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 School of Planning, Policy and Environmental Studies .

Program Learning Outcomes

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.

1. Complete the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements

Students must satisfy the specific degree requirements for their undergraduate major and fulfill the following University degree requirements:

Academic (program total units with an average 2.0 GPA - “C” or better)
General Education (GE) (34 Lower Division + 9 Upper Division)
American Institutions (AI) (0-6 units) (may be satisfied in GE Areas 3A, 3B, 4, UD 3, or UD 4)
Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) 3 units (see Writing in the Disciplines)
Physical Education (PE) (0-2 units)
Units in Residence (30 units, including 24 upper division and 12 in major)
Upper Division Units (40 units, including 12 upper div in major for BA, 18 upper div in major for BS)
Undergraduate Policies & Procedures

Apply for Graduation
Information about the Commencement Ceremony and Conferral of the Degree

Summary of Degree Units

Core Lower Division General Education: 25 (3 units may be satisfied by major coursework)

American Institutions/ US123 Requirements: 6 (Note: units may be satisfied by GE coursework)

Upper Division General Education: 6 (3 units may be satisfied by major coursework)

Physical Education: 2

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR): 0 (3 units may be satisfied by GEOG 100W)

Major Preparation: 3

Major Requirements: 44

University Electives: 34

Total: 120

2. Major Preparation (3 units)

STAT 95 - Elementary Statistics 3 unit(s) (GE Area 2 / Formerly Area B4) (UNVS 15 may be used in lieu of the statistics course required by this major.)

3. 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) (GE UD Area 2/5 / Formerly Area 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)

4. University Electives (34 units)

Declaring a minor is recommended.

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