
|
*Engr
205 Surveying I [taught every Fall semester] |
4 |
|
*Geol
325 Introduction to Remote Sensing [taught every odd-year Winter semester]
OR |
4
|
|
*Engr
305 Surveying II [taught every even-year Winter semester] |
4
|
| Total |
7...8 |
|
|
Computer Programming Courses
(1) |
|
CSIS
106 Introduction to Programming in Visual Basic [recommended]
OR |
4 |
|
CSIS
110 Introduction to Programming in Java
OR |
4 |
|
*Engr
104 Computer Programming for Scientists and Engineers |
3 |
| Total |
3...4 |
|
|
Total Required Hours for GIS Certificate |
21...25 |
A minimum “C” grade must be earned
in each course applied toward the GIS Certificate program.
For more information about GEOG
480 or 499, including Webopus registration details, contact the
Program Coordinator, Dr. Scott White.
For full descriptions of these
courses, see the latest edition of the Fort Lewis College Catalog at
http://www.fortlewis.edu/academics/course_catalog/default.asp.
Please check prerequisites for courses marked with an asterisk ( * )
above.
For a list of current semester
courses at Fort Lewis College, see
http://www.fortlewis.edu/academics/records_office/printableschedules.asp.
|
|
| Additional courses recommended as good
electives, but not counting towards completion of the Certificate: |
|
Geol
107 Earth Systems Science |
4
|
|
Geol
113 Physical Geology |
4 |
|
*Geol
405 Geologic Data Analysis and Modeling by Computer |
4
|
|
*CSIS
206 Advanced Programming in Visual Basic |
4 |
|
*CSIS
210 Data Structures |
4 |
|
*CSIS
350 Database Management Systems |
4 |
|
*MATH
201 Elementary Statistics |
4 |
|
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