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 TotalNote: 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.
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.
Spring Semester, First Year
14 Units TotalThis course is an introduction to the process of human communication with 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.
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.
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 TotalThis 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.
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 TotalThis 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).
Contact Us for More Information
Counseling & Student Services
Contact InfoAcademic/Instructional Division Office
Science, Language Arts & Mathematics (SLAM)
Contact InfoStart Your Future at Shasta College
We are dedicated to helping you reach your educational and career goals. To begin your journey, apply for admissions today!