COURSE CURRICULUM

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program provides students with the skills and practical experience needed to apply spatial analysis tools in a variety of professional fields. As part of the program requirements, students select three advanced GIS courses totaling between 10 and 14 credits. These options are designed to deepen understanding in specialized areas and prepare students for the workforce or further study. One of the courses, GIS for Built Environment (GEOG 355), focuses on applying GIS to urban design, infrastructure planning, and spatial organization within cities. Conservation GIS (GEOG 357 or BIO 357) blends geography and biology, allowing students to use GIS for mapping and analyzing environmental and ecological data in support of conservation efforts. Forensic GIS (GEOG 358) introduces students to the use of spatial data in criminal investigations, disaster management, and public safety analysis. Students interested in business applications can take GIS Applications for Business (GEOG 359), which explores how geographic tools support market research, logistics, and organizational decision-making.In addition to these courses, students complete a capstone project worth four to six credits. This project is a key element of the program, offering an opportunity to apply GIS techniques to a substantial, real-world problem or research topic. It may be completed through a cooperative education (co-op) placement, allowing students to gain valuable paid work experience, or through courses such as ENV 412 (formerly GEOG 412), GEOG 396, GEOG 398, or GEOG 492. The capstone encourages students to integrate theory and practice while developing a professional-quality portfolio that demonstrates their technical and analytical skills. With strong academic training and hands-on learning, the GIS program equips graduates with the competencies needed to pursue careers in environmental analysis, urban planning, law enforcement, business, and beyond.