COURSE CURRICULUM

The Geographic Information Systems and Computer Science (GIS+CS) degree at the University of North Texas provides students with an interdisciplinary education that combines geospatial analysis, programming, data management, and advanced computing technologies to solve complex real-world problems involving location-based data. The program helps students develop a strong understanding of core computing principles while also learning how geographic information can be analyzed, interpreted, and applied across industries. Students gain hands-on experience in programming using languages such as C++ and Python, allowing them to build software applications, automate processes, analyze datasets, and create computational solutions for geospatial challenges. The curriculum also emphasizes the importance of databases, a critical component of modern GIS systems, helping students understand how large amounts of geographic and spatial information are stored, managed, organized, and accessed efficiently. Through specialized coursework, students explore advanced topics including remote sensing, enterprise GIS systems, computer networks, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, graphics, and data mining. These subjects help students understand both the technical and analytical sides of geospatial computing while preparing them to work with modern technologies such as machine learning and intelligent mapping systems. Another important focus of the degree is teaching students how to apply geographical perspectives to interpret and contextualize complex geospatial processes captured through digital data, enabling them to make informed decisions and solve problems involving environmental systems, urban development, logistics, infrastructure, and business operations. Graduates are prepared for careers such as GIS Engineers, GIS Systems Analysts, GIS Solutions Engineers, and GIS Application programrs. These professionals commonly work within IT and GIS departments across industries including government agencies, defense, real estate, logistics, retail, energy, and infrastructure development. Coursework in the program includes classes such as Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, Advanced Geographic Information Systems, Advanced GIS Programming, Special Topics in GIS, Location Intelligence: Business GIS Concepts and Applications, and Introduction to Python Programming. Overall, the GIS+CS degree equips students with a unique blend of technical programming expertise, spatial analysis skills, and problem-solving abilities that are increasingly valuable in today’s technology-driven and data-focused global economy.