Geographic Information Science

Degree: BS Mode of study: On-Campus Location: Main Campus
Degree Type
Bachelor's Degree
Program Type
Undergraduate
Location
Main Campus - Cape
College
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Department
Biology
Careers
<span class="TextRun SCXW210876828 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW210876828 BCX0">A GIS degree prepares you for careers analyzing data, mapping software and designing digital maps. Jobs include developer, law enforcement, cartographer, and urban planner.</span></span>
A student wearing a black jacket holds a piece of paper and inputs information into a computer.

Merging the environment with technology: that’s what we do.

The Geographic Information Science major is an opportunity to prepare students for a career in a computer-based geospatial technology profession. This is an exciting field that integrates computer skills, modeling skills and a desire to work outside into a high-demand career choice.

What You’ll Do

The curriculum includes coursework to prepare you to work in the environmental field, in emergency preparedness, or continue to graduate school. Geographic information is an important and valuable decision support asset that can be applied to all sectors of our world, such as economics, business, health, environment and emergency response through a variety of platforms for private, public, not-for-profit or academic organizations. science-intensive, interdisciplinary coursework.

  • Map out present and future sustainability challenges.
  • Engage with knowledgeable faculty who have industry-related GIS technology experience.
  • Gain experience problem solving through individual and team activities in small classes.

What Can You Do with a Geographic Information Science Degree?

The Geographic Information Science degree is expected to experience rapid and continued growth throughout the next decade. It’s rooted in the science of geography to organize layers of information into maps and 3D. When technology changed and our phones also became our systems of wayfinding and maps, GIS became an even more emerging field. When it comes to career fields, it’s most often used in: 

  • Mapping
  • Environmental Planning
  • Urban and Regional Planning
  • Emergency Management
  • Law Enforcement

Outcomes & Careers

  • 97%

    Successful Outcomes Rate

    Students graduating with degrees from the Department of Biology report being employed or furthering their education six months after graduation.

  • $110k

    Software Developer

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a software and web developer, programmer and tester is $109,950.

  • $69k

    Conservation Scientist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a conservation scientist is $69,020.

  • $72k

    Cartographer

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a cartographer and photogrammetrist is $74,420.

Geographic Information Science (BS) Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree.

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What You'll Study

The GIS curriculum includes coursework and practical field application. You’ll complete a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete this degree, including the general education requirements and at least 39 senior division hours.

Required Courses

  • AG444 Spatial Analysis (3) 
  • CS101 Introduction to Computer Programming (3) 
  • CS440 Database (3) 
  • GG140 Physical Geography (3) 
  • GG180 Cultural Geography (3) 
  • GG230 Introduction to Cartography (3) 
  • GO110/010 Physical Geology (3) 
  • GT101 Introduction to Geographic Information Science I (3) 
  • GT102 Introduction to Geographic Information Science II (3) 
  • GT340/GO340 Remote Sensing (3) 
  • GT445/GO445 Advanced Geographic Information Science (3) 
  • GT520/GO520 GIS Application (3) 

Choose 3 hours: 

  • MA155 Statistical Reasoning (3) 
  • MA223 Elementary Probability and Statistics (3) 

Choose 6 hours: 

  • AG440 Precision Agriculture (3) 
  • CJ430 Policing in the Information Age (3) 
  • GG563 Advanced Topics in Geography (3) 
  • GT425/EV425 GIS Planning for Emergency Response (3) 
  • GT498 Internship (1-3) 

Some requirements may be fulfilled by coursework in major program.

  • Social and Behavioral Sciences – 6 hours
  • Constitution Requirement – 3 hours
  • Written Communication – 6 hours
  • Oral Communication – 3 hours
  • Natural Sciences – 7 hours (from two disciplines, one to include a lab)
  • Mathematics – 3 hours
  • Humanities & Fine Arts – 9 hours (from at least two disciplines)
  • Additional requirements – 5 hours (to include UI100 for native students)
  • Civics examination

Freshman Year    

Fall Semester (13 Hours)     
  • UI100 (1)
  • EN100 (3)
  • GG140 (3) 
  • GT101 (3) 
  • MA155 or MA223 (3)
Spring Semester (15 Hours)     
  • CS101 (3)
  • GG180 (3) 
  • GT102 (3)
  • General Education (3)
  • General Education (3)

Milestone: maintain 2.0 cumulative GPA

Sophomore Year    

Fall Semester (15 Hours)  
  • GG230 (3) 
  • GO110/010 (3) 
  • GO/GT340 (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
Spring Semester (15 Hours)    
  • AG444 (3) 
  • GO/GT445 (3) 
  • General Education (3)
  • General Education (3) 
  • Elective (3) 

Milestone: maintain 2.0 cumulative GPA

Junior Year    

Fall Semester (15 Hours)    
  • CS440 (3) 
  • GT/GO520 (3)
  • Major Elective (3)
  • General Education (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
Spring Semester (15 Hours)     
  • Major Elective (3)
  • General Education (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)

Milestone: maintain 2.0 cumulative GPA

Senior Year    

Fall Semester (16 Hours)     
  • General Education (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • Elective (1)
Spring Semester (16 Hours)  
  • General Education (3)
  • General Education (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (1)

Milestone: maintain 2.0 cumulative GPA

A “Milestone” signifies a significant stage for a student in the completion
of a degree.

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Hands-on Learning

You’ll gain hands-on real-world experience through a required internship or research project as part of your coursework.

Experiential Learning

Alumna

"It feels amazing to be selected for the Golden Opportunity Scholar. I am very honored and would not have known about this opportunity without the help of my professors at Southeast."

Killian Delaney

Portrait of Killian Delaney with yellow flowers behind her.

Getting the Job

Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, sell your knowledge and experience—and if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. They’ll provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time.

Career Services

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Mailing Address
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