Degree Requirements and Courses
Learn more about certificate and degree requirements, course content, recommended sequence, and schedule.
Geographic Information Systems Certificate
Certificate | SC Program: CT.3449
The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate at Shasta College provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to apply principles, methods and tools of geographic information systems (GIS). Students develop foundation principles of maps, geographically referenced data, imagery and global positioning systems. GIS fundamentals are taught, both in conceptual and practical terms. Students learn the design of geographic databases and the capture of data using global positioning systems (GPS) and remotely sensed imagery. Spatial analysis skills are developed, from basic geographic inquiry through more complex analysis using GIS overlays and models. Students learn the principles and practice of remote sensing and image processing for integration with GIS and GPS. Maps are designed and implemented for output in hardcopy and digital formats. Worksite learning allows students to gain GIS workplace experience and to develop contacts among the community of GIS professionals. Successful students will have strong computer and critical thinking skills. Refer to http://www.shastacollege.edu/gis for more information.
This certificate is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of all certificate requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this certificate.
Program Outcomes:
- Explain and summarize key GIS concepts, applications and societal implications.
- Perform GIS data acquisition, capture, editing, and attributing.
- Manage GIS data through file management, database design, georeferencing and
conversion. - Perform GIS analysis using queries, overlay functions, and models.
- Produce maps that demonstrate effective communication, design aesthetics,
application of GIS tools and use of cartographic standards. - Effectively engage with community through projects, volunteer activities, user
meetings and worksite learning.
Choose your path
Map your education by viewing the program map for the degree or certificate you’re interested in earning below. Meet with a counselor to create your official comprehensive education plan.
A program map shows all the required and recommended courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. The suggested sequence of courses is based on enrollment and includes all major and general education courses required for the degree.
Fall Semester, First Year
9 Units TotalGEOG 9
M
3
Map and Geospatial Principles
GEOG 9
This course is an introduction to maps, imagery, and geospatial technologies. Students will learn geographic techniques for data collection, interpretation, and presentation. Map principles along with types of maps and their applications are covered. Methodologies include map reading, use of imagery, geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), and map creation. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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GEOG 10
M
3
Intro to Geographic Info Syst
GEOG 10
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in CIS 1 or demonstrated computer literacy.
This course covers the theory and practice of geographic information systems (GIS). Students learn essential GIS procedures for data viewing, acquisition, manipulation, geographic referencing, and map creation. GIS data types, properties, database operations and applications are covered. Basic methods of GIS analysis are also included. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course covers the theory and practice of geographic information systems (GIS). Students learn essential GIS procedures for data viewing, acquisition, manipulation, geographic referencing, and map creation. GIS data types, properties, database operations and applications are covered. Basic methods of GIS analysis are also included. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
GEOG 12
Pre.
M
3
GIS Data Design and Capture
GEOG 12
This course covers the design and implementation of geographic databases for GIS data capture and management. Included are essential concepts and practices of relational database management systems, with specific applications to GIS. Data is captured using GPS and mobile GIS methods. GIS digitizing and editing are also covered. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, First Year
10 Units TotalGEOG 13
Pre.
M
3
GIS Spatial Analysis
GEOG 13
This course covers GIS for investigating geographic patterns, relationships and connections. Spatial analysis methods are employed for both raster and vector data. Emphasis is on problem-solving and decision making using GIS. Models and scripts for automating GIS processes also undertaken. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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GEOG 14
Pre.
M
3
GIS Cartography/Visualization
GEOG 14
This course covers fundamental concepts of cartography and visualization using geographic information systems (GIS). Students employ design principles to create effective maps, incorporating data from a variety of formats. Hardcopy and web maps are produced. Animations, 3D maps, and other visualization techniques are explored. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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GEOG 15
Pre.
M
3
Introduction to Remote Sensing
GEOG 15
This course covers remote sensing fundamentals as they apply to mapping of Earth's surface and features. Electromagnetic radiation of both visible and non-visible light is the foundation for image enhancement, classification and quantitative techniques. These techniques will be applied to imagery, of differing resolution, from a variety of sources. Particular attention is given to visual display imagery and with the integration of imagery with GIS datasets. Light Detecting and Ranging (LiDaR) is processed for elevation and land cover. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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GEOG 94
M
1
Geographic Info Systems WSL
GEOG 94
Limitation on Enrollment: Financial aid students must maintain concurrent enrollment in seven (7) units which include worksite learning units. Students not receiving financial aid do not need to enroll in other courses in order to participate in Worksite Learning Classes.
This Worksite Learning course allows the student The Geographic Information Systems(GIS) Worksite Learning course allows the student to gain on-the-job experience through employment/volunteerism at an approved GIS job site that is acquired by the student and related to the student's major. A faculty member supervises all WSL courses to ensure that the work experience is of educational value. The course stresses good work habits and meeting of competencies through actual on-the-job performance. A maximum of 8 units may be earned in a single semester.
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This Worksite Learning course allows the student The Geographic Information Systems(GIS) Worksite Learning course allows the student to gain on-the-job experience through employment/volunteerism at an approved GIS job site that is acquired by the student and related to the student's major. A faculty member supervises all WSL courses to ensure that the work experience is of educational value. The course stresses good work habits and meeting of competencies through actual on-the-job performance. A maximum of 8 units may be earned in a single semester.
Please see a counselor to discuss options for meeting general education requirements for transfer to California State Universities (CSU) and/or University of California (UC) campuses, as well as any specific additional courses that may be required by your chosen institution of transfer.
*Alternative Courses: Please see a Shasta College counselor for alternative course options. You can also view the following to find other courses to meet degree/certificate requirements:
- California State Universities – General Education
- IGETC – Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum
Need a print out? Feel free to download and/or print out a copy of the sample program map(s).
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