Geographic Information Science (GIS), BS

The Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science (GIS) offers courses in theory, inquiry, and applications of spatial data that prepare students for the growing field of geospatial professionals. The program builds knowledge through project-based courses that train students in spatial problem solving and computational thinking, and to use geospatial tools and techniques to analyze data that can be communicated visually, orally and in writing. Graduates will be technologically proficient in programming, web mapping, project development, data collection and integration, and cartography. The BS GIS program is offered by the Department of Urban and Regional Planning .

Program Learning Outcomes

Summary of Degree Units

University Graduation Requirements	44
Major Preparation	3
Major Core	41
Major Electives	3
University Electives	29
Total	120

Program Roadmaps

The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.

University Requirements

Students must satisfy all of the major and Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements , which includes unit, GPA, and residency requirements as well as the below identified General Education , American Institutions, Graduation Writing Assessment, and Physical Education requirements. Courses that meet Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements are noted with an area designation (see Course Note Abbreviations ).

Core Lower Division General Education (30 units)

Of the 39 units required by the university, 9 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Courses that meet GE Areas A1, A2, A3, B4, or F must be passed with a “C-” or better to meet the requirement. Consult with a major advisor for details.

Note: Students who have completed the ADT Transfer degree (under SB 1440) for this major will have completed all lower division GE requirements and should follow the 60 unit guarantee roadmap. Meet with an advisor prior to registering for your first semester for the 60 unit roadmap or Specific questions.

Upper Division General Education (6 units)

Of the 9 units required by the university, 3 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Consult with major advisor for details.

American Institutions (6 units)

Complete one 6-unit sequence of American Institutions (US123) courses, which also satisfies GE Area D. Students may also satisfy the American Institutions Requirement with other courses, but these may not satisfy other GE areas.

The American Studies sequence (AMS 10 /AMS 11 ; 6 units) satisfies the American Institutions Requirement and additional GE Areas (see course descriptions for details).

Consult with a major advisor to select the appropriate sequence.

U.S. History and Government (6 units)

Complete One US1: US History Course

AMS 10 - Stories that Make America 3 unit(s) (C2+US1)
HIST 15 - Essentials of U.S. History 3 unit(s) (D+US1)
HIST 170S - Topics in American History: American Identities and Institutions 3 unit(s) (S+US1)

Complete One US23: US Constitution and California Government Course

AMS 11 - Visions of Democracy 3 unit(s) (D+US23)
POLS 15 - Essentials of U.S. & California Government 3 unit(s) (D+US23)
POLS 16 - Power and Ideas in American Politics 3 unit(s) (C2+US23)
POLS 170V - American Politics in Global Perspective 3 unit(s) (V+US23)

Physical Education (2 units)

All SJSU undergraduate students, regardless of major, have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in physical activities. To accommodate students’ needs and interests, the university offers a diverse selection of activity courses .

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement

At SJSU, students must pass a Writing in the Disciplines (100W) course with a grade of C or better (C- not accepted) to meet graduation requirements. For this major, the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) is satisfied by a course in the major.

Major Preparation (3 units)

STAT 95 - Elementary Statistics 3 unit(s) (B4) (UNVS 15 may be used in lieu of the statistics course required by this major.)

Major Requirements (44 units)

Core Courses (41 units)

GEOG 3 - Spatial Data Literacy 1 unit(s)
GEOG 4 - Geospatial Ethics & Privacy 1 unit(s)
GEOG 70 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems 4 unit(s)
GEOG 100W - Writing Workshop 3 unit(s) (WID)
GEOG 103 - Colloquium 1 unit(s)
GEOG 107 - Mapping the World 3 unit(s) (R)
GEOG 171 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems 4 unit(s)
GEOG 172 - Cartography and Data Visualization 3 unit(s)
GEOG 173 - Drones and Spatial Data Collection 3 unit(s)
GEOG 175 - Geographic Information Systems Project Development 3 unit(s)
GEOG 178 - Participatory GIS 3 unit(s)
GEOG 181 - Introduction to Remote Sensing 3 unit(s)
GEOG 182 - Programming for GIS 3 unit(s)
GEOG 195 - Open Source GIS 3 unit(s)
GEOG 199 - Senior Seminar 3 unit(s)

Major Elective (3 units)

Complete one course from:

GEOG 187 - Research Experience 3 unit(s)
URBP 148 - Introduction to Spatial Visualization Technology in Urban Planning 1-4 unit(s)

University Electives (29 units)

Declaring a minor is recommended.

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