GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCES

DESCRIPTION OF THE DEGREE

The Geographic Information Sciences (GISc) major prepares graduates for employment with agencies that use Geographic Information Systems to organize, analyze, and map physical or cultural features on the earth’s surface.  Many of our undergraduate GISc majors take advantage of internships with federal, state, and local agencies including, EROS Data Center, Minnehaha County, City of Sioux Falls, and GFP in Pierre.  Students will learn basic elements of spatial information including data gathering, description, manipulation, analysis, modeling, interpretation, and presentation.  The GISc graduate will be able to apply the tools of GISc to analyze spatial data in the natural and social sciences.  This program gives students an opportunity to become professionals in a career area that has been growing and will continue to grow in numbers.  Graduates will find themselves on the cutting edge of an important area and will be able to find highly rewarding jobs.  

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS 

General Education:

ENGL 101 Composition I

ENGL 201 Composition II

SPCM 101 Fundamentals of Speech

GEOG 200 Introduction to Human Geography 

GEOG 210 World Regional Geography

MATH 102 College Algebra

GEOG 131 Physical Geography I

GEOG 132 Physical Geography II

Biological Science

WL 110 Environmental Conservation

Social Sciences/Diversity (6 cr – 2 disciplines) from Gen Ed List

Humanities and Arts / Diversity (6 cr) from Gen Ed List

Personal Wellness (2-3 cr) from SDSU IGR List

Social Responsibility (3 cr) from SDSU IGR List

Major requirements:

GEOG 131      Physical Geography I

GEOG 132      Physical Geography II

GEOG 200      Human Geography

GEOG 210      World Regional Geography

GEOG 382      Research Methods

GEOG 383      Cartography

GEOG 483      Air Photo Interpretation

GEOG 484      Remote Sensing

GEOG 485      Remote Sensing II

GEOG 487      Geographic Information Systems I

GEOG 488      Geographic Information Systems II

GEOG 489      Geographic Information Systems III

MATH 120      Trigonometry

STAT 281       Statistical Methods I

Total Required Credits: 128

CAREER POSSIBILITIES

Geomatics Specialist

GIS Specialist

GIS Scientist

Data Scientist

Cartography Technician

Geospatial Analyst

Project Manager

Land Cover Institute Specialist

Environmental Scientist

WHAT OUR STUDENTS & GRADUATES SAY

As a Data Scientist in the Archive and Data Resources department at the Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS), being able to apply the GIS knowledge that I learned through SDSU was what qualified me for this position and has also helped me advance my career. 

As an SDSU graduate, I work at a major company that has a wonderful work environment and has a reputation as a worldwide leader in GPS technology.  The company is continually looking for top quality candidates with GIS, cartographic and spatial background. The SDSU GISc program gave me the tools I needed to meet my company’s high standards.