Geographic Information Systems
Associate in Science Earth Sciences · Shasta College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Program description
The Associate of Science degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provides students with skills, knowledge, and experience in the application of GIS. Students complete courses in the technical aspects of GIS and information technologies, along with courses in fields in which GIS is commonly applied, including geography, earth and social sciences, natural resources, and engineering. Students gain knowledge of maps, geographic data, and imagery while developing skills in data collection, analysis, and map creation. As students progress through the program, the applied field courses provide direction for learning about the application of GIS, which gives direction to GIS project work. Worksite learning allows students to gain GIS workplace experience in their chosen field and to develop contacts among the community of GIS professionals. Successful students will have strong computer and critical thinking skills. Refer to http://www.shastacollege.edu/gis for more information.
This degree is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of all degree requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect the completion of this degree.
Program learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this degree, the student should be able to:
- Apply maps and geospatial technologies.
- Perform GIS data acquisition, capture, editing, and integration with GIS applications.
- Perform GIS analysis using queries, overlay functions, and models.
- Produce maps that demonstrate effective communication, design aesthetics, application of GIS tools, and use of cartographic standards.
- Engage with GIS professionals and the community through the presentation of GIS products and projects.
- Communicate in writing GIS characteristics, challenges, and opportunities pertaining to society and the environment.
Degree requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core courses | ||
| GEOG-5 | Digital Geographies | 3 |
| GEOG-9 | Map and Geospatial Principles | 3 |
| GEOG-10 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| GEOG-12 | GIS Data Design and Capture | 3 |
| GEOG-13 | GIS Spatial Analysis | 3 |
| GEOG-14 | GIS Cartography and Visualization | 3 |
| GEOG-15 | Introduction to Remote Sensing | 3 |
| GEOG-25 | GIS Projects | 1 |
| orGEOG-94 | GIS Work Experience Education | 1-3 |
| Information technologies | ||
| CIS-2 | Introduction to Computer Science | 4 |
| CIS-23 | Fundamentals of SQL | 3 |
| Geography | ||
| GEOG-1A | Physical Geography | 3 |
| GEOG-1AL | Physical Geography Lab | 1 |
| GEOG-1B | Human Geography | 3 |
| orGEOG-7 | California Geography | 3 |
| orGEOG-8 | World Regional Geography | 3 |
| GEOG-2A | Field Studies in Physical Geography | 1 |
| orGEOG-2B | Field Studies in Human Geography | 1 |
| *May be used to fulfill General Education requirements. See a counselor. | ||
Associate in Science Degree Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major | 37-39 | |
| General Education (SCGE) | 21 | |
| Additional Electives | 7-9 | |
| Degree Total | 60 | |
| Number will vary depending on units that double count. | ||