Geographic Information Systems
Associate of Science Degree Geographic Information Systems · San Diego Mesa College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Summary
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) integrates hardware, software and data in a geographic format that is used to make decisions and share information. GIS connects the world we live in by allowing us to view, understand, interpret, and visualize data. GIS uses maps to reveal patterns and relationships. The GIS program is designed to prepare students with the technological skills and knowledge to map information that provides insights into social, economic, business, and environmental issues. This growing field is finding a place in almost every industry and academic area. These include anthropology, archaeology, biology, firefighting, police, business and finance, real estate, medicine and disease control.
Award Note: The Associate Degree requires a minimum of 60 degree applicable semester units.
Learning Outcome(s): Students who complete the Geographic Information Systems Program will be able to:
- Evaluate and apply appropriate geospatial technologies to support specific industry activities and solutions.
- Analyze specific business problems or situations and identify possible solutions, including predictive analysis, synthesis of information, resourcefulness, and troubleshooting.
- Choose the appropriate mode of communication for a specific situation and then communicate ideas, concepts, and solutions through effective written and oral communication.
Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE MAJOR: | 25-28 | |
| GISG 104 | Geographic Information Science and Spatial Reasoning | 3 |
| GISG 110 | Introduction to Mapping and Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| GISG 111 | Geographic Information Systems and Cartography | 3 |
| GISG 112 | Spatial Analysis with Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| GISG 113 | Advanced Geographic Information Systems Applications | 3 |
| GISG 114 | Spatial Databases in Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| GISG 130 | Introduction to Remote Sensing | 3 |
| GISG 131 | Introduction to Digital Image Processing | 3 |
| GISG 270 | Geographic Information Systems Work Experience | 1-4 |
| Select three to four units in a programming language: | 3-4 | |
| CISC 179 | Introduction to Python Programming | 4 |
| CISC 190 | Java Programming | 4 |
| CISC 192 | C/C++ Programming | 4 |
| WEBD 152 | Beginning Web Development: HyperText Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) | 3 |
| WEBD 164 | Javascript Fundamentals for Web Development | 3 |
| Select five units from: | 5 | |
| ANTH 103 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH 107 | Introduction to Archaeology | 3 |
| ARCH 100 | Graphic Design Communication I | 2 |
| ARCH 101 | Archicad | 3 |
| ARCH 112 | AutoCAD | 3 |
| ARCH 170 | Architectural Design | 4 |
| BIOL 100 | Natural History - Environmental Biology | 4 |
| CISC 186 | Visual Basic Programming | 4 |
| CISC 190 | Java Programming | 4 |
| CISC 192 | C/C++ Programming | 4 |
| CBTE 140 | Beginning Microsoft Excel | 2 |
| CBTE 151 | Microsoft Access: Basic | 1 |
| GEOG 101 | Physical Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 102 | Cultural Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 104 | World Regional Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 154 | Introduction to Urban Geography | 3 |
| GEOL 100 | Physical Geology | 3 |
| MARK 100 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| MARK 110 | Principles of Retailing | 3 |
| MARK 130 | Advertising Principles | 3 |
| PHYN 100 | Survey of Physical Science | 3 |
| POLI 101 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 |
| POLS C1000 | American Government and Politics | 3 |
| POLI 103 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
| REAL 101 | Real Estate Principles | 3 |
| REAL 105 | Legal Aspects of Real Estate | 3 |
| REAL 125 | Real Estate Economics | 3 |
| WEBD 152 | Beginning Web Development: HyperText Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) | 3 |
| WEBD 164 | Javascript Fundamentals for Web Development | 3 |
| WEBD 167 | Using Web Databases | 3 |