Degree Requirements and Courses
Learn more about certificate and degree requirements, course content, recommended sequence, and schedule.
Geographic Information Systems AS Degree
Associate in Science | SC Program: AS.1520
The Associate of Science degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provides students with skills, knowledge and experience in the application of GIS. Students complete courses in the technical aspects of GIS and information technologies, along with courses in fields to which GIS is commonly applied, including geography, earth and social sciences, natural resources and engineering. Students gain knowledge of maps, geographic data, and imagery, while developing skills in data collection, analysis and map creation. As students progress through the program the applied field courses provide direction for learning about the application of GIS, which gives direction to GIS project work. Worksite learning allows students to gain GIS workplace experience in their chosen field 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 degree is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of all degree requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this degree.
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.
- Produces maps on geographic themes that demonstrate effective communication,
design aesthetics, application of GIS tools and use of cartographic standards. - Effectively engages with community through projects, volunteer activities, user
meetings and worksite learning. - Demonstrates effective written and oral communication of GIS challenges and
opportunities pertaining to application discipline.
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
17 Units TotalENGL 1A
GE
4
College Composition
ENGL 1A
Note: For students who would benefit from further instruction and individual support while taking their first college-transfer level English course, ENGL 1AX is a recommended alternative to ENGL 1A.
This course develops the reading, critical thinking, and writing skills necessary for academic success, emphasizing expository and argumentative writing as well as research and documentation skills. As a transferable course, it presupposes that students already have a substantial grasp of grammar, syntax, and organization, and that their writing is reasonably free from errors. A research paper is required for successful completion of the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course develops the reading, critical thinking, and writing skills necessary for academic success, emphasizing expository and argumentative writing as well as research and documentation skills. As a transferable course, it presupposes that students already have a substantial grasp of grammar, syntax, and organization, and that their writing is reasonably free from errors. A research paper is required for successful completion of the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MATH 14
GE
4
Introduction to Statistics
MATH 14
This course is an introductory course in statistics designed to show the role of modern statistical methods in the process of decision making. Concepts are introduced by example rather than by rigorous mathematical theory. The following topics will be covered: measures of central tendency and dispersion, regression and correlation, probability, sampling distributions including the normal, t, and chi-square, statistical inference using confidence intervals and hypotheses testing. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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GEOG 5
M
3
Society, Environment, and GIS
GEOG 5
This course will explore the implications that geographic information systems (GIS) have for society and the environment. GIS and other geospatial technologies have transformed industry, government, and non-profit sectors. Students will investigate issues related to society, the environment and geo-politics through the use of these technologies. Equity is a central theme, especially in relation to underserved and marginalized populations, along with those in the Global South. Students will interpret geographic data from a variety of sources, including GPS, satellite imagery and uncrewed aerial systems (UAV). Cloud computing, social media, and surveillance technologies will be considered in terms of social justice, equity, and privacy. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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GEOG 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. Recent trends such as crowd-mapping, drone image capture and Lidar are also investigated. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HUM 4
GE
3
Humanities Through the Film
HUM 4
This course is an examination of the motion picture as an art form. This course offers a concise introduction to the history of film against the broader changes in popular culture since the late nineteenth century. Students will see how elements of film can provide valuable insights into how movies communicate and convey meaning to their audiences using a unique network of techniques. Students will see how film, film genres, and developments within the film industry offer a first-hand look at how specific films illuminate important aspects of philosophical, historical, aesthetic, and social life and analyze how film connects with the larger world. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, First Year
14 Units TotalCMST 60
GE
3
Public Speaking
CMST 60
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with an emphasis on public speaking. The subjects covered are speech topic selection, audience analysis, information competency (e.g. researching, evaluating, and using supporting materials), presentation outlining, principles of effective speech delivery, critical evaluation of speeches, and presentation of informative and persuasive speeches. Most students will have the opportunity to be recorded and to use presentational technology. College-level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines, and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ENGL 1C
GE
3
Critical Reasoning, Reading, and Writing
ENGL 1C
This course focuses on critical thinking skills, close textual analysis, and expository and argumentative writing. Students apply critical thinking skills in reading non-fiction and fiction, and in writing essays of definition, cause/effect analysis, argumentation, refutation, and advocacy. Students will learn to use research strategies in analyzing others' ideas and supporting their own. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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GEOG 10
M
3
Intro to Geographic Information Systems
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 focuses on the ArcGIS software platform, employing both desktop and online products. 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 focuses on the ArcGIS software platform, employing both desktop and online products. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
GEOG 1A
GE
M
3
Physical Geography
GEOG 1A
This course investigates Earth's physical systems, their dynamic processes, and surface expressions. Topics include weather, climate, hydrology, tectonics, geomorphology, and the biosphere. Attention is given to spatial patterns and impacts of human activities. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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GEOG 1AL
M
Lab
1
Physical Geography Lab
GEOG 1AL
This course investigates Earth's physical systems, through lab and field activities. Students will use maps, take measurements, and interpret physical phenomena in the lab. Students will observe, measure, and document landforms, hydrologic processes and ecosystems in the field. Data is gathered, displayed and interpreted from a range of sources. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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GEOG 2A
M
1
Field Studies in Physical Geography
GEOG 2A
Note: This course requires a multi-day field trip.
