25 courses with the subject GIS, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
GIS 101The Digital Earth3
This class is an introduction to the fundamentals of geospatial technology, the ways in which that technology can be used to understand human and biophysical phenomena, and the ways that technology affects contemporary life. This class will introduce geographic information systems (GIS), the Global Positioning System (GPS), remote sensing, and spatial analysis. This class will also address social and ethical issues raised by th use of those technologies. Hands-on exercises will be incorporated to give students a deeper understanding of geospatial technology and how it can be used to answer meaningful questions. Note: Students who take GIS 101 may not receive credit for GEO 110 Course Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer Credits: (3,0)
This course seeks to improve students' understanding of, and appreciation for, maps as both a visual medium for communicating data and a form of artistic expression. Through readings and selected map examples, Page 226 • Course Index • 2026-20 students will gain a deeper understanding of the history of Cartography and decisions that go into map design. Students will internalize fundamental Cartographic concepts including: scale, composition, visual hierarchy, rudimentary color theory, typography, and the appropriate use of visual variables. While not the focus, students will also be introduced to basic data types and data classification as it pertains to Cartography. Students will demonstrate and apply these concepts through critiques of selected map examples and the creation of physical and digital maps throughout the course.
Geographic information systems (GIS) are computer systems designed for the creation, storage, retrieval, analysis, and visualization of spatial data. GIS is applied across fields as diverse as urban planning, environmental management, law enforcement, industrial location, and marketing, and for scientific research in many disciplines. This course is a hands-on course with a required lab period which will introduce students to foundational concepts and skills in working with spatial data, including finding and creating data, spatial analysis, and GIS-based map production. This course is a prerequisite for several upper-level GEO courses. Prerequisite(s): MTH 110 and EGL 101 both with a grade of C or higher Corequisite(s): GIS 221L Course Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer Credits: (3,3)
This course, including its required lab component, will explore some of the ways in which remote sensing systems provide geospatial information that is relevant, accurate, timely, accessible, available in an appropriate format, and cost-effective. Recent developments in Earth observation such as imaging radar, LiDAR and hyperspectral sensors are increasing the wealth of information that can be generated from remotely sensed data sources. As a consequence numerous new GIS applications that rely on advanced remotely sensed data sources have emerged at local, regional and global scales. Course will cover topics including; remote sensing principles, image acquisition, image analysis and GIS/Remote Sensing Applications. 27 College Catalog
Maps can be powerful devices for communication, but also tools for exploration of relationships among social and physical processes manifesting in space. This course explores the history, science, and art of cartography. Students will use geographic information systems software to make reference and thematic maps. Students will apply principles of cartography, including the use of color, typography, and visual balance, to create maps which are informative, aesthetically pleasing, and ultimately convincing. Prerequisite(s): GIS 222 Course Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer Credits: (3,0)
This course explores selected techniques for deploying interactive, internet- based geovisualizations using both proprietary and open-source platforms. The focus of this course is client-side technologies that integrate a variety of geospatial data services using standard protocols and APIs. This is a hands- on course where students apply both standard and emerging practices for effective and attractive communication of geospatial information to a variety of audiences. Prerequisite(s): GIS 222 with a grade of C or higher Course Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer Credits: (3,0)
This course will cover statistical techniques for the analysis of spatial data, including spatial cluster detection, factor analysis, ANOVA, and multivariate regression. Special attention will be paid to spatial sampling and spatial autocorrelation. Students will complete computer exercises using statistical software. In addition to standard data visualization techniques (boxplots, histograms, scatterplots), students will learn how to create basic statistical maps for geovisualization. Prerequisite(s): MTH 110 Course Offered: Fall Credits: Credits:3 (3,0)
This upper-level course integrates geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial data analysis, with a focus on quantitative and qualitative methods, procedures for research design, and interpretation of findings. Topics include identification of spatial patterns, hypothesis testing, effective use of statistics, and data correlation. Prerequisite(s): MTH 110, GEO 221 or GIS 222 or permission of department chair. Course Offered: Spring Credits: Credits:3 (3,0)
This course introduces conceptual and practical aspects of programming for geographic applications. The main focus of this course is on developing a solid understanding of basic geoprocessing techniques including variables, looping, conditional statements, nesting, math, strings, and other concepts. Students in this course will develop a proficiency in applying these basic geoprocessing principles to manipulating spatial data sources within the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) environment. NOTE: This course are not substitutes for programming courses by the Computer Systems Department. Prerequisite(s): GIS 222 with a grade of C or higher Course Offered: Spring Credits: Credits:3 (3,0)
