Quick Facts
Degree Certificate
Areas of Study Earth Sciences

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 Total
GEOG 9
M 3
Map and Geospatial Principles
GEOG 9
Units 3
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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GEOG 10
M 3
Intro to Geographic Information Systems
GEOG 10
Units 3
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.
Alternative Courses
  • XSCGE CAT4C Shasta College GE Category 4C
  • IGETC 2 IGETC Area 2 - Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
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GEOG 12
Pre. M 3
GIS Data Design and Capture
GEOG 12
Units 3
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.
Prerequisite Courses
  • GEOG 10 Intro to Geographic Information Systems
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Spring Semester, First Year

10 Units Total
GEOG 13
Pre. M 3
GIS Spatial Analysis
GEOG 13
Units 3
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.
Prerequisite Courses
  • GEOG 10 Intro to Geographic Information Systems
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GEOG 14
Pre. M 3
GIS Cartography and Visualization
GEOG 14
Units 3
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.
Prerequisite Courses
  • GEOG 10 Intro to Geographic Information Systems
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GEOG 15
Pre. M 3
Introduction to Remote Sensing
GEOG 15
Units 3
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.
Prerequisite Courses
  • GEOG 10 Intro to Geographic Information Systems
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GEOG 94
M 1
Geographic Info Sys Work Experience Educ
GEOG 94
Units 1
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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19

Total Units

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:

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 Info
Email counseling@shastacollege.edu
Phone (530) 242-7724
Fax (530) 225-4652
Site www.shastacollege.edu/counseling

Academic/Instructional Division Office

Science, Language Arts & Mathematics (SLAM)

Contact Info
Phone (530) 242-7760
Fax (530) 225-4668
Location Room 935/905
Office Hours Monday - Friday | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

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