Field studies of physical processes and formations are essential to the study of geography. Landforms, water resources, erosion hazards, soil conditions, and vegetation patterns are among the topics that illustrate the interactions between humans and the environment. Students will be exposed to a range of field techniques including observation, map use and measurement. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Field studies of physical processes and formations are essential to the study of geography. Landforms, water resources, erosion hazards, soil conditions, and vegetation patterns are among the topics that illustrate the interactions between humans and the environment. Students will be exposed to a range of field techniques including observation, map use and measurement. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
Fall Semester, Second Year
14 Units TotalETHS 1
GE
3
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
ETHS 1
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course
This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
GEOG 8
GE
M
3
World Regional Geography
GEOG 8
This course will introduce students to the world's major geographic regions. This course will increase student awareness of geographic concepts by examining the physical, cultural, economic and political characteristics of the major realms of the world through the unifying concept of the geographic region. This course will illustrate the importance of the world's geographic regions and how they interrelate. The location of important geographic features such as mountain ranges, rivers, countries, and major cities will be an important part of the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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GEOG 12
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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CIS 2
M
4
Introduction to Computer Science
CIS 2
This course is designed as an introduction to computer programming and technology for those students planning on a career in the field of computer science or related disciplines. The students will design, code, debug, and test programs in languages such as Machine, Assembler, Java, C++, Visual Basic and/or Python as determined by the Shasta College CIS committee. Common business applications are used to examine a wide range of methods for processing data in the interactive mode. Computer history, hardware, software, processing, systems, programming languages, storage devices, careers, and impact on society will be explored to enable the student to become literate in the technical aspects of computing. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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GEOG 2B
1
Field Studies in Human Field Geography
GEOG 2B
Note: This course requires a multi-day field trip.
Field studies of built landscapes and cultural expressions are essential to the study of human geography. Topics including land-use, planning, economy, transportation, social conditions, cultural practices and historical legacies will be explored. Students will be exposed to field techniques including note taking, interviews and map use. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Field studies of built landscapes and cultural expressions are essential to the study of human geography. Topics including land-use, planning, economy, transportation, social conditions, cultural practices and historical legacies will be explored. Students will be exposed to field techniques including note taking, interviews and map use. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
Spring Semester, Second Year
15 Units TotalCIS 24
M
3
Database Design
CIS 24
This course is a study of fundamental database design principles and techniques, including data modeling with Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERD) and the normalization process. Topics include the relational data model, managing data using Structured Query Language (SQL), database management system (DBMS) architecture and operation, and database security mechanisms. Students will apply core concepts and techniques to practical business scenarios. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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GEOG 13
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
M
3
GIS Cartography and 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
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
3
Geographic Info Sys Work Experience Educ
GEOG 94
Limitation on Enrollment: FINANCIAL AID STUDENTS: Students must maintain concurrent enrollment in seven (7) units which include work experience education units. Students not receiving financial aid do not need to enroll in other courses in order to participate in Work Experience Education.
The Geographic Information Systems(GIS) Work Experience Education 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 WEE 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 student may repeat this course since course content varies and skills are enhanced by supervised repetition and practice. A maximum of 14 units may be earned in a single semester.
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The Geographic Information Systems(GIS) Work Experience Education 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 WEE 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 student may repeat this course since course content varies and skills are enhanced by supervised repetition and practice. A maximum of 14 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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