GIS database management systems play an important role in domains that involve large and complex data with spatial references. This course is designed to give students an overview of GIS applications, an understanding of spatial and relational database concepts, and the practical experience Course Index • 2026- of using GIS to solve real world problems. NOTE: This courses are not substitutes for programming courses by the Computer Systems Department. Prerequisite(s): GIS 222 with a grade of C or higher Course Offered: Fall Credits: Credits:3 (3,0) GIS 351 and Public Health This course covers the uses of geographic information systems (GIS) in public health. Possible topics include access to health services, the spatial clustering of health events, analysis of environmental hazards, the effective visualization and communication of information derived from geospatial data, and the evidence-based formulation of public policy based on the analysis of geospatial data. Skills developed in this class can enhance existing professional capabilities, and provide a stronger foundation for research performed during graduate study. Prerequisite(s): MTH 110 with a grade of C or higher and Junior-Level status Credits: Credits:3 (3,0) GIS 352 and Municipal Government This course covers the uses of geographic information systems (GIS) in municipal government. Topics covered include the acquisition of municipal geospatial data from diverse sources, the processing of structured and unstructured data into usable GIS formats, basic analysis of geospatial data to answer frequently-asked questions, and the publication of effective visualizations of geospatial data. Students will develop fundamental skills used by GIS technicians working for municipal government, and those skills can be used to enhance existing professional capabilities, or provide a foundation for deeper study of GIS technology. Prerequisite(s): MTH 110 with a grade of C or higher and Junior-Level status Credits: Credits:3 (3,0) GIS 353 and Public Education This course covers the uses of geographical information systems (GIS) as a pedagogical tool in primary and secondary education. Topics covered include characteristics of geospatial data, sources for public data, GIS apps and tools suitable for use with primary and secondary education students, and development of instructional units in a variety of subject areas using GIS as an active learning tool. Prerequisite(s): MTH 110 with a grade of C or higher and Junior level status Credit(s): 3 Credits: Credits:3 (3,0)
This is an applied learning course where students will learn GIS skills and perform GIS tasks in coordination with one or more community partners. Under the direct guidance of a faculty member, students will work together to complete defined project based assignments. Students will gain entry- level GIS experience, develop soft skills useful in all lines of work, and build professional relationships. Prerequisite(s): GIS 222 with a grade of C or higher and instructor approval Credits: (0,0,6)
The course will tackle the problem of analyzing spatial data with the R programming language. Different types of spatial data will be covered, such as point patterns, lattice data and data coming from irregular measurements of continuous processes (geostatistics). In addition, different worked examples will be presented showing how to proceed with the analysis of a wide range of spatial data sets. The topics of the course will contain an introduction to various R packages for the analysis of spatial data. This includes data import/export, data management and visualization, and how to fit a broad range of models for spatial data. The worked examples will focus on particular real data sets from Epidemiology, 2027 College Catalog • Page 227
This course covers issues and approaches in location analysis. Topics include location theory and models; representation issues; use of geographic information systems (GIS) for data preparation, analysis and display; evaluation of service areas; land use allocation; accessibility and location conflict; and implications for planning and public policy. Prerequisite(s): (GIS 301 or GIS 222) and GIS 331 all with a grade of C or higher Course Offered: Spring Credits: Credits:3 (3,0)
This course will serve as a catalyst for students to gain both a theoretical and practical understanding of the diverse applications of unmanned aerial systems (i.e. drones) within the broader framework of geospatial technology. This course will cover a wide variety of spatial data types that can be collected or derived using a drone with particular focus on data collection procedures, data processing, and analysis best practices. Key concepts covered include: mission planning and autonomous flight procedures, remotely sensed imagery acquisition and processing, structure from motion and principles of photogrammetry, point cloud data processing, elevation data and 30 model generation, and data quality considerations. Prerequisite(s): GIS 222 or GIS 302 with a grad of C or higher or permission of History, Politics and Geography Chair Credits: Credits:3 (3,0)
This course is intended to facilitate the student’s aptitude in utilizing geographic data, geoprocessing and modeling, as well as increase student’s understanding of conceptual issues related to geospatial research and analysis. The topics covered in this course are geospatial automation, creation of raster and vector data; geospatial analytic models, and spatial statistics. This course also covers Python scripting for geoprocessing as flexible approach for the development of spatial models. Course materials will be presented through lectures, discussions of readings, and demonstrations. NOTE: This course is not a substitute for programming courses by the Computer Systems Department. Prerequisite(s): GIS 341 with a grade of C or higher Course Offered: Spring Credits: Credits:3 (3,0)
Students integrate their knowledge of human and physical geography, as well as geographic techniques, to propose solutions to real-world problems. Students gain experience in working in small groups and in written and oral presentation of project results, and will be evaluated with respect to the skills acquired in their degree program. Topics may include, but are not limited to, issues such as sustainable development in rural communities, global and regional food and energy distribution, quantifying and analyzing global or regional indicators of environmental and/or societal trends. Note: Students cannot get credit for GIS 491 and GIS 491W; GIS 491W can be used to fulfill the writing intensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): Senior status an any 300 level GEO course. Course Offered: Fall, Spring Credits: (3,0)
This internship course will provide students the opportunity to gain hands on experience and knowledge with using geospatial technologies. This internship consists of a structured on and/or off-campus experience in a supervised setting that is related to the student’s major and career interests. Practical experience is combined with scholarly research under the guidance of geography faculty and the entity providing the internship opportunity. At the end of the internship the student should have more of the necessary skills to help translate their chosen degree into a job, as well as a better understanding of how this degree relates to society. Note: Students cannot get credit for GIS 492 and GIS 492W; GIS 492W can be used to fulfill the writing intensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): Approval by Program Director or Student’s Dept. Chair Course Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer Credits: (1,0,6) Page 228 • Course Index • 2026-202
